The Chilling True Story Of Cheryl Bradshaw And The Dating Game Killer: 5 Facts About Her Near-Fatal Encounter
The story of Cheryl Bradshaw and Rodney Alcala remains one of the most chilling and bizarre intersections of Hollywood glamour and true crime history, a terrifying moment that has gained renewed attention as of
The seemingly innocent premise of a 1978 episode of the popular television show, The Dating Game, concealed a nightmare: the bachelorette, a young woman named Cheryl Bradshaw, unknowingly chose a prolific serial killer as her romantic match. The contrast between the killer's charming on-screen persona and the horrifying reality of his secret life has cemented this event as a definitive moment in true crime lore, a story that nearly ended in tragedy for Bradshaw.
Rodney Alcala: The Dating Game Killer's Complete Biography
Rodney James Alcala, known to the world as "The Dating Game Killer," was an American serial killer and convicted sex offender whose murder spree spanned the 1970s. His appearance on the popular game show in 1978, in the middle of his crimes, is what earned him his infamous nickname and a permanent place in true crime history. His victims were primarily women and girls, often lured under the pretense of a photography session.
- Full Name: Rodrigo Jacques Alcala Buquor (later Rodney James Alcala)
- Born: August 23, 1943, in San Antonio, Texas
- Died: July 24, 2021, at age 77, in a California state prison
- Key Crime Period: Mid-1970s, with known crimes in California and New York
- Convictions: In 2010, he was convicted and sentenced to death for the murders of five women in California: Jill Barcomb, Georgia Wixted, Charlotte Lamb, Jill Parenteau, and 12-year-old Robin Samsoe.
- Victims: Conclusively linked to nine murders, but investigators estimate his true victim count could be as high as 130, due to the discovery of thousands of photographs of unidentified women and children in his storage locker.
- M.O.: Alcala was known to stalk, rape, and brutally murder his victims, often strangling them before posing their bodies for photographs.
The 1978 'Dating Game' Episode: A Chilling Coincidence
The episode of The Dating Game aired in 1978, a year after Alcala had been paroled from prison for a previous assault and was actively engaged in his murder spree. The show’s format involved a bachelorette, Cheryl Bradshaw, asking questions to three hidden bachelors before choosing one for a trip.
Alcala, appearing as Bachelor Number One, presented himself as a charming, eccentric photographer. His answers, however, were unsettling and veiled in dark humor—a subtle reflection of his true, predatory nature. When asked, "What is the best time of day for you?" Alcala replied with a reference to the night, suggesting a sinister undertone that was missed by the live audience but later became chillingly clear.
The Moment That Saved Cheryl Bradshaw's Life
Despite her initial choice, Cheryl Bradshaw thankfully never went on the date with Alcala. After the cameras stopped rolling, Bradshaw reportedly found Alcala's demeanor and answers deeply unsettling. She later described him as "creepy" and recalled a strange, dark energy about him that prompted her to refuse the prize date. This gut feeling, a moment of profound intuition, is credited with saving her life. [cite: 2, 4, 6, 9 from step 1]
Bradshaw’s refusal to go on the date was an act of self-preservation that has become the central, life-affirming detail of this horrific true crime story. Had she gone through with the trip, she would have been alone with a man who was, at that very moment, a prolific serial killer actively hunting new victims in Southern California.
Where Is Cheryl Bradshaw Today? The Aftermath of the Encounter
Following the revelation of Rodney Alcala's identity as "The Dating Game Killer" in the late 1970s and early 1980s, the public was horrified by the close call on national television. For Cheryl Bradshaw, the experience was a traumatic brush with death that fundamentally changed her life.
Bradshaw made the decision to step entirely out of the public eye. She reportedly left California to live a private life and raise a family, seeking anonymity away from the spotlight that had almost cost her everything. Her current whereabouts are unknown, a choice that reflects a powerful desire for peace and privacy after her terrifying ordeal. [cite: 2, 4, 6, 9 from step 1]
Her story serves as a profound cautionary tale about the deceptive nature of appearances and the vital importance of listening to one's instincts, even in seemingly safe, public environments.
The True Crime Resurgence: 'Woman of the Hour'
The story of Cheryl Bradshaw and Rodney Alcala has experienced a significant resurgence in public interest due to the 2023/2024 film, Woman of the Hour. This true-crime thriller, directed by and starring Anna Kendrick, chronicles the terrifying events surrounding the 1978 Dating Game episode. [cite: 1, 2, 3, 4, 6 from step 2]
Kendrick plays a fictionalized version of Bradshaw (named Sheryl in the film) and uses the historical event to explore deeper themes of gender dynamics, the dismissal of women's intuition, and the predatory nature of men like Alcala who operate in plain sight. [cite: 3, 4, 6 from step 2]
The film's success has reignited conversations around the Alcala case, bringing attention back to the victims and the extraordinary luck of Cheryl Bradshaw. It highlights how a serial killer was able to evade detection for years, even while appearing on national television, and how close he came to claiming another life.
The Legacy of The Dating Game Killer and Cold Cases
Rodney Alcala’s case remains significant in law enforcement because of the unprecedented number of photographs found in his possession. When police searched his storage locker, they discovered over 1,000 photos of women, girls, and boys, many in sexually suggestive or bound poses.
These photographs led to a massive, ongoing effort by various police departments across the country—including the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) and Orange County authorities—to identify the subjects and link Alcala to dozens of cold cases across multiple states, including New York, Washington, and New Hampshire. [cite: 8 from step 2]
The sheer volume of potential victims and the widespread geographic nature of his crimes underscore Alcala's status as one of America's most prolific and terrifying serial killers. Even after his death in 2021, the investigation into his unknown victims continues, a somber reminder of the vast scale of his crimes.
The story of Cheryl Bradshaw is ultimately a narrative of survival. Her quick-thinking decision to cancel the date transformed a potential tragedy into a powerful testament to the strength of human intuition against pure evil. It is a true crime story that continues to resonate because it shows how close the ordinary world can come to the darkest depths of human depravity.
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