Michael Jackson’s ‘girlfriend’ in Thriller music video looks unrecognisable 42 years on
More than four decades after starring alongside Michael Jackson in one of the most famous music videos ever made, Ola Ray reflected on the extraordinary story behind ‘Thriller’.
Ray played Jackson’s on-screen girlfriend in the legendary 1983 short film, appearing in both its 1950s-inspired opening and its modern-day horror sequence.
Before landing the career-defining role, was named Playboy’s Playmate of the Month for June 1980.
In an interview with MJFANGIRL TV, she said her manager called it a ‘stepping stone’ in her career because she was considered too small for modelling long-term at 5ft 4in.
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She went on to appear in adverts and films including 48 Hrs and Beverly Hills Cop.
Looking back at filming Thriller, Ray said that the chemistry audiences saw between her and Jackson was genuine.
'I was in heaven every day'
“I’m like, ‘Oh my god’,” she said.
“I had a front row seat to watching him in perfection.
“I just felt like I was the luckiest girl in the world having Michael Jackson flirt and dance and sing around me.
“That smile was very real.
“We shared something really special and we knew we were putting a lot of love into it when we were shooting the scene.”
'Thriller' lawsuit
Ray sued Jackson and his production company shortly before his death in 2009, alleging breach of contract and unpaid royalties from ‘Thriller’.
She claimed her agreement entitled her to percentages of income connected with the video and merchandise using her name, image or voice, and that she had not received royalties she believed were due.
After Jackson died, the claim continued against his estate and was eventually settled in 2012, with later reports revealing a settlement fee of $75,000.
Why she quit show business
Ray has since stepped away from the entertainment industry for extended periods and focused on rebuilding her life through her faith.
“For the past I don’t know how many years I have kind of stepped away from the industry because I had to reconnect with God and reconnect with myself,” she continued.
“What I was been doing a lot of is going and speaking out… regarding addiction or people involved in domestic violence, you know, just trying to… give people a little hope.
“I kind of feel like my life I’ve been in the wilderness. I feel like God has kind of pulled me to the side and he’s only strengthening me, getting me ready and preparing me for what he needs me to do.”
Topics: Michael Jackson, Music, Celebrity
Anish Vij