Cynthia Rothrock

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 highlevel 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 OBrien movies in 1990 as well as Lady Dragon 1992 Rage And Honor 1992 and Sworn To Justice 1996 In 2024 Rothrock cowrote produced and starred in a crowdfunded martial arts western entitled Black Creek for which theres also an accompanying graphic novel Rothrock made history by becoming the inaugural woman to grace the cover of Karate Illustrated August 198120 and holds the distinction of being the first woman featured on the cover three times in the magazines 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