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Cynthia Rothrock
Biography
The self-proclaimed Queen of Martial Arts Films and Kung-fu Video Queen, quick-fisted Cynthia Rothrock has been crushing skulls and thrilling international action fans since her high kicking debut in Yes, Madam in 1985. Her lightning speed and adrenalized bone-crushing rivals that of such well-known action stars as Steven Seagal and Chuck Norris -- only Rothrock can take down an army of baddies in three-inch heels.Born in Delaware in 1957, Rothrock gained appreciation for martial arts from an early age. At 13, she began taking lessons, and soon after was encouraged by parents and teachers to enter competitions to showcase her unique abilities. Soon earning her first black belt of at least five in varying disciplines, Rothrock would eventually earn a coveted spot in the Black Belt Hall of Fame and Kung-Fu Insider Hall of Fame. She began taking interest and developing skills in multiple disciplines, including Northern Shaolin (classical Chinese), Eagle Claw (Chinese), and Tang Soo Do (Korean) to name a few. Mastering various techniques and disciplines ultimately led Rothrock to becoming the undefeated World Karate Champion in both forms and weapons competitions from 1981 to 1985, and would eventually catch the attention of Hong Kong-based Golden Harvest Productions, who cast Rothrock opposite kung-fu queen Michelle Yeoh in Yes, Madam (1985). Though she had appeared in a Kentucky Fried Chicken commercial in the early '80s, it was Madam that sent Rothrock's cinematic career into overdrive with Hong Kong audiences.
Attempting to broaden her appeal to action fans in her native country, Golden Harvest backed China O' Brien and China O' Brien II in 1990. Though her efforts failed to draw significant box-office returns in the U.S., Rothrock's more than 30 cinematic ventures proved to have a lucrative shelf life on the home video market. Working tirelessly with some of the most prolific actors and directors of varying genres (including the likes of Sammo Hung, Enter the Dragon director Robert Clouse, and John Schlesinger) Rothrock has released an average of three films a year since her introduction to international audiences in 1990. Throughout her cinematic career, Rothrock has continually appeared in some of the most prolific martial arts publications in the world, constantly promoting and reinforcing her image as a deadly beauty with a killer kick.
~ Jason Buchanan, Rovi
Cynthia Rothrock
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Filmography:
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Cynthia Rothrock
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Wikipedia on Answers.com:
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Cynthia Rothrock
| Cynthia Rothrock | |
|---|---|
 Rothrock in 2010 |
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| Born | Cynthia Ann Christine Rothrock 8 March 1957 Wilmington, Delaware |
| Occupation | Film actress Martial arts instructor |
| Years active | 1985–2004: 2011-present |
| Website | |
| http://www.cynthiarothrock.org | |
Cynthia Rothrock (born March 8, 1957) is an American martial artist and actress specializing in martial arts films.[1] [2]
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Martial arts achievements
Rothrock is five-time World Karate Champion in forms and weapons between 1981 and 1985.[3] 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.[4]
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 swords.[5]
Film career
Acting
Northern California was her home in 1983 where she worked with the West Coast Demonstration Team. At this time Golden Harvest 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. [6]
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[7] from the Mortal Kombat series and lent her voice on the animated series Eek the Cat.
Retired from acting
Rothrock had final movie in 2004 film Xtreme Fighter (aka Sci-Fighter) her role as Sally Kirk / The White Dragon.
After Xtreme Fighter, Rothrock retired from acting at the age of 47, and teaches at private martial arts lessons at her martial arts studio in Studio City, California.
Return to acting
After seven year retirement, Rothrock returned to acting in three episodes of Obscurus Lupa Presents. Rothrock played Kandra Syn in both 2012 films Rogue Space: The Adventures of Saber Raine, and Kelly Joston in Double Fury.
Personal life
Rothrock dated with Hong Kong actor Mang Hoi (star of Heart of the Dragon and Legacy of Rage). Rothrock has a daughter named Skyler. She works as a martial arts teacher,[8] 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.[9]
Filmography
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Notes
- ^ Meisler, Andy (1994-07-03). "TELEVISION; The Biggest Star You Never Heard Of". The New York Times. http://www.nytimes.com/1994/07/03/movies/television-the-biggest-star-you-never-heard-of.html?scp=5&sq=steven%20seagal%20karate&st=cse. Retrieved 2010-08-08.
- ^ "THE FIRST ACTION HEROES 3 FEMALE MARTIAL ARTISTS READY TO BLAZE TRAIL TO BIG SCREEN". Chicago Tribune. http://articles.chicagotribune.com/1993-11-04/features/9311040015_1_martial-arts-video-movie-star. Retrieved 2010-12-21.
- ^ "China Syndrome". Entertainment Weekly. http://www.ew.com/ew/article/0,,315130,00.html. Retrieved 2010-12-07.
- ^ "Kungfu's Screen Queen - Cynthia Rothrock". Kung Fu Magazine. http://ezine.kungfumagazine.com/ezine/article.php?article=59. Retrieved 2010-02-06.
- ^ "A3U Podcast.com - Cynthia Rothrock Episode". A3U Podcast.com. http://www.a3upodcast.com/node/151. Retrieved 2008-02-18.
- ^ "Sly's Match?". The Los Angeles Times. http://articles.latimes.com/1989-01-29/entertainment/ca-1566_1_martial-arts-magazines. Retrieved 2010-12-21.
- ^ Cynthia Rothrock
- ^ Cynthia Rothrock One Tough Black Belt Mama
- ^ The Way of Star Power, Worldblackbelt.com
References
- Femme Fatales, Volume 4, Number 1, Summer 1995, ISSN 1062-3906, by Frederick C. Szebin, p. 16-27, 61
External links
This entry is from Wikipedia, the leading user-contributed encyclopedia. It may not have been reviewed by professional editors (see full disclaimer)
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Mentioned in
Defend Yourself with Cynthia Rothrock
(1986 Health & Fitness Film)
Lady Dragon
(1992 Action Film)
Lady Dragon 2
(1993 Action Film)
China O'Brien
(1988 Action Film)
China O'Brien 2
(1989 Action Film)
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