Ola Ray, the woman who danced into history alongside Michael Jackson in the legendary “Thriller” video, has lived a life filled with highs, heartbreak, and Hollywood drama. In a recent emotional interview, she opened up about her journey—from a young model in Tokyo to becoming the face of one of the most iconic music videos ever created.

Ray began her career in Japan at just 15, dancing, singing, and modeling for high-fashion brands. Due to her height—only 5’4”—her agent suggested Playboy as a way to break back into the entertainment industry. With confidence and determination, Ola walked into the Playboy offices with her pictures in hand. Within a week, she became the June 1980 Playmate of the Month. In the magazine, she listed Michael Jackson as her favorite artist—a move that foreshadowed her future.

Ola’s big break came when director John Landis cast her in the role of Michael’s girlfriend in “Thriller.” When she realized she’d be starring opposite Jackson, she was ecstatic. “Are you serious?” she asked Landis, with a wide grin. After Michael saw her Playboy spread, he approved her for the role. That moment changed her life forever.

On set, Ray witnessed Jackson’s perfectionism and talent firsthand. She was present during the filming of the iconic dance sequence, watching in awe as Michael demanded multiple takes to get everything just right. When she first met him in the dressing room, she melted. Their chemistry was undeniable. “We had intimate moments,” she admitted, “but not that kind of intimacy.” Despite never being physically involved, Ray confessed she fell for him during filming and regretted never telling him how deeply she felt.

She remembered Michael as playful, funny, and kind—tickling her feet, cracking jokes, and scaring her while in costume. “He was a totally different person when he put on the werewolf mask,” she said.

Their connection lingered after filming, with plans to reunite that never came to fruition. Ray revealed she still owns one of Michael’s Grammys, which he told her she could keep.

However, the aftermath of “Thriller” wasn’t all glitz and glamor. Fame brought unwanted attention. Fans and strangers swarmed her home, eventually forcing her to move. While she expected more career opportunities, they never came. “I got depressed,” she admitted. A widely publicized drug bust tarnished her image, but Ray insists it was a setup by an undercover cop she was unknowingly dating. She never served prison time and maintains that the reports of her being a drug kingpin were false.

Years later, she sued Jackson for unpaid royalties from the “Thriller” video, expressing frustration that she continues to see her work on screen but receives no compensation. “It was painful,” she said. “Every Halloween, it’s everywhere—but no check for me.”

Ray also described the deep emotional impact of Michael’s death. She was in shock, devastated, and claimed he visited her in dreams after passing, guiding her through his spiritual journey. “He showed me his home in heaven,” she said, eyes misty with remembrance.

Despite the legal battles and personal struggles, Ola Ray remains proud of her place in pop culture history. She credits Jackson with changing her life and holds nothing but love for the man behind the music. Her favorite song? Surprisingly not “Thriller,” but “Remember the Time.” “I feel like he wrote that for us,” she said softly.

Decades later, people still recognize her on the street. “I have the fame and glory,” she said. “Just not the fortune.” Still, she feels honored to have been part of something so iconic. “When I think of Michael, I think of love, innocence, and genius. We should be grateful for the time we had with him.”

Ola Ray’s story is one of love, legacy, and the lasting power of a moment caught on film—forever dancing in the shadow of a legend.