Cynthia Rothrock (born March 8, 1957) is an American martial artist and actress in martial arts films. She holds black belt rankings in seven styles of martial arts and was a high-level competitor in martial arts before becoming an actress. In 2014, she was inducted into the International Sports Hall Of Fame. In 2016, Martial Arts History Museum bestowed Rothrock the official title of "The Queen Of Martial Arts."
Rothrock was born in Wilmington, Delaware, and began training in martial arts at the age of 13. She quickly rose through the ranks, winning numerous championships in karate, kickboxing and taekwondo. In 1981, she was named World Champion in Forms and Weapons.
In 1985, Rothrock made her film debut, alongside Michelle Yeoh, in the Hong Kong action film "Yes, Madam!" The film was a box office success and made Rothrock a star in Asia. She went on to star in several more Hong Kong films, including "Millionaires' Express" (1986), "Magic Crystal" (1986), "Righting Wrongs" (1986) and "Lady Reporter" (1989).
Rothrock would return to the United States to further her acting career in many more martial arts films, including two "China O'Brien" movies in 1990, as well as "Lady Dragon" (1992), "Rage And Honor" (1992) and "Sworn To Justice" (1996).
In 2024, Rothrock co-wrote, produced and starred in a crowd-funded martial arts western, entitled "Black Creek," for which there's also an accompanying graphic novel.
Rothrock made history by becoming the inaugural woman to grace the cover of Karate Illustrated (August 1981)[20] and holds the distinction of being the first woman featured on the cover three times in the magazine's history.
In March 2024, Black Belt Magazine named Rothrock in its list of "The Most Influential Women Martial Artists on the Planet."
Along with teaching martial arts, Rothrock is also a successful businesswoman, with her own line of martial arts clothing and accessories.
Recent movies
| # | Name | Character | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Darkness of Man (2025) | Nurse Leslie | 4 |
| 2 | The Last Kumite (2024) | Julie Jackson | 10 |
| 3 | Buckle Up (2023) | Lady X | - |
| 4 | New York Ninja (2021) | Det. Janet Flores (voice) | - |
| 5 | Iron Fists and Kung Fu Kicks (2019) | Self | 5.5 |
| 6 | In Search of the Last Action Heroes (2019) | Self | 8.5 |
| 7 | Fury of the Fist and the Golden Fleece (2018) | Counter Attendant | - |
| 8 | Fists of Fury (2017) | Self | - |
| 9 | Star Raiders: The Adventures of Saber Raine (2017) | Kandra Syn | - |
| 10 | Showdown in Manila (2016) | Haines | - |
| 11 | Mercenaries (2014) | Mona | 5 |
| 12 | Outside the Law (2002) | Julie Cosgrove | - |
| 13 | Night Vision (1997) | Kristin O'Connor | - |
| 14 | The Dukes of Hazzard: Reunion! (1997) | Bertha Jo | 10 |
| 15 | Tiger Claws II (1996) | Linda Masterson | - |
| 16 | Sworn to Justice (1996) | Janna | - |
| 17 | Eye for an Eye (1996) | Tina | 7 |
| 18 | Fast Getaway II (1994) | Lilly | - |
| 19 | Undefeatable (1993) | Kristi Jones | 7 |
| 20 | Lady Dragon 2 (1993) | Susan 'The Golden Angel' Morgan | - |
| 21 | Rage and Honor (1992) | Kris Fairchild | 4 |
| 22 | Lady Dragon (1992) | Kathy Galagher | - |
| 23 | Martial Law II: Undercover (1991) | Billie Blake | 5 |
| 24 | Tiger Claws (1991) | Linda Masterson | - |
| 25 | Fast Getaway (1991) | Lilly | - |
| 26 | China O'Brien (1990) | China O'Brien | 6 |
| 27 | Martial Law (1990) | Billie Blake | 4.5 |
| 28 | City Cops (1989) | Inspector Cindy | 4 |
| 29 | No Retreat, No Surrender 2: Raging Thunder (1987) | Terry | 5 |
| 30 | Fight to Win (1987) | Sensei Lauren | - |
| 31 | Righting Wrongs (1986) | Senior Insp. Sandy Jones / Cindy Si | - |
| 32 | Magic Crystal (1986) | Cindy Morgan | - |
| 33 | Millionaires' Express (1986) | Mountain Bandit | 7 |
| 34 | Yes, Madam! (1985) | Senior Inspector Carrie Morris | 8 |
