Cynthia Rothrock is an American martial artist and actress who became a major star in Hong Kong action cinema during the 1980s. She began her martial arts training at the age of 13 and holds black belts in seven different styles of martial arts. Before her film career, she was a highly successful competitor on the martial arts tournament circuit, winning five world championships in forms and weapons between 1981 and 1985. Her breakthrough in film came when she was cast in the Hong Kong production Yes, Madam alongside Michelle Yeoh. This role established her as one of the few Westerners to achieve significant stardom in the Hong Kong film industry. Throughout the late 1980s and 1990s, she starred in numerous action films, often performing her own stunts and fight choreography. Her notable filmography includes titles such as Righting Wrongs, The Inspector Wears Skirts, and China O'Brien. She is widely considered a pioneer for women in action cinema, breaking gender barriers in a male-dominated genre. Rothrock has also worked extensively as a martial arts instructor and continues to make appearances at conventions and seminars worldwide. She was inducted into the Black Belt Magazine Hall of Fame multiple times for her contributions to the martial arts community. Her legacy remains influential, as she paved the way for future generations of female action stars.