Ola Ray
American actress
Ola Ray (born August 26, 1960) is an American actress and model, best known for her role as the girlfriend of Michael Jackson in the music video for "Thriller".
01Career
Ray modeled for Playboy and was the Playmate of the Month for the June 1980 issue. In 1983, she starred as the girlfriend of Michael Jackson in the music video Thriller. Ray complained in the past about difficulties collecting royalties from her participation in Thriller. At first, Ray blamed Jackson. She ultimately sued Jackson in May 2009 in a dispute to obtain uncollected royalties. Jackson died less than two months later on June 25 at age 50. In 2012, Jackson's attorney John Branca and accountant John McClain settled the lawsuit with Ray. She was portrayed by Asia Fuqua in the 2026 Michael Jackson biopic Michael.
02Filmography
Film
| Year | Title | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1981 | Body and Soul | Hooker #1 | |
| 1982 | Night Shift | Dawn | |
| 48 Hrs. | Vroman’s Dancer | ||
| 1983 | 10 to Midnight | Ola | |
| The Man Who Loved Women | Girl #2 | ||
| 1985 | Fear City | Honey | |
| 1987 | The Night Stalker | Sable Fox | |
| Beverly Hills Cop II | Playboy Playmate | ||
| 2019 | It Wants Blood! | Madame Du Sang | |
| 2020 | Shooting Heroin | Helen |
Television
| Year | Title | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1984 | Automan | Joanne | Episode: "Murder MTV" |
| Gimme a Break! | Deanna | Episode: "The Center" | |
| 1985 | Cheers | Andrea | Episode: "King of the Hill" |
| What's Happening Now!! | Paulette | Episode: "Married or Not" | |
| 2000 | Where Are They Now? | Herself | Episode: "Video Vixens II" |
| 2001 | I Love 1980's | Herself | Episode: "New Years Compilation" |
| 2002 | Never Mind the Buzzcocks | Herself | Episode: "Episode #1.2" |
Music videos
| Year | Title | Role | Artist |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1980 | "Give Me the Night" | , N/a | George Benson |
| 1983 | Thriller | Michael's girlfriend | Michael Jackson |
| 2009 | "Paparazzi" | Policewoman | Lady Gaga |
Sources and credits
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