The Woman Who Escaped: 5 Shocking Facts About Sheryl Bradshaw And The Dating Game Killer
The name Sheryl Bradshaw has surged back into the public consciousness following the 2023 release of the true-crime thriller *Woman of the Hour*, directed by and starring Anna Kendrick. The film fictionalizes the life-altering experience of a young woman named Cheryl Bradshaw, who, in 1978, unknowingly won a date with one of America's most prolific serial killers, Rodney Alcala, on the popular television show *The Dating Game*. This article, updated for late 2025, dives deep into the true story, the film’s impact, and the enduring mystery of the real woman who trusted her gut and, in doing so, likely saved her own life.
The story of Sheryl Bradshaw—or rather, the real Cheryl Bradshaw—is a harrowing tale of intuition, a lucky escape, and a dramatic pivot from the bright lights of Hollywood to a life of absolute privacy. It serves as a chilling reminder of the sinister truth often lurking behind a charming facade, a theme that has captivated true crime enthusiasts and new audiences alike since the film’s debut.
The True Story: Cheryl Bradshaw's Biography and The Dating Game Incident
While the film uses the name "Sheryl Bradshaw," the events are based on the real life of Cheryl Bradshaw. Her decision to refuse a date with a killer remains one of the most famous and chilling moments in television history. Here is what is known about her life and the pivotal event.
- Full Name: Cheryl Bradshaw (The film uses the fictional name Sheryl Bradshaw).
- Born: Born and raised in California (Specific birth date and year are private).
- Occupation in 1978: Aspiring actress and drama teacher.
- Pivotal Event: Appeared as "Bachelorette No. 1" on a 1978 episode of the popular TV show *The Dating Game*.
- The Match: She selected "Bachelor No. 1," Rodney Alcala, who introduced himself as a successful photographer and was described as "a very handsome man" by the show's host.
- Refused Date: After meeting Alcala backstage, she immediately felt "creeped out" by his demeanor and refused to go on the planned date to a dinner and a movie.
- Current Status/Whereabouts: Unknown. She reportedly left California after the incident to live a private life and raise a family, intentionally seeking anonymity.
- Cultural Impact: The subject of the 2023 film *Woman of the Hour*, where she is portrayed by Anna Kendrick.
The Chilling Escape and Rodney Alcala's Reign of Terror
Cheryl Bradshaw’s decision to follow her gut feeling was an act of self-preservation that saved her life. The man she chose, Rodney Alcala, was not a charming photographer but a vicious serial killer and convicted sex offender who had already murdered several people before his television appearance.
The Discomfort That Saved a Life
The real Cheryl Bradshaw later recounted her immediate and powerful discomfort after meeting Alcala in person. She described his behavior backstage as "creepy" and unsettling, a feeling strong enough to make her reject the prize date. This crucial moment has been extensively analyzed in true-crime documentaries and is the emotional core of the *Woman of the Hour* film. The show's contestant coordinator at the time, Ellen Metzger, also noted the unsettling nature of Alcala's presence, lending credence to Bradshaw’s powerful intuition.
The irony is profound: a lighthearted game show nearly delivered a young woman directly into the hands of a predator. Alcala, who appeared calm and confident on camera, was already in the middle of a killing spree that spanned years and multiple states.
The Dating Game Killer's Victims and Conviction
Rodney Alcala, dubbed "The Dating Game Killer," was eventually convicted of murdering eight people, though investigators believe the true number of his victims could be much higher, possibly up to 130. His confirmed victims included 12-year-old Robin Samsoe and others like Jill Barcomb, who was killed at age 18 in 1977. Alcala's method often involved luring his victims by claiming to be a professional photographer, which is why his appearance on *The Dating Game* was so chilling—it was a public extension of his predatory tactics. He died in prison in 2021 at the age of 77 while on death row.
The Legacy of Privacy: What Happened to the Real Cheryl Bradshaw?
For many, the most compelling part of Cheryl Bradshaw's story is what happened after she narrowly escaped a date with a serial killer. The intense media scrutiny and the realization of the danger she faced led her to make a life-changing decision: to disappear from the public eye.
Leaving Hollywood for Anonymity
The end of the *Woman of the Hour* film confirms the real-life outcome: Cheryl Bradshaw left California to live a private life and raise a family. In the years following the 1978 incident and the subsequent revelations about Alcala’s true nature, she made a conscious choice to prioritize her safety and privacy over a burgeoning acting career. She understood the profound trauma and the need to distance herself from a story that had become a national sensation.
As of late 2025, the whereabouts and current life of Cheryl Bradshaw remain unknown to the public. This lack of information is not an accident; it is the result of a deliberate effort to maintain a normal, private life away from the spotlight of true crime. This decision has cemented her status as a figure of quiet strength and resilience, a woman who chose peace over fame.
The Impact of *Woman of the Hour* (2023)
The release of the Anna Kendrick-directed film *Woman of the Hour* has reignited interest in Bradshaw's story, but it has respected her privacy by using a fictionalized name, Sheryl Bradshaw. The film is praised for its unflinching look at the subtle ways women navigate danger and the importance of trusting their intuition, a theme that resonates powerfully with modern audiences. The movie serves as a fresh, current update on the historical event, ensuring that the critical lesson of Cheryl Bradshaw’s escape—to listen to that inner voice—continues to be told to a new generation.
- Director/Star: Anna Kendrick (directorial debut).
- Release Year: 2023.
- Key Themes: Female intuition, the mask of a serial killer, and the danger of predatory men in a public setting.
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