The Biography

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. 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 tae kwon do. In 1981, she was named World Champion in Forms and Weapons. In 1985, Rothrock made her film debut 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 Wheels on Meals (1984), Return of the Dragon (1986), and In the Line of Fire (1988). In the late 1980s, Rothrock returned to the United States to pursue an acting career. She starred in a number of low-budget martial arts films, including Lady Dragon (1992), Above the Law (1993), and Mortal Kombat: Annihilation (1997). In recent years, Rothrock has continued to act and teach martial arts. She is also a successful businesswoman, with her own line of martial arts clothing and accessories.