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.
84 movies · 6 shows
Prey of Wrath
2026·0.0
The Untold Story of No Retreat No Surrender
2026·0.0
Dying for Living
2025·0.0
Darkness of Man
2025·5.5
Black Creek
2024·4.7
Lady Scorpions
2024·5.8
American Expendables: The Films of North American Pictures
2024·5.0
The Last Kumite
2024·6.8
Fyre Rises
2024·5.4
Taken from Rio Bravo
2024·6.8
No Time To Think
2024·0.0
Buckle Up
2023·2.0
The Hanged Man: The Story of Ron Van Clief
2023·2.0
Ryan Carson
2022·0.0
Re-Enter the 'New York Ninja'
2021·5.7
New York Ninja
2021·5.0
In Search of the Last Action Heroes
2019·7.0
Iron Fists and Kung Fu Kicks
2019·6.8
Cool Cat Kids Superhero
2018·1.2
Fury of the Fist and the Golden Fleece
2018·3.9
Death Fighter
2017·6.6
Star Raiders: The Adventures of Saber Raine
2017·3.8
Fists of Fury
2017·0.0
A Doggone Hollywood
2017·4.3
Asian Ghost Story
2016·4.3
Showdown in Manila
2016·3.4
The Martial Arts Kid
2015·6.2
Cool Cat Saves the Kids
2015·3.3
Mercenaries
2014·5.1
Spirit2Power
2014·0.0
Badass Showdown
2013·2.2
Santa's Summer House
2012·3.9
Sci-Fighter
2004·3.8
Lost Bullet
2003·5.3
Modern Warriors
2002·5.5
Outside the Law
2002·4.3
The Art of Action: Martial Arts in the Movies
2002·5.9
Redemption
2002·6.2
Manhattan Chase
2000·5.6
Tiger Claws III
1999·4.3
Masters of the Martial Arts Presented by Wesley Snipes
1998·9.0
The Hostage
1998·5.5
Deep Cover
1997·4.7
The Dukes of Hazzard: Reunion!
1997·5.4
Night Vision
1997·5.4
Sworn to Justice
1996·5.4
American Tigers
1996·4.0
Tiger Claws II
1996·5.0
Eye for an Eye
1996·6.3
Encyclopedia of Martial Arts: Hollywood Celebrities
1995·10.0
Portrait in Red
1995·4.1
Guardian Angel
1994·4.7
Fast Getaway II
1994·4.8
Cinema of Vengeance
1994·6.2
Lady Dragon 2
1993·4.8
Rage and Honor II: Hostile Takeover
1993·5.5
Irresistible Force
1993·5.4
Undefeatable
1993·5.3
Angel the Kickboxer
1993·0.0
Honor and Glory
1992·4.4
Lady Dragon
1992·5.4
Rage and Honor
1992·5.1
Angel Of Fury
1992·4.0
Martial Law II: Undercover
1991·6.1
Tiger Claws
1991·5.5
Fast Getaway
1991·6.0
Tiada Titik Balik
1991·0.0
Martial Law
1990·6.2
Prince of the Sun
1990·5.1
China O'Brien II
1990·5.0
China O'Brien
1990·5.5
No Witnesses
1990·10.0
City Cops
1989·5.6
Lady Reporter
1989·6.5
The Inspector Wears Skirts
1988·6.2
Jungle Heat
1988·3.3
No Retreat, No Surrender 2: Raging Thunder
1987·5.9
Fight to Win
1987·5.5
Righting Wrongs
1986·7.6
Magic Crystal
1986·6.6
Millionaires' Express
1986·6.7
Yes, Madam!
1985·7.2
Defend Yourself!
1985·10.0
24 Hours to Midnight
1985·4.4