Ola Ray

Ola Ray (born August 26, 1960) is an American model and actress renowned for her role as Michael Jackson's girlfriend in the groundbreaking 1983 music video "Thriller," which propelled her to international fame.^[1] Born in St. Louis, Missouri, Ray began her career as a model, achieving prominence as Playboy's Playmate of the Month for June 1980.^[1] She transitioned into acting and music videos, appearing in George Benson's "Give Me the Night" (1980) and films such as Body and Soul (1981) and 48 Hrs. (1982).^[2] Her casting in "Thriller"—a 14-minute short film directed by John Landis—at age 23 came after Jennifer Beals declined the part; Ray's onscreen chemistry with Jackson, including improvised romantic scenes, contributed to the video's cultural impact and its status as one of the most influential music videos ever produced.^[3] Following "Thriller," Ray continued acting in projects like Beverly Hills Cop II (1987) but faced personal challenges, including a 1992 arrest for drug possession and struggles with addiction.^[2] She became a stay-at-home mother after giving birth to her daughter in 1995 and later sued Jackson's estate in 2009 over unpaid royalties from the video, settling for $75,000 in 2013.^[3][4] In 2022, she published her memoir The Thrill of It All, reflecting on her experiences.^[2] Ray returned to the entertainment industry in 2019 with roles in the films It Wants Blood! and Shooting Heroin.^[2] As of 2025, she pursues songwriting, screenwriting, and advocacy work for survivors of domestic violence and addiction, while attending fan conventions to celebrate her legacy.^[2]

Early life

Family and childhood

Ola Ray was born on August 26, 1960, in St. Louis, Missouri.^[5] She grew up in a large family consisting of her parents, six brothers, and two sisters, spending the early years of her childhood in St. Louis during the 1960s.^[6][1] Ray's family relocated from St. Louis to Sacramento, California, where they resided until 1975.^[6][1]

Education

Ray's family relocated to Japan during her high school years as a result of her stepfather's service in the United States Army, enabling her attendance at Yokota High School.^[1] During her time in Tokyo, Ray began a professional singing and dancing career with her twin brother and sister, forming the group The Puppets.^[6] Upon returning to the United States and settling in Los Angeles, Ray pursued formal training in the arts by enrolling at Los Angeles City College (LACC), where she studied theater and dance for one year.^[7]

Pre-Thriller career

Modeling beginnings

After returning from Japan in 1978, where she had begun modeling at age 15 through the Eddie Arab Modeling Agency while performing in commercials and as a poster girl, and also pursued singing and dancing in a rock band and local shows, Ola Ray relocated to Los Angeles to advance her professional pursuits in entertainment, with a focus on modeling.^[1][8][6] In Los Angeles, Ray quickly secured key early assignments, including print work and promotional gigs that built her local presence in the competitive fashion and advertising scenes of the late 1970s.^[9] These opportunities, often through independent submissions and industry connections, positioned her for broader recognition in the modeling world. A pivotal breakthrough came in 1980 when Ray was selected as Playboy's Playmate of the Month for the June issue, scouted for her striking features and charisma during a casting call in Los Angeles.^[10] The photoshoot, directed by photographer Richard Fegley, featured her in a series of glamorous, tropical-themed images that highlighted her natural elegance and led to her centerfold spread. This exposure provided an immediate career boost, securing her an exclusive contract as a spokesperson for Johnson & Johnson's Classy Curl hair care products and elevating her profile among national advertisers.^[6] By the early 1980s, the Playboy feature marked Ray's transition from regional Los Angeles-based modeling to national visibility, opening doors to high-profile print campaigns and endorsements that expanded her reach across the United States.^[10]

Early acting and music video roles

Ola Ray's entry into acting began shortly after her modeling breakthrough, with her first on-screen appearance in the 1980 music video for George Benson's "Give Me the Night," where she portrayed the singer's date in the Quincy Jones-produced clip.^[11] This role, filmed in a vibrant disco setting, represented her initial foray into performative entertainment and capitalized on her recent visibility as Playboy's June 1980 Playmate of the Month, which had broadened her opportunities in visual media.^[12] In 1981, Ray made her film debut in the sports drama Body and Soul, directed by George Bowers and starring Leon Isaac Kennedy as a rising boxer navigating personal and professional turmoil. She played the minor role of Hooker #1, a brief but indicative part in the film's depiction of urban underbelly scenes.^[13] The production, an update of the 1947 classic, emphasized themes of ambition and corruption in the boxing world, providing Ray an early chance to work in narrative cinema amid a cast including Jayne Kennedy and Muhammad Ali.^[11] Ray's roles expanded in 1982 with a supporting part as Dawn, one of the prostitutes central to the plot, in Ron Howard's buddy comedy Night Shift. The film starred Henry Winkler and Michael Keaton as morgue workers who reluctantly enter the pimping business, blending humor with social commentary on New York's nightlife. Her performance as Dawn involved comedic interactions that showcased her timing and screen presence in ensemble scenes.^[14] This gig, along with uncredited dancer appearances in films like 48 Hrs., stemmed directly from networking through modeling agencies and Playboy-related contacts, though Ray later noted the transition required overcoming initial skepticism about her non-acting background.^[11] Early in her career, Ray also took on minor promotional work, including a 1980 television commercial for Classy Curl hair products, which served as one of her initial forays into broadcast media and helped build her on-camera comfort before more substantial acting opportunities.^[15] These pre-1983 endeavors highlighted the challenges of breaking into acting from modeling, where visibility often led to typecasting in supporting or stereotypical roles, yet provided essential experience in diverse production environments.^[11]

Thriller and fame

Casting and production

The casting process for the actress to portray Michael Jackson's girlfriend in the "Thriller" music video began in mid-1983. Ola Ray, then a 22-year-old model and aspiring actress with prior experience in Playboy and music videos, was one of hundreds of women who auditioned for the role.^[16] She ultimately secured the part in June 1983 after impressing director John Landis and Jackson with her enthusiasm, smile, and natural chemistry during screen tests, despite initial reservations from Jackson about her Playboy background.^[3] Production commenced in October 1983 under Landis's direction, known for his work in horror-comedy like An American Werewolf in London, transforming the song into a 14-minute mini-movie blending horror elements, such as Jackson's werewolf transformation, with elaborate dance sequences choreographed by Michael Peters and Jackson himself. Filming spanned several weeks, starting on October 11 at the Palace Theatre in Los Angeles for the movie theater scene, with key zombie dance and horror sequences shot through October 23 at Rick Baker's creature effects studio, on a budget exceeding $600,000 largely funded by Jackson.^[3] Ray, aged 23 during principal photography, participated in rehearsals and shoots that captured the video's iconic blend of romance, suspense, and spectacle. On set, Ray described a flirtatious and collaborative atmosphere with Jackson, including playful interactions like kissing and "puppy-love" moments in his trailer between takes, which Landis encouraged to foster authentic energy despite Ray occasionally struggling with the dance tempo. The cast, including zombie performers and voice actor Vincent Price, worked closely amid the demanding schedule, with Landis improvising scenes to heighten the horror and dance dynamics. The video premiered on November 14, 1983, at the Crest Theatre before its MTV debut on December 2, 1983, serving as a key promotional push for the Thriller album released the previous year.^[3]

Cultural impact and royalties dispute

The "Thriller" music video, directed by John Landis and released in 1983, became a global cultural phenomenon, revolutionizing the music video format by blending horror film tropes with pop music and achieving over 1.09 billion views on YouTube as of November 2025.^[17] Its innovative storytelling, choreography, and visual effects not only propelled Michael Jackson to unprecedented stardom but also elevated the video to a staple of pop culture, influencing fashion, dance trends, and annual Halloween traditions worldwide.^[3] The video's success significantly boosted Ola Ray's recognition, transforming her from a Playboy Playmate and aspiring actress into an iconic figure known as the "Thriller girl."^[3] Ray's portrayal of Jackson's girlfriend in the video led to a surge in media attention during the 1980s, including interviews and public appearances that typecast her in the role and cemented her association with the project.^[3] She became instantly recognizable to audiences globally, with fans approaching her for autographs and photos, though this fame often overshadowed her other modeling and acting pursuits.^[3] Despite the video's enduring popularity, Ray later reflected that while it brought her widespread fame, it did not translate into proportional financial benefits, stating in 2010 that she "gained fame but not fortune" from her participation.^[3] In May 2009, Ray filed a lawsuit against Michael Jackson and his production company, alleging unpaid royalties from the video's merchandising, reruns, and ongoing syndication, claiming she was entitled to a percentage of profits as per her original contract.^[3] The suit, filed just weeks before Jackson's death on June 25, 2009, highlighted disputes over compensation for the video's perpetual revenue streams. Following Jackson's passing, the case proceeded against his estate, and in May 2012, executors John Branca and John McClain reached a settlement with Ray, resolving the royalties claims without disclosing full terms publicly.^[18] By early 2013, reports confirmed Ray received a total payout of $75,000, of which $55,000 went to her personally and the remainder to her attorney, providing financial closure to the long-standing dispute.^[4] Ray expressed relief at the resolution, noting in subsequent interviews that it addressed years of uncollected earnings from one of the most viewed music videos in history.^[11]

Later career

Acting resurgence

Following the success of her role in Michael Jackson's "Thriller" music video, Ola Ray secured several acting opportunities in the mid-1980s, capitalizing on her newfound visibility in Hollywood.^[19] In 1984, she appeared in the television episode "Murder MTV" of the series Automan, portraying Joanne, a character involved in a music video production threatened by blackmail.^[20] The following year, Ray guest-starred as Andrea in the Cheers episode "King of the Hill," where she played one of the Playboy Bunnies participating in a charity softball game alongside series lead Sam Malone.^[21] Her film work during this period included a small role as a Playboy Playmate in Beverly Hills Cop II (1987), a sequel featuring Eddie Murphy that highlighted her continued presence in mainstream action-comedy productions.^[22] Ray's acting career entered a hiatus in the 1990s amid personal challenges, including battles with addiction and domestic violence, which led her to step away from Hollywood to focus on recovery and family.^[11] A 1992 arrest related to substance issues marked a low point, after which she prioritized sobriety and raising her daughter, born in 1995, effectively pausing her professional pursuits in the industry.^[23] During the 2000s and 2010s, Ray made sporadic appearances, primarily in documentary-style formats that reflected on her past work rather than new scripted roles. For instance, she featured as herself in the 2000 VH1 special Where Are They Now?: Video Vixens II, discussing her "Thriller" experience and career trajectory up to that point.^[24] These limited engagements allowed her to maintain a connection to entertainment without a full return to on-screen acting. Ray staged a notable comeback in the late 2010s, beginning with the role of Madame Du Sang in the independent horror-comedy It Wants Blood! (2019) and continuing as Helen in Shooting Heroin (2020), where she played a character in a story centered on a small-town community's fight against the opioid epidemic.^[25][26] Directed by Spencer T. Folmar, the movie addressed real-world issues like heroin addiction and vigilante responses to drug trafficking, drawing from the escalating U.S. crisis that claimed over 70,000 lives that year alone.^[27] Her role contributed to the film's ensemble cast, which included Sherilyn Fenn and Cathy Moriarty, and underscored themes of resilience amid personal and societal struggles.^[28]

Public appearances and recent activities

Since the 2010s, Ola Ray has actively participated in Michael Jackson fan conventions and Thriller-themed events, engaging with enthusiasts through autograph sessions, panels, and live choreography recreations. Notable appearances include the Monsterpalooza horror convention in Burbank in 2010, where she discussed her role in the video, and the NorthEast ComicCon in Worcester, Massachusetts, in 2019. More recently, she attended the Carlisle Comic Con in Pennsylvania in October 2025, sharing anecdotes from the production, and appeared at a Thriller block party in September 2025 alongside performers recreating the video's dance sequences.^{[29][30][31][32]} In 2025, Ray has given several interviews reflecting on her career trajectory, including her experiences post-Thriller and personal memories of Michael Jackson. On the "Club 30s with MJFANGIRL" podcast in October 2025, she discussed the chemistry she shared with Jackson during filming, the challenges of fame in the 1980s, and how her faith influenced her life after the video's success. She also addressed industry hurdles for women during that era, such as limited opportunities and exploitation in modeling and acting. Additionally, in a September 2025 interview with Runway Live, Ray elaborated on her journey from Playboy modeling to the Thriller set, emphasizing resilience amid Hollywood's demands. These discussions often highlight her transition from stardom to advocacy, supported by the financial stability from her 2013 royalties settlement with the Jackson estate.^{[33][34][10][2]} Ray has used her platform for advocacy, speaking on challenges faced by women in the entertainment industry during the 1980s, including objectification and career instability. In convention panels and her 2022 memoir The Thrill of It All, she has shared insights on overcoming these barriers, while also supporting survivors of domestic violence and addiction through public talks. At age 65, she remains active in entertainment nostalgia circuits, residing in Sherman Oaks, California, and continues to connect with fans via events and her official website.^{[2][9][35][36]}

Personal life

Family

Ola Ray grew up in a large family in St. Louis, Missouri, as one of nine children, including six brothers and two sisters, before the family relocated to Sacramento, California, and later to Japan due to her father's military service.^[6] This early family background, rooted in close-knit dynamics amid frequent moves, helped shape her values of resilience and familial loyalty. Public details on her current relationships with her siblings remain limited, reflecting her preference for maintaining personal boundaries away from the spotlight.^[1] Ray became a mother in 1995 with the birth of her daughter, Iam Ray, on March 6 in Los Angeles, California.^[1] Following this, she chose to step back from her entertainment career to focus on full-time motherhood, becoming a stay-at-home mom during a period of hiatus.^[11] Motherhood profoundly influenced her life choices, prompting career pauses to prioritize family nurturing and later motivating resumptions in acting and public appearances as her daughter grew older.^[11] There is no public information available regarding Ray's marriages or romantic partners, underscoring her deliberate emphasis on family privacy and shielding personal relationships from media scrutiny.^[1] She and her daughter reside together in Southern California, where Ray continues to balance her professional endeavors with private family life.^[8]

Faith and reflections

Following the sudden death of Michael Jackson in 2009, Ola Ray encountered significant personal and professional hardships in the entertainment industry, including battles with addiction and being blacklisted due to sexism.^[11] She later sought solace in Christianity as a guiding force for healing and resilience.^[34] In a 2025 podcast interview, Ray described how her post-Thriller fame led to a profound spiritual awakening, where she found purpose through religious faith amid the industry's instability, stating that it provided her with the strength to overcome isolation and redefine her identity beyond celebrity.^[34][37] She has publicly affirmed her Christian beliefs, as seen in a June 2025 social media post urging followers to read the Book of Revelations and invoking blessings in Jesus' name.^[38] Ray has reflected on the darker aspects of Hollywood, noting in the same 2025 interview the emotional toll of fame's pressures and the need for faith to navigate its "highs and lows," including exploitative dynamics that exacerbated her challenges.^[34] Regarding the 2019 allegations of child abuse against Jackson, she expressed doubts in a March 2019 interview, based on her personal experiences with him as kind and caring, while acknowledging there are two sides to every story.^[39] At age 65, Ray expresses deep gratitude for her role in Thriller as a lasting legacy that connected her to Jackson's global impact, while focusing on personal growth and forgiveness to move past earlier disputes, such as her royalty conflicts with his estate, advising others: "No matter what you go through, never lose faith in God or yourself."^[34][40]

Filmography

Films

Ola Ray's film credits span from early supporting and uncredited roles in the 1980s to more recent appearances in independent features. Her most notable film work includes the iconic short film Thriller (1983), where she played the female lead opposite Michael Jackson.^[41]

Television

Ola Ray transitioned to television guest roles in the mid-1980s, appearing in episodic scripted series before later featuring in documentary-style specials related to her career.^[2] Her television credits include:

• 1984: Automan – Joanne in the episode "Murder MTV" (Season 1, Episode 9).^[45]
• 1984: Gimme a Break! – Deanna in the episode "The Center" (Season 3, Episode 21), which served as a backdoor pilot for a proposed spin-off series in which Ray was slated for a leading role.^[46][6]
• 1985: Cheers – Andrea in the episode "King of the Hill" (Season 3, Episode 15).^[47]
• 1985: What's Happening Now!! – Paulette in the episode "Married or Not" (Season 1, Episode 3).^[48][49]
• 2000: Where Are They Now? (VH1) – Herself in the episode "Video Vixens II," discussing her role in Michael Jackson's "Thriller" video.^[24]

Music videos

Ola Ray's early music video appearances in the 1980s served as a bridge from her modeling career to acting, showcasing her on-screen presence in the nascent MTV and VHS era.^[2] She made her music video debut in George Benson's "Give Me the Night" (1980), appearing as the artist's date in this Quincy Jones-produced visual.^[12] Ray achieved international prominence as the lead female in Michael Jackson's "Thriller" (1983), portraying Jackson's girlfriend in the groundbreaking 14-minute short film directed by John Landis.