Did Michael Jackson Have Off-Camera Romance With 'Thriller' Video Girl? Here's How Ola Ray Looks Now
With 'Michael 2' officially in production, take a look at the King of Pop's alleged off-screen romance with Ola Ray, the vixen from his 'Thriller' music video. Ray later sued Michael Jackson.
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Add BollywoodShaadis on GoogleAfter the breakout success of Michael, starring Jaafar Jackson, it has been confirmed that a sequel to the film is officially moving into production. While the upcoming sequel is expected to continue exploring the King of Pop’s extraordinary career, one question that has fascinated fans for decades has resurfaced: did Michael Jackson and his Thriller co-star, Ola Ray, have an off-screen romance?
The actress and former Playboy Playmate, who played Jackson's girlfriend in the legendary 1983 Thriller music video, has repeatedly claimed that the chemistry viewers saw on screen wasn't entirely scripted.
Michael 2 production brings the King of Pop's dating life back to the spotlight
Lionsgate Motion Picture Group chairman Adam Fogelson recently confirmed that production on Michael 2 is expected to begin by the end of 2026 or early 2027. Jaafar Jackson will reprise his role as Michael Jackson, with the sequel currently targeting a theatrical release in late 2027 or the first half of 2028.
Fogelson also revealed that several large musical sequences filmed during the first movie's production will be incorporated into the sequel, although most of the film will be shot anew. As excitement builds around Jackson's story returning to the big screen, fans have also revisited one of the most talked-about rumors from the singer's early career, i.e., his alleged romance with his Thriller co-star.
Ola Ray, the iconic Thriller vixen, grabbed attention for years, not only with her modeling career, but also for her alleged romance with Michael Jackson. The pop superstar has never admitted to a romantic relationship with Ray, but Ray has said on numerous occasions there was a real attraction between them during the filming of Thriller.
Looking back at the iconic music video years later, Ray said she felt like "the luckiest girl in the world" as Jackson flirted, danced and sang around her during filming. Speaking about their chemistry, she recalled in an interview:
"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."
In a new interview with TMZ, Ray made some explosive claims about their relationship, claiming there was undeniable "sexual tension" between them during production. She recalled sharing flirty conversations with Jackson before filming their famous kiss in Thriller, even alleging that they shared a passionate kiss inside the singer's trailer.
Further in the interview, the former model claimed that Michael Jackson later invited her to lunch after filming wrapped. Although she declined the invitation at the time, she gave him her phone number and later admitted turning him down was something she regretted.
Despite Ray's recollections, the singer never publicly acknowledged an off-camera romance, leaving the nature of their relationship open to interpretation. Regardless, their professional relationship soured over the years, and it continued even after the singer died.
In 2009, shortly before Jackson's death, Ola Ray sued him and his production company, alleging that she had not received the royalties she believed she was owed from the Thriller merchandise and related uses. The legal dispute against Jackson's was eventually settled in 2012.
Where is Ola Ray now?
Ola Ray was born in St. Louis, Missouri, and spent part of her childhood in Sacramento before moving to Japan with her family. This was where she began performing with her siblings as part of a music group called The Puppets. After returning to the United States, she pursued modeling and acting in Los Angeles.
Her career received a major boost after she was named Playboy's Playmate of the Month in June 1980, leading to national advertising campaigns for brands including Coca-Cola, McDonald's, IBM, and Johnson & Johnson. Ray also appeared in films such as 48 Hrs., Night Shift, Beverly Hills Cop II and Ten to Midnight. However, it was her role as Michael Jackson's love interest in Thriller that made her internationally recognizable.
In recent years, she has largely stepped away from Hollywood, focusing on faith-based outreach and advocacy for addiction recovery and domestic violence awareness. She has also completed a memoir named The Thrill of It All (2023), where she reflected on her career and life after Thriller.
Despite the lawsuit, the former model has repeatedly mentioned that she never held any personal resentment towards Michael Jackson and had nothing but admiration for him. When Michael came out, Ray's character was brilliantly portrayed by actress Asia Fuqua. She currently lives in Los Angeles, California, where she works as an actress, author, and guest speaker. She also has a blog and her own website, The Thrill of It All, where she engages with fans and audiences.
Now 65, Ola Ray has chosen a life away from Hollywood glam, but her alleged fling with Michael Jackson remains a mystery.
Image courtesy: olaray.com, YouTube screengrab
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