In 1978, Cheryl Bradshaw, a school teacher with a bright personality, made an unforgettable appearance on a popular TV show that would change her life forever. She was a contestant on The Dating Game, a fun and lively show where a bachelorette interviews three hidden bachelors and chooses one for an all-expenses-paid date.
However, what started as an exciting opportunity for Cheryl would soon turn into a near-death experience that’s still discussed today. The man she chose, Rodney Alcala, was not the charming bachelor he appeared to be on screen; he was a dangerous serial killer in the midst of a gruesome killing spree.
The Game Show That Nearly Ended in Tragedy
The Dating Game was a hit in the 1960s and 70s, known for its lighthearted interviews and amusing answers from contestants. When Cheryl Bradshaw appeared on the show, she interviewed three men to find her potential date, one of whom was Rodney Alcala, introduced as a photographer with a love for skydiving and motorcycles. To the public eye, he seemed like an adventurous and charismatic bachelor.
However, beneath this charming facade was a man with a dark and violent past. Alcala had already murdered several women and was in the middle of a killing spree when he appeared on the show. His presence on national television, interacting with Cheryl, was more chilling than anyone realized at the time.
Rodney Alcala’s Disturbing Behavior
On the show, Cheryl asked Alcala a series of lighthearted questions. One infamous moment was when she asked him to describe himself, to which he replied, “I’m called ‘The Banana,’ and I look really good. Peel me.” The audience laughed, and Cheryl seemed entertained by his playful banter. But something was off.
Behind the camera, Alcala’s behavior unsettled Cheryl. Although she selected him as her winning date, the excitement quickly faded. After a brief conversation with him backstage, Cheryl felt an overwhelming sense of discomfort and decided to trust her instincts. She called
The Dating Game producers and expressed her concerns, stating that she didn’t want to go on the date because Alcala was giving off “weird vibes” and she was uncomfortable around him. Thankfully, the producers assured her that it wouldn’t be an issue, and Cheryl avoided what could have been a fatal encounter with one of the most notorious serial killers in history.
The Aftermath of Cheryl’s Decision
Cheryl Bradshaw’s decision not to go on the date with Rodney Alcala likely saved her life. Alcala continued his killing spree for several years after his appearance on The Dating Game, eventually being convicted of the murders of seven women, although it is believed that he killed as many as 130. His disturbing double life was hidden in plain sight, but his creepy demeanor was enough to warn Cheryl and protect her from becoming one of his victims.
For years, Cheryl remained out of the spotlight, living a private life away from the traumatic experience she narrowly escaped. In 2024, Anna Kendrick’s film Woman of the Hour brought this chilling chapter back into the public eye, portraying Cheryl’s experience on The Dating Game and her near encounter with Alcala. While much of the film is fictionalized, it highlights the terrifying reality of Cheryl’s brush with death.
Cheryl Bradshaw: A Symbol of Intuition and Survival
Cheryl Bradshaw’s story is not just a cautionary tale but a powerful example of trusting your instincts. Her ability to sense something was wrong with Alcala, despite his charming exterior, prevented her from becoming another statistic in his horrifying crime spree. Cheryl’s intuition and quick decision to act on her feelings saved her life, a message that resonates strongly today.
In the 1970s, women were often encouraged to be polite and accommodating, even when they felt uncomfortable. Cheryl’s decision to prioritize her own safety over social niceties is an inspiring reminder that trusting your gut can make all the difference.
The Legacy of The Dating Game and Alcala’s Crimes
The Dating Game continued to be a beloved television show long after Cheryl’s episode, but Alcala’s appearance remains one of its darkest moments. The idea that a serial killer could appear on a national game show, hiding in plain sight, is terrifying and illustrates how manipulative and deceptive people like Alcala can be.
Rodney Alcala was eventually apprehended and sentenced to death for his crimes. He passed away in 2021 while on death row, bringing an end to one of the most chilling criminal cases in American history. His appearance on The Dating Game remains a haunting reminder of how close Cheryl Bradshaw came to being another victim.
Conclusion
Cheryl Bradshaw’s experience on The Dating Game stands as a shocking reminder of the hidden dangers that sometimes lurk behind charming smiles. Rodney Alcala, the man she unknowingly selected as her date, was a serial killer who had already taken many lives. Cheryl’s quick decision to trust her instincts saved her life and reminds us all of the importance of intuition, especially in unsettling situations.
Although Cheryl passed away in 2024, her story lives on as a powerful lesson in survival. Woman of the Hour, Anna Kendrick’s directorial debut, revisits this story, ensuring that Cheryl Bradshaw’s courage and near escape from one of history’s most notorious killers will not be forgotten.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Who was Cheryl Bradshaw? Cheryl Bradshaw was a contestant on the popular TV show The Dating Game in 1978. She unknowingly selected Rodney Alcala, a serial killer, as her winning bachelor but wisely decided not to go on the date due to her discomfort with him.
Did Cheryl Bradshaw go on a date with Rodney Alcala? No, Cheryl did not go on the date with Rodney Alcala. After the show, she felt uneasy around him and expressed her discomfort to the producers, who allowed her to cancel the date.
What happened to Rodney Alcala after The Dating Game? Rodney Alcala continued his killing spree for several years before being captured. He was convicted of seven murders, but authorities believe he may have killed up to 130 people. He died in 2021 while on death row.
How did Cheryl Bradshaw escape Rodney Alcala? Cheryl Bradshaw trusted her instincts after meeting Alcala in person and felt that something was wrong. She expressed her concerns to the show’s producers and chose not to go on the date, avoiding what could have been a fatal encounter.
What is Woman of the Hour about? Woman of the Hour is a 2024 film directed by Anna Kendrick that dramatizes Cheryl Bradshaw’s experience on The Dating Game and her near encounter with Rodney Alcala. While based on real events, parts of the film are fictionalized.