Ola Ray will forever have a place in pop music history after her appearance in Michael Jackson’s iconic music video for Thriller. Ray was in her early 20s when she starred as Jackson’s girlfriend. Before this, she was a model for Playboy, and was the Playmate of the Month for the June 1980 issue.
Ray has often spoken of her brief time spent with Jackson, and claims that they grew “very close” during their two weeks filming the famous music video. In her book, she also claimed that they had a passionate fling on set, but it didn’t go any further than a couple of kisses.
“Michael and I did get intimate on Thriller, yes,” Ray told DailyMailTV in an interview in 2019. “I went to his trailer one day and that’s where I had my second kiss with him. I kissed him for the first time on the set, I kissed him on the cheek, then he asked me to come into his dressing room one day and I went in there and we sat down and had a conversation and we got really close and that’s when he kissed me the second time. It was a very passionate kiss and, you know, we also did a little something else, but that’s all I’m gonna say.”
She also described Jackson as a “sweet” and very nice person, as well as being a “gentle soul.”
Thriller was the first time Jackson had interacted with a woman in a video, which John Landis described as a “breakthrough.” Jennifer Beals turned down an offer to play Jackson’s girlfriend. According to Landis, Ola Ray was cast as she was “crazy for Michael” and had a “great smile.” Landis encouraged Jackson and Ray to improvise during their scenes, and urged Jackson to act “sexy” and “show virility” for his female fans.
After shooting had finished, Ray saw the singer one more time at Westlake Studios, when Quincy Jones was producing his Bad album. Jackson apparently told her he couldn’t continue their relationship, because of a promise he had made to a friend, who was interested in Ray.
Ola Ray said she received an initial payment of $2,500 for her role in the video, but didn’t get any further payments for at least two years, even though she had signed a contract. Ray sued Michael Jackson in May 2009 with the aim of obtaining uncollected royalties. However, Jackson died less than two months later aged 50. It is reported that up until June 2010, the video earned $92,735,816 in digital video sales and $78.6m in DVD sales.
She has said that her cut should be around $4.2m, but claimed she had been paid less than $200,000 in the 35 years since the video was released. In 2012, Ray was awarded $75,000 in back payments after a court battle with the Michael Jackson Family Trust, with $20,000 going to her legal team.
Whom behind the The Glove One? Well gangsta rappers NWA with serious attitude which now the new "Urban" aggression without finding social merit if so! Ola Ray ideal woman yeah, Quincy hostess not dining presenting positive attractions. Working girl not standard Black media fully aware of Ola Ray background other words. Publicity was Michael dating or screwing her typical stereotypical aggression towards women doesn't matter the color!
ReplyDeleteProduction staff indifferent towards Michael assumption his sexuality why the bigotry and racism bought fame profits to Jon Landis! Rick Baker was fan of Michael's prior to Thriller he gotten attention of (Blu men) in Hollywood" hairy,handsome" wearing nice blue jeans and humble looks! Ola Ray posed nude June (1980) Playboy along, Jane Kennedy July (1981) forgotten Black people don't do this? What Ola Ray wasn't great social influence furthermore to endure, Michael limited influences for concept. Horror movies B stuff forgotten plenty of Black directors whom couldn't get financing for there movies. Relevance those whom admire the video just standard bought artistic in-depth appeal to videos. Continued with Bad video (1987) T.V special basically mocking Arch street program and Westside story. Michael had knowledge of Broadway nor theater Jon Landis lucky media ignored disaster deaths of Twilight Zone (1983) which overshadowed. Video were Vic Marrow and children died during filming Michael cosmetics obvious influence by Diana Ross watch We Are The World (1985) look identical or so? Ola Ray not innocent or was she to be guilty upon, Quincy Jones for allowing this treat women with social respect. Hire sex worker whom entertain Red Foxx, The Lakers and Richard Pryor yeah forgotten only looking at Michael! Sexual harassment of Sista's Ola Ray afterwards what happen? Ola Ray imagery is modest presently total disrespect of valor just showing illicit sexual content presently! Thriller is classic to some bought plenty of bias among the moralist Black media!
Michael comments upon "LGBTQ" I'm not offended just his personal bigotry later change his attitude towards. Impartiality his Thriller look was distinct to Michael it was teenager tosome. Cause heckling looking "Queer" Michael had struggle among acceptance felt intimated by LGBTQ society. Adapting to social sexual acceptance "heterosexual moral which is bias. Facial features obvious Diana Ross femme along personality it shouldn't bother anyone. Hollywood still dominated by bigotry LGBTQ society going to be triumphant, Michael comments Herb Ritts,David Bowie and Boy George. Make up Queer! I'll say this could or would Brotha during Mjj era live in tough hood without getting harassed okay! Media hype Mjj didn't want or understand continued stereotyping sexually in USA!
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