Ola Ray - The Woman Who Danced With The King Of Pop
Ola Ray, a name that, for many, brings to mind a very particular moment in music history, really stands out. Born on August 26, 1960, this American actress and model became widely known for her part as Michael Jackson's girlfriend in the truly memorable music video for "Thriller." It's almost as if her presence in that short film, which people all over the world still talk about, made her a familiar face to so many. You know, that video was a huge deal, and she was right there in the middle of it, making her mark.
Before she stepped into the spotlight of that hugely popular video, Ola Ray was, in fact, already making her way in the entertainment world. She had, for instance, done some modeling work for a well-known publication, Playboy. This background in modeling was, in a way, part of her journey into the public eye, setting the stage for what would become her most recognized role. It shows that she was already comfortable in front of the camera, which, you know, is pretty important for an actress.
Her work in "Thriller" didn't just give her a moment in time; it made her known across the globe, bringing her a kind of recognition that sticks with someone for a long, long time. It was a big deal, and that short film, which won a big award, truly put her on the map. Yet, as with many stories in the entertainment business, her path wasn't without its own set of challenges, including seeking what she felt she was owed for her contributions to such a widely watched piece of art.
Table of Contents
- Biography of Ola Ray
- What Made Ola Ray a Household Name?
- How Did Ola Ray Get Her Start?
- Ola Ray and the Thriller Legacy
- Did Ola Ray Receive Her Due?
- What Happened with Ola Ray's Legal Action?
- Ola Ray Beyond the Spotlight
- The Enduring Presence of Ola Ray
Biography of Ola Ray
Ola Ray, whose birth date is August 26, 1960, is an individual who has made a mark in the public eye as both an actress and a model. Her life story, in some respects, really took a turn when she appeared in a certain music video that became a cultural touchstone. She is, you know, an American woman, and her career path led her into areas where she could be seen by many people. From early work in modeling to later acting parts, she has, basically, had a presence in the world of entertainment for quite some time. Her background, including attending Yokota High School, hints at a life that, like many, started in a fairly ordinary way before she found herself in truly extraordinary circumstances. It's interesting how certain roles can, basically, define a person's public image, and for Ola Ray, that was certainly the case with one particular performance.
Personal Details of Ola Ray
Here are some of the known details about Ola Ray, giving you a bit more of a picture of her life and career. These points, you know, offer a quick look at who she is and what she is known for.
| Full Name | Ola Ray |
| Date of Birth | August 26, 1960 |
| Age (as of 2022) | 62 years old |
| Nationality | American |
| Occupations | Actress, Model, Singer |
| Known For | Michael Jackson's girlfriend in "Thriller" music video |
| Previous Work | Modeled for Playboy |
| High School | Yokota High School |
| Official Website | olaray.com |
What Made Ola Ray a Household Name?
So, what truly made Ola Ray a name that people recognized across the globe? Well, it pretty much all comes back to one very special project: the music video for Michael Jackson's "Thriller." This short film, which was more like a mini-movie than a simple music clip, really captured the imagination of people everywhere. Her part in it, as Michael Jackson's girlfriend, was, you know, central to the story being told. It wasn't just a brief appearance; she was there from the beginning, sharing scenes with one of the biggest music figures of the time. This role, basically, put her in front of an audience of millions, making her face and her presence something that people would remember for years and years. It's like, her involvement in that video was a turning point, changing her public profile almost overnight.
The "Thriller" video itself was, in fact, a groundbreaking piece of work, known for its storytelling, its special effects, and its truly memorable dance sequences. Being a part of something so widely talked about, and something that went on to win a very important award, meant that Ola Ray's contribution was seen by people in nearly every corner of the world. Her work in "Thriller" brought her a kind of recognition that, you know, few actors ever get to experience. It wasn't just about being in a video; it was about being in *the* video, the one that everyone was watching and talking about, which, you know, is a pretty big deal for anyone in the entertainment field.
How Did Ola Ray Get Her Start?
Before she became known for her part in "Thriller," Ola Ray had, as a matter of fact, already begun to make a name for herself in the world of modeling. She had, for instance, worked as a model for Playboy, a publication that, basically, puts people in the public eye. This kind of work meant that she was seen by a wide audience, and it helped her get comfortable with being in front of cameras and presenting herself to the world. It was a step on her path, a way to gain experience and visibility in the entertainment business. You know, many people in acting start out in modeling, as it provides a similar kind of exposure and teaches you how to carry yourself and work with a crew.
Her time as a model, then, served as a kind of foundation for her acting career. It meant she had already developed a certain presence and had experience with photo shoots and being directed. This background, in some respects, likely prepared her for the larger roles that would come her way, like the one in "Thriller." So, while her work in that video is what most people remember her for, it's pretty clear that she had been building her career, bit by bit, before that truly big moment arrived. It's like, she was laying the groundwork, and then the opportunity came along that really allowed her to show what she could do to a much larger group of people.
Ola Ray and the Thriller Legacy
The "Thriller" music video, featuring Ola Ray, truly left a lasting mark on popular culture. It wasn't just a song with some pictures; it was a story, a short film that changed how people thought about music videos. Her role in it was, you know, a very important one. She wasn't just a background figure; she was the main female character, reacting to the strange events unfolding around her, making the viewer feel what she felt. This really helped to make the video as gripping as it was. The video's lasting popularity means that, even decades later, people are still watching it, and still seeing Ola Ray in that very memorable part.
Just recently, the "Thriller" album reached forty years old, and people were, naturally, talking about its impact. Ola Ray herself, who was 61 at the time of this milestone, was part of the discussions, acknowledging the importance of the release. This shows, basically, how deeply connected she is to that project and how it continues to be a part of her public identity. It’s like, even after all these years, the video still has a powerful hold on people's memories, and she is a big part of why that is. The fact that her official website, olaray.com, also highlights her connection to "Thriller" really emphasizes how central that experience has been to her life and career.
Did Ola Ray Receive Her Due?
For someone who played such a significant part in a truly worldwide phenomenon like the "Thriller" video, a natural question might arise: did Ola Ray receive what she was owed for her contributions? It's a common story in the entertainment business, you know, where artists sometimes find themselves in situations where they feel they haven't been properly compensated for their work, especially when that work becomes incredibly popular. In Ola Ray's case, this question came to the forefront several years after the video's release, leading to a legal situation that, basically, sought to address this very issue.
In 2009, not long before Michael Jackson passed away, Ola Ray took legal action against the people looking after his affairs. She was, in fact, seeking what she believed were unpaid payments for her part in the "Thriller" video. This kind of legal step is, you know, often taken when agreements aren't clear or when one party feels that the terms haven't been met as they should have been. It shows that she felt strongly enough about the situation to pursue it through the legal system, which can be a very long and involved process for anyone, let alone someone in the public eye.
What Happened with Ola Ray's Legal Action?
So, what was the outcome of Ola Ray's legal efforts to get what she felt she was owed? Well, an agreement was reached later on, settling the matter for a sum of $75,000. It's interesting, because out of that amount, $20,000 went to her attorneys, the people who helped her with the legal process. This kind of arrangement is, you know, pretty standard in legal cases where a settlement is reached; a portion of the agreed-upon money often goes to cover the costs of legal representation. It means that while she did receive a payment, a part of it was, basically, used to cover the expenses involved in pursuing her claim.
This agreement brought a close to the legal matter, providing a resolution to her request for what she considered to be outstanding payments related to her work on the "Thriller" video. It shows that, even for someone who achieved such widespread recognition, the path to getting what you feel is fair can involve a lot of effort and, you know, some financial arrangements to make it happen. The settlement amount, and the portion that went to her legal team, gives us a clear picture of the outcome of her efforts to get what she believed was due to her.
Ola Ray Beyond the Spotlight
While the "Thriller" video certainly brought Ola Ray a lot of attention, her life and career extend beyond that one very famous role. As of 2022, she was 62 years old, continuing to live her life after being part of such a significant piece of pop culture history. Her background as a model, particularly for Playboy, indicates a career that began with a different kind of public presence, one that, basically, involved visual presentation and fashion. It shows that she had a professional life before and, in some ways, separate from her most famous acting part.
Beyond her acting and modeling, Ola Ray is, in fact, also recognized as a singer. This adds another dimension to her artistic pursuits, showing that her talents weren't limited to just one area of performance. It's not uncommon for people in the entertainment world to explore different avenues, and her venturing into singing suggests a broader interest in the performing arts. Her official website, olaray.com, provides a central place for people to learn more about her, offering a look at her various activities and keeping her connection to the public. It's like, she has continued to be a presence, even if not always in the very bright spotlight of a global music video.
The Enduring Presence of Ola Ray
Ola Ray's connection to "Thriller" is, you know, something that has truly lasted through the years. Her role as Michael Jackson's girlfriend in that much-talked-about music video has, basically, made her a part of cultural memory. Even as the "Thriller" album celebrated its fortieth year, her name was still very much a part of the conversation, highlighting just how deeply her performance resonated with people. It's pretty clear that her appearance in that short film brought her a kind of recognition that few people ever achieve, making her a figure known to many around the world.
From her early days as a model, including her work for Playboy, to her lasting association with one of the most widely watched music videos ever, Ola Ray has, in some respects, carved out a unique place in entertainment history. Her pursuit of what she felt was fair payment for her work on "Thriller" also shows a side of her that is determined and willing to stand up for herself. All these elements combined paint a picture of a person who, you know, has lived a life connected to some truly big moments in popular culture, and whose story continues to be one that people remember and talk about.
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