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Cynthia Rothrock
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…
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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
Movies and shows, newest first
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2027
Black Creek: Retribution
Movie Rose Jennings
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2026
Prey of Wrath
Movie Brenda Sands
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2026
The Untold Story of No Retreat No Surrender
Movie Self
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2025
Dying for Living
Movie Sin
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2024
Black Creek
Movie Rose Jennings
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2024
Lady Scorpions
Movie Alena Moore
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2024
American Expendables: The Films of North American Pictures
Movie Self (archive footage)
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2024
Darkness of Man
Movie Nurse Leslie
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2024
The Last Kumite
Movie Julie Jackson
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2024
Fyre Rises
Movie Commander Bodie
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2024
Taken from Rio Bravo
Movie Margaret
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2024
No Time To Think
Movie Rachel Adams
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2023
Buckle Up
Movie Lady X
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2023
The Hanged Man: The Story of Ron Van Clief
Movie Herself
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2022
Ryan Carson
Movie Ally Watson
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2021
New York Ninja
Movie Det. Janet Flores (voice)
More credits
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2021
Re-Enter the 'New York Ninja'
Movie Self
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2020
The Art of Action
TV show Self
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2019
In Search of the Last Action Heroes
Movie Self
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2019
Iron Fists and Kung Fu Kicks
Movie Self
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2018
Cool Cat Kids Superhero
Movie Momma Cat
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2018
Fury of the Fist and the Golden Fleece
Movie Counter Attendant
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2017
Death Fighter
Movie Valerie
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2017
Star Raiders: The Adventures of Saber Raine
Movie Kandra Syn
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2017
Fists of Fury
Movie Self
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2017
A Doggone Hollywood
Movie Mom in Car
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2016
Asian Ghost Story
Movie
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2016
Showdown in Manila
Movie Haines
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2015
The Martial Arts Kid
Movie Cindy
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2015
Cool Cat Saves the Kids
Movie Momma Cat
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2014
Mercenaries
Movie Mona
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2014
Spirit2Power
Movie Self
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2013
Badass Showdown
Movie Ivy
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2012
Santa's Summer House
Movie Nanna
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2012
Too Young to Die
TV show Self
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2004
Sci-Fighter
Movie Sally Kirk / The White Dragon
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2003
Lost Bullet
Movie Cynthia
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2002
Modern Warriors
Movie Self
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2002
Outside the Law
Movie Julie Cosgrove
- 2002
