Who is Cheryl Bradshaw? All about the story behind ‘Woman of the Hour’

Cheryl Bradshaw is best remembered for her 1978 appearance on the popular television show The Dating Game, where she unknowingly chose Rodney Alcala, a man later revealed to be one of America’s most notorious serial killers, as her winning bachelor. Cheryl’s decision to forgo the prize date with Alcala saved her life and became a central story in true crime history. Decades later, her encounter has been reimagined in Netflix’s film Woman of the Hour, directed by Anna Kendrick. While the movie offers a dramatized take on Cheryl’s experience, it also highlights her courage and intuition during an era marked by gender inequalities and pervasive cultural naivety toward danger.

In her brief moment in the public eye, Cheryl left a lasting legacy, not as an actress—as some sources suggest—but as a woman whose instincts and bravery symbolized the power of trusting one’s gut feelings. But who exactly is Cheryl Bradshaw, and what happened after her fateful appearance on The Dating Game? Here is everything to know about her remarkable story.

What did Cheryl Bradshaw do on the ‘Dating Game’?

In 1978, Cheryl Bradshaw was introduced to a nationwide audience as the lead bachelorette on The Dating Game. In this popular television show, single women would interview three hidden bachelors and choose one for an all-expenses-paid date. Cheryl’s episode was lively and engaging, filled with playful banter that captivated both the studio audience and viewers at home. Among her suitors was Bachelor No. 1, Rodney Alcala, who described himself as a successful photographer and adventurous skydiver.

During the show, Cheryl asked the bachelors a series of lighthearted questions. One of her most notable exchanges was with Alcala, who, when asked to describe himself, replied, “I’m called ‘The banana,’ and I look really good.” When Cheryl prompted him to elaborate, he said, “Peel me.” This provocative response and his confident behaviour ultimately led Cheryl to select him as the winner.

What Cheryl didn’t know was that Alcala had already been convicted of sexually assaulting an eight-year-old girl and was actively in the midst of a yearslong murder spree. His chilling charm and ability to mask his true nature shocked the public when the truth about his crimes came to light.

Did Cheryl Bradshaw go on a date with Rodney Alcala?

Cheryl Bradshaw’s instincts likely saved her life. After taping The Dating Game, Cheryl briefly interacted with Alcala and immediately felt uneasy. In an interview with The Sunday Telegraph in 2012, she recalled feeling “ill” and described him as “really creepy.” She later contacted Ellen Metzger, the show’s contestant coordinator, to express her discomfort and decision not to go on the prize date.

According to Metzger’s recollection in a 2021 episode of 20/20, Cheryl explained, “I can’t go out with this guy. There’s weird vibes that are coming off of him. He’s very strange. I am not comfortable.” Metzger assured Cheryl that her decision would not be an issue and respected her choice. By following her gut feeling, Cheryl avoided what could have been a catastrophic encounter with a dangerous predator.

What happened to Cheryl Bradshaw after the ‘Dating Game‘?

Cheryl Bradshaw’s life after The Dating Game remains largely private. Following her near-miss with Rodney Alcala, she chose to step away from the public eye. According to Woman of the Hour, Cheryl left California and focused on building a quiet life centred on family. Though little is known about her later years, Anna Kendrick revealed in 2024 that Cheryl had since passed away. Kendrick expressed her regret at being unable to speak with Cheryl before portraying her in the Netflix film, noting that she wished to ask Cheryl about the experience of trusting her instincts and escaping danger.

Is ‘Woman of the Hour’ based on Cheryl Bradshaw’s real life?

Netflix’s Woman of the Hour draws inspiration from Cheryl Bradshaw’s experience on The Dating Game, but it takes creative liberties to expand on her story. Anna Kendrick, who directed and starred in the film, explained that Cheryl’s character is largely fictionalized due to the limited public information available about her life. The movie uses Cheryl’s story as a lens to explore broader societal issues, including sexism in 1970s Hollywood and the cultural failure to recognize danger in plain sight.

While the film captures the eerie dynamic between Cheryl and Alcala, it also portrays her as a bold and intelligent woman who questions the superficial norms of the era. In real life, Cheryl’s decision to back out of the date was less theatrical but equally powerful, underscoring the importance of intuition and self-preservation.

What was Rodney Alcala’s fate?

Rodney Alcala’s crimes came to light shortly after his appearance on The Dating Game. In 1979, he was arrested and convicted of multiple murders. Over the years, new evidence connected him to additional crimes, and he was ultimately sentenced to death in California in 2010. Despite numerous legal appeals, Alcala’s death sentence remained intact until his death from natural causes in 2021 while on death row.

Alcala’s appearance on a national television show in the middle of his killing spree continues to baffle and horrify audiences. His case highlights the systemic failures that allowed him to evade capture for so long and the importance of survivors like Cheryl Bradshaw speaking out about their experiences.

FAQs

Who is Cheryl Bradshaw? Cheryl Bradshaw was a contestant on the 1978 episode of The Dating Game, where she unknowingly chose serial killer Rodney Alcala as her winning bachelor. Her decision to decline the date saved her life.

Did Cheryl Bradshaw suspect Rodney Alcala was dangerous? She felt uneasy after meeting him and described him as “really creepy.” However, she trusted her instincts and cancelled the prize date.

What happened to Cheryl Bradshaw after The Dating Game? Cheryl Bradshaw left the public eye and focused on living a private life. She passed away before the release of Netflix’s Woman of the Hour.

Is Woman of the Hour accurate to Cheryl Bradshaw’s story? The film is based on actual events but fictionalizes much of Cheryl Bradshaw’s life to explore larger cultural themes and gender dynamics of the 1970s.

What happened to Rodney Alcala? Rodney Alcala was convicted of multiple murders and sentenced to death. He died in prison in 2021 from natural causes.