Michael Jackson's Leading Ladies
Naomi Campbell, Iman and other models in MJ's music videos.
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Happy Birthday, Michael Jackson! - The King of Pop, Michael Jackson, had his share of women admirers, but surprisingly, there were only a few leading ladies in his music video catalog. Many are some of the most recognizable faces even today, and all had at least a brush of that incomparable, iconic MJ spotlight.As we celebrate his life and legacy on his birthday today, Aug. 29, 2014, take a look at where MJ’s leading ladies are now. — Dominique Zonyeé (@DominiqueZonyee)(Photos from left: Mark Robert Milan/GC Images, Phil Walter/Getty Images, Larry Busacca/Getty Images)
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Danielle Acoff - Dancer/actress Danielle Acoff starred in Michael Jackson’s latest posthumous video for his single "A Place With No Name,” which was released via twitter Aug. 2014. Danielle showcased her dancing skills on the beach alongside male co-star Alvester Martin, while MJ appeared throughout the video courtesy of outtakes from his 1992 classic "In the Closet." Most recently, Danielle’s passion for dance led her to another flexible career, she Instagrammed that she can now add certified yoga instructor to her résumé.(Photo: MJJ Productions)
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Beverly Johnson - The first Black supermodel to cover American Vogue magazine in 1974, Beverly Johnson was also the first face of many celebs that appeared in MJ’s star-studded “Liberian Girl” video in 1989. Johnson has since said farewell to her modeling days and transformed herself into a full-blown businesswoman with her wig and extension line. She was named one of 20th century's most influential people in fashion by The New York Times in 2008.(Photo: MJJ Productions)
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Ola Ray - Ola Ray had the honor of starring in MJ’s most iconic video ever, “Thriller.” Ray was cast as Michael’s leading lady, who he scared away with his zombie, teen-wolf night life. The video, or short film if you will, was an instant success and catapulted both Ray and Jackson’s careers. However, it wasn’t all good; Ray battled with Jackson’s estate for decades to obtain royalties from the video. She sued him in 2009, two months prior to his death. She and the estate reached a settlement to the tune of $55,000 in 2013.(Photo: MJJ Productions)
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Naomi Campbell - Actress/model and part-time singer Naomi Campbell helped drive Michael’s “In the Closet” to become the third consecutive Top 10 single off his Dangerous album. In the 1991, sepia-colored video, Campbell served as MJ’s dance partner. More than two decades later, she is still slaying runways, video sets, editorial spreads and more. Naomi most recently appeared in W’s Fall Fashion Issue alongside Rihanna and Iman, and in 2013 she served as a coach in Oxygen’s modeling competition reality show The Face.(Photo: MJJ Productions)
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