More than four decades ago, Ola Ray was catapulted into the spotlight, forever linked to one of the most iconic moments in music history: Michael Jackson’s thrilling “Thriller” video. As Jackson’s on-screen girlfriend in the 1983 masterpiece, Ray reflects on her surreal experience filming alongside the King of Pop. With her on-screen role not only defining her career but also becoming a cultural touchstone, she delves into a nostalgic world filled with genuine chemistry and fleeting fame. But oh, darling, have the stars aligned for her since? She once graced the pages of Playboy as the Playmate of the Month, and now she’s sharing a tapestry of her journey, touching on her life post-“Thriller.” From immense highs to trials, Ola Ray’s story unfolds like an intricate celestial map—one where we all might find a little bit of ourselves. Intrigued? Well, dive deeper and discover the extraordinary journey of Ola Ray and her reflections on this unforgettable chapter… LEARN MORE.

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’.

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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.

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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.

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’

(YouTube/Michael Jackson)

“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

(Bruce Glikas/WireImage)

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

(Bruce Glikas/WireImage)

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.”

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