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".
Career
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.
Filmography
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" George Benson 1983 Thriller Michael's girlfriend Michael Jackson2009"Paparazzi"PolicewomanLady Gaga
See also List of people in Playboy 1980–1989
References
External links Official website