Forbes is out with another list and this one is more morbid than others. The magazine has ranked the top-earning dead celebrities and the late King of Pop, Michael Jackson, topped the list.
The magazine reports that Jackson made $160 million from October 2012 to October 2013. that’s more than Madonna, who Forbes called the richest celebrity with $125 million in the past year and she’s still alive.
Jackson’s fortune comes from the two Cirque du Soleil shows based on his music, Immortal and One. Immortal is touring the world and has grossed $300 million in the past year and One sells out frequently in Las Vegas. He is also making money for his estate thanks to his half of the huge Sony/ATV music publishing catalog, which includes The Beatles and many others.
Last year, the late actress Elizabeth Taylor, who was a friend of Michael’s, topped the list $210 million thanks to a Christie’s auction of her memorabilia. This year, she slid to No. 4 with just $25 million. Her White Diamonds perfume made $53 million in the U.S. in 2012 and she’s also making money through film rights and stock and real estate investments.
The No. 2 spot is held by Elvis Presley, who made $55 million. Peanuts creator Charles Schulz made $37 million, while Bob Marley made $18 million.
Here’s the full top 10:
Michael Jackson - $160 million
Elvis Presley - $55 million
Charles Schulz - $37 million
Elizabeth Taylor - $25 million
Bob Marley - $18 million
Marilyn Monroe - $15 million
John Lennon - $12 million
Albert Einstein - $10 million
Bettie Page - $10 million
Theodor Geisel (Dr. Seuss) - $9 million
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