- Born
- Birth nameCynthia Ann Christine Markowski
- Height5′ 3″ (1.60 m)
- Cynthia Rothrock is a martial arts expert and athlete, who went on to become a film actress, starring in a number of highly successful martial arts action movies. She first made a name as an action actress in Hong Kong before going on to wow audiences in her home turf. At the time of her popularity, she was well-known as the "Queen of Martial Arts films".
Cynthia Rothrock is the World Champion in martial arts Forms and Weapons (1981-1985). Her goal was to be undefeated and retire after five years. With over 100 competitions, she holds the undefeated worldwide record in martial arts Forms competition. In weapons competition, Cynthia is the first and only woman to win number one in North America against the men-at that time, women had to compete with the men. She holds five Black Belts with a rank of 8th Dan Grandmaster.
Upon completing her goal of being undefeated in competition, she began her martial arts acting career starring in movies produced and filmed in Hong Kong. Her first movie, Yes, Madam alongside Michelle Yeoh, broke box office records making her a massive star in Hong Kong. After three years of living in Hong Kong, finishing seven films, she returned to the United States to continue her acting career. Today she has starred in over 60 movies.
Rothrock has been a role model for women in martial arts and film. She made history by becoming the inaugural woman to grace the cover of Karate Illustrated (August 1981) 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 number one in its list of "The Most Influential Women Martial Artists on the Planet.". Rothrock is a proud inductee into the prestigious Black Belt Hall of Fame, along with Bruce Lee and Chuck Norris. In 2016 she was the first martial artist (male or female) to be inducted into the prestigious International Sports Hall of Fame by Arnold Schwarzenegger and Dr. Robert Goldman.- IMDb Mini Biography By: Cynthia Rothrock
- SpousesErnest Rothrock(1979 - ?) (divorced)Daniel (divorced, 1 child)
- ChildrenSkylar Sophia Rothrock
- Gender / Gender identityFemale
- Frequently handcuffs or ties up her opponents in fight scenes
- Many characters that she plays state they're from Scranton, Pennsylvania, where Rothrock actually grew up.
- She was the inspiration behind the character "Sonya Blade", who featured in the game Mortal Kombat.
- She was the undefeated middleweight Kickboxing/Weapons lady champion for five consecutive years.
- In between filming Yes, Madam! (1985) and Millionaires' Express (1986), Rothrock ripped the anterior cruciate ligament in her right knee. Turning down the option of reconstructive surgery because of her tight filming schedule, she amazed doctors by continuing to work without adverse effects. While the injury would normally have caused recurring dislocation of the kneecap, a study on her leg revealed that Rothrock's quadriceps and hamstrings were so strong that they held her kneecap in place even without the aid of the ligament. As of June 2012, Rothrock still had not undergone reconstructive surgery.
- Has five black belts in Korean and Chinese martial arts.
- Holds a 7th degree black belt in Tang Soo Do, a black belt in Tae Kwon Do, and black sashes (Chinese equivalent of a black belt) in Eagle Claw Kung Fu, Northern Shaolin Kung Fu, Pai Lum Tao Kung Fu, and Wushu.
- [on Kenneth Branagh] You know, he'd make a great action movie director. I'd love him to direct one of my movies. But I can forget that, right?
- [on her male following] The ones who have a crush on me say, "If you don't marry me, nobody else will marry you because I'll make sure of it." Of course, I know I could take anyone who came up to me, but I don't want to hurt someone. And I don't want to get a lawsuit.
- I weigh about 111 pounds, and the public feels that you have to be big and strong, but it actually doesn't matter what your body weight is as long as you know the correct technique and know where to hit.
- [posing semi-nude for a magazine] Doing the Femme Fatales shoot was an opportunity to change my image a little. I think people always think of me as the tough, fighting girl. I did this FF spread because I thought it was time for a change. It's the first time I took pictures like that. [The photographer] just said, "Do anything, however you feel comfortable." As we did it a little longer, I started feeling a little more comfortable.
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