Who played Billie Jean? This question has intrigued fans of Michael Jackson’s iconic song for decades. The answer, of course, is none other than the King of Pop himself, Michael Jackson. However, the song’s music video featured a young actress named Leila Savala, who portrayed the character of Billie Jean. This article delves into the story behind the song, the music video, and the actress who brought the character to life.
The song “Billie Jean” was released in 1982 as the lead single from Michael Jackson’s fourth studio album, “Thriller.” It quickly became a worldwide hit, topping charts in numerous countries and solidifying Jackson’s status as a global music icon. The song’s music video, directed by John Landis, played a significant role in its success, showcasing Michael Jackson’s incredible dance moves and storytelling abilities.
In the music video, Leila Savala plays the character of Billie Jean, a young girl who is accused of being the mother of Michael Jackson’s baby. The video depicts the intense scrutiny and media frenzy surrounding the accusations, with Billie Jean being the central figure. Despite the controversy, the video was a critical and commercial success, earning numerous awards and contributing to the song’s enduring popularity.
Leila Savala was just 11 years old when she was cast in the role of Billie Jean. She had previously appeared in a few television commercials and had been spotted by the casting directors for the music video. Savala’s performance was praised for its authenticity and emotional depth, capturing the essence of the character perfectly.
Although Savala’s role in the “Billie Jean” music video was a significant achievement for a young actress, it was not the only time she worked with Michael Jackson. In 1984, she played the role of a young girl in Jackson’s “Beat It” music video. Savala’s collaboration with the King of Pop was a testament to her talent and versatility as an actress.
Despite her successful career in the music video industry, Leila Savala has largely remained out of the public eye since the 1980s. However, her portrayal of Billie Jean remains a memorable part of Michael Jackson’s legacy and the “Thriller” era. The song and its music video have become timeless classics, and the question “Who played Billie Jean?” will continue to be asked by fans for generations to come.
In conclusion, while Michael Jackson was the face of “Billie Jean,” it was Leila Savala who brought the character to life in the iconic music video. Their collaboration was a perfect blend of talent and creativity, contributing to the song’s enduring popularity and the legacy of the “Thriller” era.
