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The Chilling Near-Miss: 5 Key Facts About Cheryl Bradshaw And 'The Dating Game Killer' Rodney Alcala

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The terrifying true story of Cheryl Bradshaw and serial killer Rodney Alcala has resurfaced in the public consciousness as of late, thanks to the release of the 2024 Netflix film Woman of the Hour, starring Anna Kendrick. The film chronicles the chilling 1978 episode of the popular game show The Dating Game, where Bradshaw, an aspiring actress and contestant, unknowingly selected one of the most prolific serial murderers in American history for a romantic dinner and a date. This near-miss is a harrowing tale of intuition, survival, and the dark underbelly of 1970s pop culture.

The event, which took place in the midst of Alcala's active murder spree, remains one of the most disturbing chapters in true crime history. This article delves into the biographical details of the killer, the frightening experience of Cheryl Bradshaw, and the ultimate conclusion to the life of the man known simply as "The Dating Game Killer." The information presented here is current as of .

The Life and Crimes of Rodney James Alcala: A Complete Profile

Rodney James Alcala, born Rodrigo Jacques Alcala Buquor, was an American serial killer, rapist, and convicted sex offender. He was a man of contradictions: a former photography student, a seemingly charming contestant on a national television show, and a predator responsible for the deaths of potentially over a hundred women and children.

  • Full Name: Rodney James Alcala (also used aliases John Berger and John Burger)
  • Born: August 23, 1943, in San Antonio, Texas
  • Died: July 24, 2021, at the age of 77, of natural causes at a hospital near the California State Prison, Corcoran.
  • Nickname: "The Dating Game Killer"
  • Convictions: Sentenced to death in California for the murders of five women in Orange County in 2010. He was later sentenced to 25 years to life for two additional murders in New York.
  • Estimated Victims: Authorities believe Alcala may have killed up to 130 people, making him one of the most prolific serial killers in U.S. history.
  • Modus Operandi: Alcala often lured women by claiming to be a professional photographer, using his camera as a tool to capture and ultimately assault his victims.
  • Key Victims (Convicted): Jill Barcomb (18), Georgia Wixted, Charlotte Lamb, Jill Parenteau, and an unnamed 12-year-old girl, Robin Samsoe.

The Infamous 1978 'Dating Game' Appearance

In 1978, Rodney Alcala appeared as Bachelor Number One on the popular television show The Dating Game. At the time, he was actively engaging in his murder spree, having already killed several people, including 12-year-old Robin Samsoe. His presence on such a lighthearted, public platform is what cemented his chilling nickname.

The Chilling Dialogue and Alcala's Persona

During the taping, Alcala displayed a bizarre and unsettling charm. The contestant, Cheryl Bradshaw, was a 28-year-old drama teacher from Los Angeles. The exchange that followed, now iconic in true crime lore, included Alcala’s unsettling answers, which were played off as flirtatious banter by the show's producers.

For example, when Bradshaw asked, "I'm serving you for dinner. What are you going to do?" Alcala replied, "I'm a good sport, I'd say 'I'm very hungry.' I'd say 'I'll take a bite out of you,' and it's all over."

Despite his unsettling demeanor, Bradshaw ultimately selected Alcala for the grand prize: a chaperoned date to a dinner and a tennis lesson.

Cheryl Bradshaw's Gut Feeling: The Decision That Saved Her Life

The true horror of the situation only became clear after the cameras stopped rolling. Cheryl Bradshaw's survival hinged on a powerful, immediate feeling of dread and unease that she experienced upon meeting Alcala face-to-face.

The Moment of Truth: When Alcala came out from behind the screen for the customary introduction, Bradshaw was instantly repulsed. She later described him as "creepy" and having a "weird vibe."

The Life-Saving Phone Call: Bradshaw trusted her gut. She immediately contacted the show's contestant coordinator, Ellen Metzger, and insisted on canceling the date. Metzger, who also found Alcala's behavior backstage to be odd, agreed to let her out of the commitment. This quick decision, based purely on a woman's intuition, saved her from becoming his next victim.

The fact that Alcala was already a known predator—he had a prior conviction for the attempted rape and assault of a child and was out on parole—raises serious questions about the vetting process of game shows in that era. His appearance highlighted a catastrophic failure in background checks.

What Happened to Cheryl Bradshaw After The Dating Game?

Cheryl Bradshaw's life was irrevocably changed by her brush with "The Dating Game Killer." She chose to distance herself from the spotlight and the terrifying events of 1978.

  • Moving On: Bradshaw moved away from Los Angeles, choosing a life of privacy outside the entertainment industry.
  • Building a Family: She went on to start a family, focusing on a normal life far removed from the sensationalism of true crime.
  • The End of Her Story: Tragically, the real Cheryl Bradshaw passed away before the production of the recent Netflix film *Woman of the Hour* began.
  • Legacy: Her story is now a powerful testament to the importance of listening to one's instincts. The film, starring Anna Kendrick as "Sheryl," serves as a tribute to her resilience and the quick-thinking decision that saved her life.

The story of Cheryl Bradshaw is a constant reminder that danger can lurk in the most unexpected places, even under the bright lights of a television studio. Her near-fatal encounter with Rodney Alcala has become a chilling cultural touchstone, forever linking the lighthearted world of 1970s television with the brutal reality of a serial killer.

rodney alcala cheryl bradshaw
rodney alcala cheryl bradshaw

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  • Name : Ignatius Connelly I
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  • Email : reinger.frederic@yahoo.com
  • Birthdate : 1970-05-08
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  • Phone : (424) 332-2267
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