Netflix’s latest thriller, Woman of the Hour, has audiences captivated by its chilling plot based on real-life events. The film, directed by and starring Anna Kendrick, dives into the story of Cheryl Bradshaw and her unsettling experience on the popular dating show The Dating Game, where she unknowingly picked a serial killer,
Rodney Alcala, as her date. While the movie dramatizes parts of the story, it leaves many people wondering: what happened to the real Cheryl Bradshaw? This article explores the story behind Woman of the Hour and answers the question, “Where is Cheryl Bradshaw now?”
Cheryl Bradshaw and the Real-Life Dating Game Nightmare
In 1978, Cheryl Bradshaw was an aspiring actress and drama teacher living in Los Angeles. With her dreams of breaking into the entertainment industry, she saw an opportunity to appear on The Dating Game, a popular TV show where contestants interviewed potential dates hidden behind a screen.
Unbeknownst to Cheryl, her experience on the show would turn into a frightening ordeal when she picked Bachelor #1, Rodney Alcala, a man who was already a convicted criminal and would later be recognized as one of the most prolific serial killers in American history.
The movie portrays Cheryl’s unsettling time on the show, where she is forced to confront Alcala’s creepy responses to her questions. Cheryl’s discomfort grew as she interacted with him on stage, a feeling that would ultimately save her life.
The Disturbing Revelation: Rodney Alcala’s Crimes
Rodney Alcala had a dark history that was not known to the public at the time. He had already served time in prison for assaulting and nearly killing two young girls, and by the time he appeared on The Dating Game, he was a suspect in multiple murders. Despite this, he was able to present himself as an eligible bachelor on national television, even charming the show’s host, Jim Lange, with his “successful photographer” persona.
In Woman of the Hour, Kendrick’s portrayal of Bradshaw highlights her growing discomfort with Alcala. In real life, Cheryl picked up on these “weird vibes,” as she described to The Dating Game coordinator Ellen Metzger. Immediately after filming, Cheryl expressed her reluctance to go on the prize date with Alcala, feeling an overwhelming sense of dread.
Cheryl Bradshaw’s Life After The Dating Game
Thanks to her intuition, Cheryl Bradshaw never went on that prize date with Alcala, a decision that likely saved her life. Alcala would later be convicted of multiple murders across the United States, including the brutal killings of five women, with investigators estimating he may have taken the lives of over 100 people.
The decision to trust her instincts had a profound impact on Cheryl’s life. She chose to leave behind her acting aspirations, relocating to California, where she focused on raising a family. Cheryl’s ability to read Alcala’s unsettling nature likely saved her, and her story remains a testament to the power of following one’s instincts in potentially dangerous situations.
Anna Kendrick’s Tribute to Cheryl Bradshaw
When Anna Kendrick took on the role of Cheryl Bradshaw for Woman of the Hour, she felt deeply connected to Cheryl’s story. In interviews, Kendrick shared that Cheryl passed away before production on the film began, which saddened her. Kendrick expressed a desire to have spoken with Cheryl to better understand her experience, particularly her brave decision to refuse the date with Alcala.
The movie captures not only the horrors Cheryl faced but also the sexism and misogyny she encountered during that era. Cheryl’s story serves as a poignant reminder of how society has often dismissed women’s voices, especially when they sense something wrong.
Rodney Alcala’s Grim Legacy
After his appearance on The Dating Game, Alcala continued his crime spree until he was eventually caught in 1979. Over the years, DNA evidence linked him to even more murders, solidifying his reputation as a remorseless serial killer.
Alcala’s crimes shocked the nation, and he was convicted multiple times, with each death sentence being overturned until he was ultimately re-sentenced to death in 2010. He passed away in 2021 while awaiting execution in a California prison.
Woman of the Hour dramatizes parts of Alcala’s story, and the real details are arguably even more disturbing. His crimes, coupled with his appearance on The Dating Game, created one of the most harrowing stories in American true crime history.
Conclusion: The Legacy of Cheryl Bradshaw’s Story
Cheryl Bradshaw’s story as portrayed in Woman of the Hour is a haunting reminder of the dangers lurking even in seemingly safe environments. Her decision to trust her instincts ultimately saved her life, highlighting the critical importance of listening to that inner voice when something feels wrong. Today, her story resonates with audiences as a sobering reminder that danger can appear in the most unexpected forms.
Frequently Asked Questions about Cheryl Bradshaw
1. Did Cheryl Bradshaw know about Rodney Alcala’s criminal background on The Dating Game?
No, Cheryl had no idea about Rodney Alcala’s criminal history at the time of the show. Alcala was able to present himself as a charming and eligible bachelor, concealing his past convictions and violent tendencies. Only after the show did she follow her intuition and decide against going on the date.
2. Did Cheryl Bradshaw go on a date with Rodney Alcala?
No, Cheryl trusted her instincts and decided not to go on the date with Alcala, sensing something was off. She contacted the show’s coordinator, expressing her discomfort, and was thankfully allowed to cancel the date, a decision that likely saved her life.
3. Where did Cheryl Bradshaw go after The Dating Game?
Following her experience on the show, Cheryl chose to leave behind her acting career and focus on family life. She eventually relocated to California, where she raised her children and lived a quiet life, far from the limelight.
4. How accurate is Woman of the Hour to Cheryl Bradshaw’s story?
While Woman of the Hour takes some creative liberties, the core events, particularly Cheryl’s intuition about Alcala, remain true to real-life events. The film captures the eeriness of Alcala’s personality and Cheryl’s life-saving decision to reject the date.
5. What impact did Cheryl Bradshaw’s story have on the true crime genre?
Cheryl Bradshaw’s story is a chilling reminder of how appearances can be deceiving, especially when it comes to dangerous individuals like Alcala. Her experience continues to be a focal point in true crime discussions and serves as an example of the importance of trusting one’s instincts.