50. Interview- Ola Ray Reflects on Life After Thriller, Michael Jackson, and Finding Faith
club 30's with mjfangirl- a Michael Jackson Fan PodcastShow Notes
Get Ola's Book- The Thrill of It All: https://amzn.to/4huLFrB Follow Ola Ray: www.olaray.com
Today I fulfilled a lifelong dream, getting to sit down with Ola Ray, the leading lady and "Thriller girl" from Michael Jackson’s legendary Thriller short film. In this episode of mjfangirl, we dive into Ola Ray’s incredible journey, from her early days growing up in St. Louis and modeling in Japan, to breaking barriers as a Playboy centerfold, and landing the role alongside Michael Jackson in Thriller, that would make her part of music history. Ola opens up about her unforgettable memories with Michael Jackson on the Thriller set, how their real chemistry brought the story to life, and more. Ola also shares her powerful testimony of overcoming, finding healing through faith, and writing her memoir “The Thrill of It All.” This is a deep, emotional conversation about fame, survival, and the divine timing that brought her full circle. Listen as Ola Ray reflects on the magic of Thriller, the joy and humanity of Michael Jackson, and the strength it takes to rise again.
TIMESTAMPS 00:00 Ola Ray’s Introduction & Early Dreams 02:30 Growing Up Between St. Louis, California, and Japan 05:30 Becoming a Model and Performer in Tokyo 06:30 Breaking Barriers as a Playboy Centerfold 10:30 How Playboy Led to Thriller for Ola Ray 12:00 Meeting John Landis and Landing the Role 14:30 Behind the Scenes of Filming Thriller19:30 Real Chemistry with Ola Ray & Michael Jackson 25:00 Michael Singing Live on Set32:00 Michael’s Humor, Perfectionism, and Playful Side 34:00 Thriller Breaking Racial Barriers on MTV36:30 Inside the Star-Studded Thriller Premiere 40:00 Life After Thriller: Fame, Temptation, and Hollywood’s Dark Side 45:00 Healing and Finding Faith 49:00 Writing Her Memoir “The Thrill of It All” 52:30 Memories of Michael Jackson and His Love for Fans 55:00 Closing Reflections & Ola Ray’s Message of Hope
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