12. Jennifer Beals (of Flashdance fame) Was Originally Offered the Role Of Jackson’s Girlfriend

Actress and Playboy model Ola Ray scored the role of a lifetime as Michael Jackson’s girlfriend in the ‘Thriller’ video. However, she wasn’t the first actress that casting had in mind.

Jennifer Beals, of “Flashdance” fame, got the initial offer to play Jackson’s girlfriend but for some reason, she declined it. The part went to Ray instead. Ray said following Jackson’s death that she was grateful for the role and the two remained close friends long after the video shoot ended. He even flew her to Germany so she could accept and keep a film award for the video.