Net Worth Ranker
What Is Ola Ray’s Net Worth?
Ola Ray, the American model and actress, has accumulated a net worth of approximately $500,000. This valuation is based on her earnings from various endeavors, including modeling, acting, and settlements related to her role in Michael Jackson’s “Thriller” music video film. Ray’s financial journey reflects a career marked by both high-profile roles and subsequent legal battles regarding royalties and compensation.
Ola Ray’s Early Career and Modeling Ventures
Ola Ray’s early career played a crucial role in establishing her initial net worth. After her family’s relocation to Tokyo, Japan, Ray formed a song and dance group named “The Puppets” with her siblings. “The Puppets” secured a year-long performing contract at the Big Together Club in Tokyo’s Shinjuku District, generating revenue through live performances and television commercials. Although the exact financial figures from this period are not publicly documented, this contract and related appearances undoubtedly contributed to her early financial standing. Additionally, “The Puppets” were offered a recording deal from CBS Records in Tokyo, further solidifying their earning potential.
Simultaneously, Ray embarked on a modeling career, signing with Eddie Arab Modeling Agency. This venture allowed her to secure numerous bookings, which led to appearances on magazine covers and in commercials for prominent Japanese department stores like Isetan, Matsuya, and Parco. The specific earnings from these modeling gigs remain undisclosed, but her active presence in the Japanese advertising market likely provided a steady income stream that added to her growing net worth.
Upon returning to the United States in 1978, Ray moved to Los Angeles to pursue her career in modeling and entertainment. In 1980, her career gained significant momentum when she became the Playmate of the Month for the June issue of “Playboy.” While the exact payment for being a Playmate of the Month varies, it is known to be a substantial sum, providing Ray with a financial boost and increased visibility in the American entertainment industry. This exposure led to subsequent modeling contracts and opportunities, further enhancing her financial prospects.
Following her “Playboy” feature, Ray secured a contract with Johnson and Johnson to promote their Classy Curly products. This role involved appearing in commercials and magazine advertisements, providing a consistent income and elevating her profile. She also appeared in advertisements for major brands like Coca-Cola, Coors, McDonald’s, and Leggs pantyhose. These endorsement deals significantly contributed to her earnings, even though the precise amounts for each campaign are not publicly available.
Ola Ray’s Acting Roles and “Thriller” Controversy
Ray’s acting career further augmented her net worth. She landed roles in films such as “Body and Soul” (1981), “Night Shift” and “48 Hrs.” (both in 1982). While the specific salaries for these early roles are not public knowledge, they provided valuable experience and exposure, leading to more prominent opportunities. In 1983, she appeared in the films “10 to Midnight” and “The Man Who Loved Women,” continuing to build her resume and income.
The pinnacle of Ray’s career came in 1983 with her role as Michael Jackson’s girlfriend in the “Thriller” music video. The immense popularity of “Thriller” catapulted her to international fame. However, the financial benefits did not immediately follow. Ray later complained about not receiving royalties from “Thriller” and, in May 2009, sued Michael Jackson, seeking a settlement and a share of future royalties. The lawsuit remained unresolved at the time of Jackson’s death in June 2009.
In 2012, Jackson’s estate settled the lawsuit with Ray, resulting in a payment of $75,000. This settlement, while significant, was substantially less than what Ray had initially sought in terms of royalties. However, this settlement became a notable component of Ola Ray’s net worth, especially considering her complaints about unpaid royalties. The protracted legal battle likely incurred legal fees, which would have impacted the net amount she ultimately retained.
After “Thriller,” Ray continued to secure acting roles, including appearances in “Fear City” (1984), “The Night Stalker” and “Beverly Hills Cop II” (both in 1987). Her appearances in television series like “Automan,” “Gimme a Break!,” “Cheers,” and “What’s Happening Now!” provided additional income, although the specific earnings from these roles are not publicly documented. These performances, along with her earlier roles, contributed to her overall financial stability and net worth accumulation.
Ola Ray’s Later Career and Personal Ventures
In subsequent years, Ray experienced periods of relative inactivity in the entertainment industry. She reappeared in the public eye in 2000 with an episode of “Where Are They Now?” followed by appearances in “I Love the 80s” (2001) and “Never Mind the Buzzcocks” (2002). These appearances provided some income and maintained her public profile, albeit on a smaller scale compared to her earlier success. In 2019 and 2020, she appeared in the feature films “It Wants Blood!” and “Shooting Heroin,” respectively, marking a return to acting after a long hiatus. The financial impact of these later projects on her overall net worth is modest but demonstrates continued engagement with her profession.
In June 2022, Ray published a memoir entitled “The Thrill of It All.” While book sales data is not publicly available, the publication of a memoir can provide an additional income stream, particularly if it garners significant attention and sales. This memoir details her experiences, from her childhood to her sudden rise to fame after “Thriller,” adding another layer to her public persona and potential earnings.
