The Chilling True Story: A Complete Guide To The Woman Of The Hour Cast And Their Real-Life Counterparts

The Netflix true-crime thriller, Woman of the Hour, has captured global attention since its October 18, 2024, release, not only for its chilling, based-on-a-true-story plot but also for its powerhouse cast. The film, which marks Anna Kendrick's feature directorial debut, masterfully recounts the terrifying real-life events of aspiring actress Cheryl Bradshaw, who unknowingly won a date with serial killer Rodney Alcala, famously dubbed "The Dating Game Killer," during his 1978 murder spree. The strength of the movie lies in the performances of its core cast, who bring a nuanced and unsettling reality to one of the most bizarre true-crime stories of the 1970s.

This deep dive provides a complete profile of the main actors and the key supporting cast who dared to bring this dark chapter in American history to the screen. From the two-time Emmy winner to the rising star who embodies the killer, here is everything you need to know about the talent behind the critically acclaimed Woman of the Hour.

The Main Cast: Biographical Profiles and Key Roles

The success of Woman of the Hour hinges on the dynamic between the three central figures: the contestant, the killer, and the game show host. Here are the detailed profiles of the actors who anchor the film, including their recent projects and career highlights.

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Anna Kendrick as Cheryl Bradshaw (and Director)

• Full Name: Anna Cooke Kendrick
• Date of Birth: August 9, 1985
• Place of Birth: Portland, Maine, U.S.
• Role in Film: Cheryl Bradshaw, the game show contestant whose intuition saved her life, and the film’s director.
• Career Highlights & Recent Projects: Kendrick is an Academy Award-nominated actress, best known for her roles in the *Pitch Perfect* franchise, *Up in the Air*, and *A Simple Favor*. She received a Primetime Emmy Award nomination for her role and executive production of the short-form comedy series *Dummy* (2020). Her turn as a first-time feature director with *Woman of the Hour* has been widely praised by critics.

Daniel Zovatto as Rodney Alcala

• Full Name: Daniel Zovatto Blanco
• Date of Birth: June 28, 1991 (Note: Some sources cite July 12, 1991)
• Place of Birth: San José, Costa Rica
• Role in Film: Rodney Alcala, the charming, yet terrifying, serial killer known as "The Dating Game Killer."
• Career Highlights & Recent Projects: Zovatto is a Costa Rican-American actor who has made a name for himself in the horror and thriller genres. His notable roles include parts in the films *It Follows* and *Don't Breathe*, and the TV series *Penny Dreadful: City of Angels* and *Station Eleven*. His performance as the narcissistic and predatory Alcala is a major highlight of the film.

Tony Hale as Ed Burke

• Full Name: Anthony Rex Hale
• Date of Birth: September 30, 1970
• Place of Birth: West Point, New York, U.S.
• Role in Film: Ed Burke, the host of *The Dating Game* television show.
• Career Highlights & Recent Projects: Tony Hale is a two-time Emmy Award winner for his iconic comedic roles. He is instantly recognizable as Buster Bluth from the sitcom *Arrested Development* and as Gary Walsh, the personal aide to the Vice President, in the HBO series *Veep*. His casting in the serious, true-crime context of *Woman of the Hour* provides a fascinating contrast to his typical comedic work.

The Supporting Cast: Key Players in the True-Crime Drama

While Kendrick, Zovatto, and Hale lead the narrative, the supporting ensemble cast is crucial for establishing the 1970s game show setting and the wider context of the *The Dating Game Killer*'s crimes. These actors help to build the atmosphere of a seemingly innocent era masking a deadly threat.

• Nicolette Robinson: Plays Laura. Robinson is known for her work in *One Night in Miami…* and the Broadway production of *Waitress*.
• Matt Visser: Appears as Bachelor #1.
• Jedidiah Goodacre: Plays Arnie. Goodacre has appeared in *The Order* and *Chilling Adventures of Sabrina*.
• Autumn Best: Plays Amy. Best is known for the series *4400*.
• Kathryn Gallagher: Known for her role in *Gossip Girl* and the Broadway musical *Jagged Little Pill*.
• Kelley Jakle: A familiar face from the *Pitch Perfect* movies, reuniting with Anna Kendrick.
• Max Lloyd-Jones: Plays Ken.
• Pete Holmes: The comedian and actor also makes an appearance in the film.

This collection of talent, from seasoned comedic actors to rising dramatic stars, creates a compelling and fully realized world for the true-crime story to unfold.

Fact vs. Fiction: The True Story of Cheryl Bradshaw and Rodney Alcala

The film’s power is amplified by its basis in a terrifying real-life event, making the performances of the *Woman of the Hour* cast even more impactful. The story is centered on the 1978 appearance of serial killer Rodney Alcala on the popular television show *The Dating Game*.

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The Real Cheryl Bradshaw and Her Intuition

The character of Cheryl Bradshaw, played by Anna Kendrick, is based on the real-life contestant of the same name. On the show, she chose Bachelor No. 1, Rodney Alcala, for a date. However, after the taping, Bradshaw’s intuition kicked in. She later told producers she found Alcala "creepy" and refused to go on the date with him, a decision that almost certainly saved her life.

• Real-Life Aftermath: The real Cheryl Bradshaw moved away from Los Angeles and chose to live a private life, starting a family. Anna Kendrick confirmed that the real Bradshaw sadly passed away before the film's production began, but her story lives on through the film’s powerful narrative.
• Accuracy of the Film: While the core events—a serial killer appearing on *The Dating Game* and the contestant narrowly escaping—are true, the film takes minor dramatic liberties. However, critics and viewers agree that the movie is largely accurate to the true case, particularly in capturing the gender dynamics and the ease with which Alcala was able to charm people while actively committing heinous crimes.

Rodney Alcala: The Dating Game Killer

Rodney Alcala was a prolific serial killer, rapist, and photographer who was convicted of murdering at least seven people, though investigators believe his victim count could be over 100. He used his charm and photography skills to lure women. His appearance on *The Dating Game* in 1978, while he was in the midst of his murder spree, solidified his chilling nickname. He died in prison in 2021 at the age of 77.

The film's exploration of Alcala's unsettling charm and the systemic failures that allowed him to continue his crimes is a major theme, giving the true-crime thriller a contemporary resonance. The performances by the *Woman of the Hour* cast, particularly Daniel Zovatto's portrayal of Alcala, effectively highlight the sinister nature lurking beneath a polished, television-ready facade.

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