Cynthia Rothrock
Encyclopedia
Cynthia Rothrock is an American
martial artist
and actress specializing in martial arts film
s.
Champion
in forms
and weapons between 1981 and 1985. These categories are not combat-oriented, being displays of fluidity of movement rather than fighting, and are therefore not segregated into male and female categories but fully open to both sexes.
She holds six Black belts
in various Far Eastern martial disciplines
, including Tang Soo Do
(also "tangsudo", Korean), Tae Kwon Do (Korean), Eagle Claw
(Chinese), Wu Shu
(contemporary Chinese), Northern Shaolin (classical Chinese), and Pai Lum Tao Kung Fu (contemporary Chinese). She received her sixth degree black belt in Tang Soo Do Moo Duk Kwan in 2006 and was tested by Grand Master Robert Kovaleski, 7th Dan and chair of the I.T.M.A. She also works as a martial arts instructor and her favorite weapons are the hook sword
s.
was searching in Los Angeles for the next Bruce Lee. Rothrock's forms and maneuvers were observed and Golden Harvest signed a contract with her. It was two years (1985) later that she made her first martial arts movie
for them, Yes, Madam
(also known as Police Assassins or In the Line of Duty Part 2) which also starred Michelle Yeoh
. It proved to be a box office success. She ended up staying in Hong Kong
until 1988 doing seven films there.
Rothrock became one of the few Caucasian performers to achieve genuine stardom in the local Hong Kong film industry
before achieving success in their own country. Producer Pierre David initiated Rothrock's move to the American turf. David offered her a costarring role with Chad McQueen
in Martial Law, Rothrock's first U.S. production. For the next ten years she led a successful career in B-grade action movies. Her films include China O'Brien
and China O'Brien 2, Guardian Angel, Honor & Glory, No Retreat, No Surrender 2
and Prince of the Sun amongst a roster of thirty films.
Rothrock also appeared as Bertha Jo in the 1997 television film The Dukes of Hazzard
: Reunion. She was an inspiration for the video game character Sonya Blade from the Mortal Kombat series and lent her voice on the animated series Eek the Cat.
and Legacy of Rage
). Rothrock has a daughter named Skyler. She works as a martial arts teacher and co-owns a martial arts studio in Studio City, California
as part of the United Studios of Self Defense chain of martial arts studios.
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
martial artist
Martial arts
Martial arts are extensive systems of codified practices and traditions of combat, practiced for a variety of reasons, including self-defense, competition, physical health and fitness, as well as mental and spiritual development....
and actress specializing in martial arts film
Martial arts film
Martial arts film is a film genre. A sub-genre of the action film, martial arts films contain numerous fights between characters, usually as the films' primary appeal and entertainment value, and often as a method of storytelling and character expression and development. Martial arts are frequently...
s.
Martial arts achievements
Rothrock is five-time World KarateKarate
is a martial art developed in the Ryukyu Islands in what is now Okinawa, Japan. It was developed from indigenous fighting methods called and Chinese kenpō. Karate is a striking art using punching, kicking, knee and elbow strikes, and open-handed techniques such as knife-hands. Grappling, locks,...
Champion
Champion
A champion is the victor in a challenge, contest or competition.There can be a territorial pyramid of championships, e.g. local, regional / provincial, state, national, continental and world championships, and even further divisions at one or more of these levels, as in soccer. Their champions...
in forms
Hyung
The Korean terms hyeong, pumsae and teul are all used to refer to martial arts forms that are typically used in Korean martial arts such as Taekwondo and Tang Soo Do. In non-martial terms, hyung can mean "big brother," but this is fundamentally distinct from hyeong...
and weapons between 1981 and 1985. These categories are not combat-oriented, being displays of fluidity of movement rather than fighting, and are therefore not segregated into male and female categories but fully open to both sexes.
She holds six Black belts
Black belt (martial arts)
In martial arts, the black belt is a way to describe a graduate of a field where a practitioner's level is often marked by the color of the belt. The black belt is commonly the highest belt color used and denotes a degree of competence. It is often associated with a teaching grade though...
in various Far Eastern martial disciplines
Martial arts
Martial arts are extensive systems of codified practices and traditions of combat, practiced for a variety of reasons, including self-defense, competition, physical health and fitness, as well as mental and spiritual development....
, including Tang Soo Do
Tang Soo Do
Tang Soo Do is a Korean martial art promoted by Hwang Kee that has roots in various martial arts, including taekkyeon and Subak.-Etymology:...
(also "tangsudo", Korean), Tae Kwon Do (Korean), Eagle Claw
Eagle Claw
Eagle Claw is a style of Chinese martial arts known for its gripping techniques, system of joint locks, takedowns, and pressure point strikes, which is representative of Chinese grappling known as Chin Na. The style is normally attributed to the famous patriotic Song Dynasty General Yue Fei...
(Chinese), Wu Shu
Wushu (sport)
The sport of wushu is both an exhibition and a full-contact sport derived from traditional Chinese martial arts. It was created in the People's Republic of China after 1949, in an attempt to nationalize the practice of traditional Chinese martial arts...
(contemporary Chinese), Northern Shaolin (classical Chinese), and Pai Lum Tao Kung Fu (contemporary Chinese). She received her sixth degree black belt in Tang Soo Do Moo Duk Kwan in 2006 and was tested by Grand Master Robert Kovaleski, 7th Dan and chair of the I.T.M.A. She also works as a martial arts instructor and her favorite weapons are the hook sword
Hook sword
The Hook Sword, Fu Tao or Shuang Gou also known as Hu Tou Gou is an exotic Chinese weapon traditionally associated with Northern styles of Chinese martial arts, but now often practiced by Southern styles as well.-Background:...
s.
Acting
Northern California was her home in 1983 where she worked with the West Coast Demonstration Team. At this time Golden HarvestGolden Harvest
Golden Harvest is a film production, distribution, and exhibition company based in Hong Kong. It played a major role in becoming the first Chinese film company to successfully enter the western market for an extended period of time, especially with the films of Bruce Lee and Jackie Chan...
was searching in Los Angeles for the next Bruce Lee. Rothrock's forms and maneuvers were observed and Golden Harvest signed a contract with her. It was two years (1985) later that she made her first martial arts movie
Film
A film, also called a movie or motion picture, is a series of still or moving images. It is produced by recording photographic images with cameras, or by creating images using animation techniques or visual effects...
for them, Yes, Madam
Yes, Madam
Yes, Madam is a 1985 Hong Kong action film directed by Corey Yuen and starring Michelle Yeoh and Cynthia Rothrock. The film is Yeoh's first major action role and Rothrock's first appearance in a feature film....
(also known as Police Assassins or In the Line of Duty Part 2) which also starred Michelle Yeoh
Michelle Yeoh
Michelle Yeoh Choo-Kheng is a Hong Kong-based Malaysian Chinese actress, well known for performing her own stunts in the action films that brought her to fame in the early 1990s....
. It proved to be a box office success. She ended up staying in Hong Kong
Hong Kong
Hong Kong is one of two Special Administrative Regions of the People's Republic of China , the other being Macau. A city-state situated on China's south coast and enclosed by the Pearl River Delta and South China Sea, it is renowned for its expansive skyline and deep natural harbour...
until 1988 doing seven films there.
Rothrock became one of the few Caucasian performers to achieve genuine stardom in the local Hong Kong film industry
Cinema of Hong Kong
The cinema of Hong Kong is one of the three major threads in the history of Chinese language cinema, alongside the cinema of China, and the cinema of Taiwan...
before achieving success in their own country. Producer Pierre David initiated Rothrock's move to the American turf. David offered her a costarring role with Chad McQueen
Chad McQueen
Chadwick S. "Chad" McQueen is an American actor, film producer, martial artist and race car driver. He was born in Los Angeles, California to actor Steve McQueen and Filipino-born actress Neile Adams.-Personal life:...
in Martial Law, Rothrock's first U.S. production. For the next ten years she led a successful career in B-grade action movies. Her films include China O'Brien
China O'Brien
China O'Brien is a martial arts film starring actress and martial artist Cynthia Rothrock.-Plot summaries:Police Officer China O'Brien is a good cop who teaches martial arts class to her fellow officers...
and China O'Brien 2, Guardian Angel, Honor & Glory, No Retreat, No Surrender 2
No Retreat, No Surrender 2
No Retreat, No Surrender 2 is an American Hong Kong martial arts film directed in 1987 by Corey Yuen. This film does not continue the story of the original No Retreat, No Surrender...
and Prince of the Sun amongst a roster of thirty films.
Rothrock also appeared as Bertha Jo in the 1997 television film The Dukes of Hazzard
Dukes of Hazzard
The Dukes of Hazzard is an American television series that aired on the CBS television network from 1979 to 1985.The series was inspired by the 1975 film Moonrunners, which was also created by Gy Waldron and had many identical or similar character names and concepts.- Overview :The Dukes of Hazzard...
: Reunion. She was an inspiration for the video game character Sonya Blade from the Mortal Kombat series and lent her voice on the animated series Eek the Cat.
Personal life
Rothrock dated Hong Kong actor Mang Hoi (star of Heart of the DragonHeart of Dragon
Heart of Dragon is a 1985 Hong Kong martial arts action comedy film directed by Sammo Hung, and starring Hung, Jackie Chan, Emily Chu and Mang Hoi.It is also known by the titles as 'The First Mission and Powerman III....
and Legacy of Rage
Legacy of Rage
Legacy of Rage is a 1986 Hong Kong action film starring Brandon Lee in his film debut, Michael Wong, Regina Kent, Chung Lam and a cameo appearance by Bolo Yeung who had appeared in Lee's father Bruce Lee's last film Enter the Dragon. It was directed by Ronny Yu and made in Cantonese...
). Rothrock has a daughter named Skyler. She works as a martial arts teacher and co-owns a martial arts studio in Studio City, California
California
California is a state located on the West Coast of the United States. It is by far the most populous U.S. state, and the third-largest by land area...
as part of the United Studios of Self Defense chain of martial arts studios.
Filmography
- 1985- 24 Hours to Midnight
- 1985- Defend Yourself/Sybervision
- 1985- Yes, MadamYes, MadamYes, Madam is a 1985 Hong Kong action film directed by Corey Yuen and starring Michelle Yeoh and Cynthia Rothrock. The film is Yeoh's first major action role and Rothrock's first appearance in a feature film....
- 1986- Millionaire's ExpressMillionaire's ExpressMillionaire's Express aka. Shanghai Express is a 1986 Hong Kong martial arts action western film written and directed by Sammo Hung. Film starred Hung, Yuen Biao, Rosamund Kwan, Mei-sheng Fan and Hwang Jang Lee.-Plot:...
(Shanghai Express) - 1986- No Retreat, No Surrender 2No Retreat, No Surrender 2No Retreat, No Surrender 2 is an American Hong Kong martial arts film directed in 1987 by Corey Yuen. This film does not continue the story of the original No Retreat, No Surrender...
- 1986- Righting WrongsRighting WrongsRighting Wrongs is a 1986 Hong Kong martial arts action crime film directed by Corey Yuen , starring Yuen Biao and Cynthia Rothrock. This is the one of Yuen Biao's better known films that he made without film industry compatriots Sammo Hung and Jackie Chan.-Title:The film's Hong Kong English...
(aka Above the Law) - 1987- Magic Crystal
- 1988- The Inspector Wears SkirtsThe Inspector Wears SkirtsThe Inspector Wears Skirts is a 1988 Hong Kong martial arts-action comedy produced by Jackie Chan, directed by Wellson Chin Sing-Wai and starring Sibelle Hu, Ellen Chan and Sandra Ng. In common with many other Hong Kong films The Inspector Wears Skirts moves from genre to genre...
(aka Top Squad) - 1988- Righting Wrongs II: Blonde Fury
- 1988- China O'BrienChina O'BrienChina O'Brien is a martial arts film starring actress and martial artist Cynthia Rothrock.-Plot summaries:Police Officer China O'Brien is a good cop who teaches martial arts class to her fellow officers...
- 1988- China O'Brien IIChina O'Brien IIChina O'Brien II is a 1991 film directed by Robert Clouse. It stars Cynthia Rothrock and Richard Norton. It is a sequel to the 1990 film China O'Brien.-Cast:*Cynthia Rothrock as China O'Brien*Richard Norton as Matt Conroy*Keith Cooke as Dakota...
- 1989- Triple Cross (aka Angel of Fury)
- 1989- Martial LawMartial Law (1991 film)Martial Law is a 1991 action/martial arts film written by Richard Brandes, produced by Kurt Anderson, directed by Steve Cohen and stars Chad McQueen, Cynthia Rothrock and David Carradine.-Plot:...
- 1989- Prince of the Sun
- 1990- Deadliest Art: Best of the Martial Arts Films
- 1990- Free Fighter
- 1990- Fast GetawayFast GetawayFast Getaway is a 1991 action comedy film, starring Corey Haim, Cynthia Rothrock and Leo Rossi.-Plot summary:Nelson is a teenager who robs banks with his father in group along with two other friends. When the group is disbanded over differences, Nelson and his father part ways with their former...
- 1990- Martial Law 2: Undercover
- 1990- Lady Dragon
- 1990- Tiger ClawsTiger ClawsTiger Claws is a 1992 film directed by Kelly Makin. The movie is notable for being the film that according to Canuxploitation.com, introduced the world to Film One Productions, a company started by Jalal Merhi who also co-starred in the film, although Black Pearls, another Film One production, was...
- 1990- Rage and Honor
- 1991- Honor and Glory
- 1991- Rage and Honor 2
- 1991- Lady Dragon 2
- 1992- Rage and honor
- 1992- City Cops (Beyond the Law)
- 1993- Irresistible Force
- 1993- Guardian Angel
- 1994- UndefeatableUndefeatableUndefeatable is a 1994 martial arts movie starring Cynthia Rothrock. The picture was a Hong Kong production, filmed in English on location in the United States. It was directed by Godfrey Ho, using the pseudonym Godfrey Hall. It became famous after a clip of the final fight in the film was posted...
- 1994- Bloody Mary Killer
- 1994- Fast Getaway 2
- 1994- Eye for an Eye
- 1995- Tiger Claws 2
- 1996- Hercules: The Legendary JourneysHercules: The Legendary JourneysHercules: The Legendary Journeys is a television series, filmed in New Zealand and the United States. It was produced from 1995, and was very loosely based on the tales of the classical Greek culture hero Heracles...
(TV) - 1996- Sworn to Justice (formerly Blond Justice)
- 1996- CheckmateCheckmateCheckmate is a situation in chess in which one player's king is threatened with capture and there is no way to meet that threat. Or, simply put, the king is under direct attack and cannot avoid being captured...
- 1996- Night Vision
- 1996- The Encyclopedia of Martial Arts-Martial Combat
- 1997- The Hostage
- 1997- The Dukes of Hazzard: Reunion!The Dukes of Hazzard: Reunion!The Dukes of Hazzard: Reunion! is a made-for-television film from 1997 which aired on CBS and reunites the surviving cast members of the American TV series, The Dukes of Hazzard...
- 1997- American Tigers
- 1999- Tiger Claws 3
- 2000- Manhattan Chase
- 2001- Redemption
- 2002- Outside the Law
- 2003- Bala Perdida
- 2004- Xtreme Fighter (aka Sci-Fighter)