Cynthia Rothrock
- Known for
- Acting
- Born
- March 8, 1957
- Birthplace
- Wilmington, Delaware, USA
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.
Filmography
Anadellia Rises TBA
as Priscilla Kasper
- Vendetta Vette
Vendetta Vette TBA
as LaRue
Chinese Hercules: The Bolo Yeung Story TBA
as Self
- Operation Dagon
Operation Dagon TBA
Actor
Black Creek: Retribution 2027
as Rose Jennings, Producer, Writer
Prey of Wrath 2026
as Brenda Sands
She's So Hot 2026
as Sensei
The Untold Story of No Retreat No Surrender 2026
as Self
Dying for Living 2025
as Sin
Darkness of Man 2025
as Nurse Leslie
Black Creek 2024
as Rose Jennings, Writer, Producer, Costume Design
Lady Scorpions 2024
as Alena Moore
American Expendables: The Films of North American Pictures 2024
as Self (archive footage)
The Last Kumite 2024
as Julie Jackson
Fyre Rises 2024
as Commander Bodie
Taken from Rio Bravo 2024
as Margaret
No Time To Think 2024
as Rachel Adams
Buckle Up 2023
as Lady X
The Hanged Man: The Story of Ron Van Clief 2023
as Herself
Ryan Carson 2022
as Ally Watson
New York Ninja 2021
as Det. Janet Flores (voice)
Re-Enter the 'New York Ninja' 2021
as Self
In Search of the Last Action Heroes 2019
as Self
Iron Fists and Kung Fu Kicks 2019
as Self
Cool Cat Kids Superhero 2018
as Momma Cat
Fury of the Fist and the Golden Fleece 2018
as Counter Attendant
Death Fighter 2017
as Valerie
Star Raiders: The Adventures of Saber Raine 2017
as Kandra Syn
Fists of Fury 2017
as Self
A Doggone Hollywood 2017
as Mom in Car
Asian Ghost Story 2016
Actor
Showdown in Manila 2016
as Haines
The Martial Arts Kid 2015
as Cindy, Co-Producer
Cool Cat Saves the Kids 2015
as Momma Cat
Mercenaries 2014
as Mona
Spirit2Power 2014
as Self
Badass Showdown 2013
as Ivy
Santa's Summer House 2012
as Nanna
Sci-Fighter 2004
as Sally Kirk / The White Dragon
Lost Bullet 2003
as Cynthia
Modern Warriors 2002
as Self
Outside the Law 2002
as Julie Cosgrove, Executive Producer
The Art of Action: Martial Arts in the Movies 2002
as Self
Redemption 2002
as Erin Murphy
Manhattan Chase 2000
as Nancy
Tiger Claws III 1999
as Linda Masterson
Masters of the Martial Arts Presented by Wesley Snipes 1998
as Self
The Hostage 1998
as Agent Rebecca Peters
Deep Cover 1997
as FBI Special Agent Kate Mason
The Dukes of Hazzard: Reunion! 1997
as Bertha Jo
Night Vision 1997
as Kristin O'Connor
Sworn to Justice 1996
as Janna, Associate Producer
American Tigers 1996
as Herself
Tiger Claws II 1996
as Linda Masterson
Eye for an Eye 1996
as Tina
- Encyclopedia of Martial Arts: Hollywood Celebrities
Encyclopedia of Martial Arts: Hollywood Celebrities 1995
as Self
Portrait in Red 1995
as Laurel
Guardian Angel 1994
as Cynthia McKay
Fast Getaway II 1994
as Lilly
Cinema of Vengeance 1994
as Self
Lady Dragon 2 1993
as Susan 'The Golden Angel' Morgan
Rage and Honor II: Hostile Takeover 1993
as Kris Fairchild, Associate Producer
Irresistible Force 1993
as Charlotte Heller
Undefeatable 1993
as Kristi Jones
Angel the Kickboxer 1993
as Kristi Jones
Honor and Glory 1992
as Tracey Pride, Producer
Lady Dragon 1992
as Kathy Galagher
Rage and Honor 1992
as Kris Fairchild, Associate Producer
Angel Of Fury 1992
as Nancy Bolan
Martial Law II: Undercover 1991
as Billie Blake
Tiger Claws 1991
as Linda Masterson
Fast Getaway 1991
as Lilly
Tiada Titik Balik 1991
as Kathy
Martial Law 1990
as Billie Blake
Prince of the Sun 1990
as Bencheuk
China O'Brien II 1990
as China O'Brien
China O'Brien 1990
as China O'Brien
The Best of the Martial Arts Films 1990
as Self
- No Witnesses
No Witnesses 1990
Actor
City Cops 1989
as Inspector Cindy
Lady Reporter 1989
as Cindy
The Inspector Wears Skirts 1988
as Madam Law
Jungle Heat 1988
Actor
No Retreat, No Surrender 2: Raging Thunder 1987
as Terry
Fight to Win 1987
as Sensei Lauren
Righting Wrongs 1986
as Senior Insp. Sandy Jones / Cindy Si
Magic Crystal 1986
as Cindy Morgan
Millionaires' Express 1986
as Mountain Bandit
Yes, Madam! 1985
as Senior Inspector Carrie Morris
Defend Yourself! 1985
as Herself
24 Hours to Midnight 1985
as Devon Grady
Credits from TMDB.