Cynthia Rhodes was born on November 21, 1956, in Nashville, Tennessee, and she grew up in a Baptist family. She began her career as a singer and dancer at Opryland USA while still in high school.

Her early exposure to music and dance laid the foundation for her future career in the entertainment industry. Her talent became evident as she participated in various local performances and competitions. She made her film debut in the romantic fantasy film "Xanadu" in 1980.

Cynthia Rhodes gained popularity for her performance in the film "Staying Alive," directed by Sylvester Stallone, where she played the role of Jackie. Although the film received mixed reviews, it was a commercial success.

Her most notable role came in the hit movie "Dirty Dancing" in 1987, where she played the dance instructor Penny Johnson. Her performance in "Dirty Dancing" was well-received, and she provided the singing voice for her character.

Cynthia Rhodes appeared in several other films, including "Flashdance" and "Runaway." She also worked as a dancer in music videos for bands like Toto and the Bee Gees. She later joined the pop group Animotion, replacing their lead singer for the recording of their third album.

Cynthia Rhodes married singer Richard Marx in 1989, and they had three children together. They divorced in 2014, and Cynthia has since focused on her family and personal well-being.