Who Was Rodney Alcala? Get to Know ‘The Dating Game’ Serial Killer

One of America’s most infamous serial killers, Rodney Alcala, is known for his horrific murders and his eerie appearance on The Dating Game, a well-liked TV program in the 1970s. Netflix’s 2024 film Woman of the Hour chillingly details the horrifying history of violence that Alcala, also known as “The Dating Game Killer,” concealed behind her charm. The following sections explore the life and crimes of Rodney Alcala.

Early Life of Rodney Alcala

On August 23, 1943, Rodrigo Jacques Alcala-Buquor was born in San Antonio, Texas. When he was eight years old, his family relocated to Los Angeles. He served in the Army for a short time before being released due to a nervous breakdown and misbehavior charges. Alcala eventually earned a fine arts degree from UCLA, but not before his criminal tendencies had become apparent, forcing him to escape to New York after his first attack.

The Dating Game Appearance

As an eligible bachelor, Alcala made an appearance on The Dating Game in 1978 and won over bachelorette Cheryl Bradshaw. Bradshaw turned down the date even though he was the one who won it. Producers were not informed that Alcala had already served time for the violent rape of an 8-year-old girl and had committed several murders.

Murders & Convictions

At least seven women had been killed by Alcala by the time of his arrest in 1979. The prosecution portrayed him as a sadistic killer who played with his victims and took their lives. Alcala was found guilty of five murders in 2010, but investigators think he may have killed as many as 130 people.

Death of Rodney Alcala

In 2021, Rodney Alcala passed away on death row from natural causes. Many documentaries and movies, most notably Woman of the Hour, have focused on his story, which still holds the interest of the general public.

Also Read

Who is Harry Lennix? Get to Know ‘Fly Like Mercury’ Director

Harry Lennix is a multi-talented American actor, producer, director, and writer known...