The Two Cheryl Bradshaws: Where Is The 'Dating Game' Survivor And The Bestselling Author Today?
The name Cheryl Bradshaw today conjures up two vastly different, yet equally compelling, narratives. The first is a chilling true-crime story of survival and intuition, recently brought back into the global spotlight by the 2023 Netflix film *Woman of the Hour* starring Anna Kendrick. The second is the prolific, highly successful career of a *New York Times* and *USA Today* bestselling author of mystery and thriller novels.
As of late 2025, the mystery surrounding the original Cheryl Bradshaw—the young woman who unknowingly chose a serial killer on national television—remains intact, a testament to her deliberate choice for a private life. Meanwhile, the author Cheryl Bradshaw continues to dominate the literary charts, with new releases maintaining her status as a powerhouse in the thriller genre. This deep dive explores the current status of both women, detailing the harrowing true story that defined one and the literary success that defines the other.
The Chilling True Story: Cheryl Bradshaw, The Dating Game Contestant
The name Cheryl Bradshaw is most famously linked to a terrifying moment in television history that occurred on September 14, 1978. Cheryl Bradshaw was a young, aspiring actress and drama teacher living in California at the time, chosen as a bachelorette on the popular TV show *The Dating Game*. Her task was to choose a date from three hidden bachelors based on their voices and witty answers to her questions.
Unbeknownst to the audience, the show's host, or Bradshaw herself, Bachelor Number One, Rodney Alcala, was a prolific serial killer in the midst of a gruesome murder spree that was active across the United States. Alcala, a charming but unsettling character, had already been convicted of assault and was out on parole. His appearance on the show was a shocking display of audacity.
The Moment of Decision and Survival
Bradshaw ultimately chose Alcala for the grand prize—a chaperoned date to a dinner and a trip to a nearby amusement park. However, her intuition immediately sounded an alarm. She reportedly found Alcala "creepy" and "gave off a bad vibe" backstage after meeting him in person. This visceral feeling of unease led to a life-saving decision: Cheryl Bradshaw refused to go on the date.
This decision was the difference between life and death. Alcala, who would later be dubbed "The Dating Game Killer," was eventually convicted of seven murders, though investigators believe his victim count may be well over 100. His victims were predominantly young women and girls, and his killing spree continued for years after his television appearance.
Cheryl Bradshaw Today: A Life of Intentional Privacy
Following the horrific realization of who she had chosen, Cheryl Bradshaw retreated from public life. The search for "Cheryl Bradshaw today" leads to a consistent conclusion: she has successfully maintained her privacy for decades.
The most recent and definitive information about her current status comes from the 2023 film *Woman of the Hour*, which dramatizes her experience. The movie's closing text states that the real Cheryl Bradshaw "left California to live a private life and raise a family." This choice to step away from the media spotlight and the trauma of her near-encounter is a powerful narrative of reclaiming control after a brush with pure evil. She has never given a major interview about the event, allowing her silence to speak volumes about her desire for a normal, peaceful existence.
- Current Status: Living a private life, whereabouts unknown.
- Post-1978 Career: Left California to raise a family.
- Public Statements: Has largely maintained silence regarding the *Dating Game* incident and the film *Woman of the Hour*.
- Legacy: Her story is a powerful testament to the importance of female intuition and survival, immortalized by the true-crime genre and the recent film.
The release of *Woman of the Hour*, directed by and starring Anna Kendrick as the character "Sheryl Bradshaw," reignited global interest in her story. The film acts as a permanent historical marker for the event, ensuring that while the real Cheryl Bradshaw remains private, her story of survival continues to educate and resonate with audiences worldwide.
The Other Cheryl Bradshaw: A Bestselling Literary Force
Adding a layer of complexity to the name, a completely separate and highly successful individual is also named Cheryl Bradshaw. This Cheryl Bradshaw is a prolific New York Times and 11-time USA Today bestselling author, primarily known for her gripping mystery and thriller novels.
This literary powerhouse has carved out a significant career in the publishing world, with a massive catalog of works that often explore themes of crime, investigation, and psychological suspense—a striking coincidence given the other Cheryl Bradshaw's infamous brush with a killer.
Current Projects and Literary Entities
The author Cheryl Bradshaw is best known for her Sloane Monroe series, which follows a talented and intuitive private investigator. The series has garnered a dedicated following and is a cornerstone of her success. She is a Shamus Award finalist for best private eye novel, a testament to her skill in the genre.
As of late 2025, the author remains highly active. Her most recent and upcoming works ensure her continued relevance in the literary world:
- Literary Focus: Mystery, Thriller, Romantic Suspense, and Young Adult non-fiction.
- Major Series: Sloane Monroe, Addison Lockhart, and a new series of psychological thrillers.
- Awards and Recognition: New York Times Bestseller, 11-time USA Today Bestseller, Shamus Award Finalist.
- Upcoming Releases: Her publishing schedule is consistent, with new titles frequently appearing. For example, *The Familiar Stranger* is noted as a 2025 release.
This distinct professional life means that any search for "Cheryl Bradshaw today" must differentiate between the two remarkable women. One is a survivor who chose a life of deliberate obscurity, and the other is a successful professional who thrives in the public eye through her extensive body of work.
Conclusion: Two Legacies, One Name
The ambiguity of the name "Cheryl Bradshaw" in 2025 is a fascinating study in identity and public life. For the *Dating Game* contestant, her current life is defined by the courage of her silence and the wisdom of her intuition, which saved her from one of America's most notorious serial killers, Rodney Alcala. Her story, recently revived by *Woman of the Hour*, serves as a timeless true-crime cautionary tale.
Conversely, the author Cheryl Bradshaw’s "today" is marked by prolific creativity and commercial success. She has cemented her legacy as a top-tier thriller novelist with a dedicated readership eagerly awaiting her next release, including the 2025 title, *The Familiar Stranger*. Both women, in their own unique ways, have made the name Cheryl Bradshaw a memorable and significant one in modern culture.
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