Forbes Names Michael Jackson Highest Earning Dead Celebrity
Icons typically continue to generate income well after their deaths, but Michael Jackson's taking things to new heights.
Making his Forbes List debut, MJ generated $275 million this past year, more money than any other living star, minus Oprah, and out-earned every celebrity on the Top Earning Dead Celebrity list.
Elvis Presley still makes loads of money 33 years after his death. He comes in at no. 2 with $60 million. "Lord of the Rings" author J.R.R. Tolkien raked in $50 million, largely due to a two-movie adaptation of his book, "The Hobbit" going into production. Cartoonist Charles Schulz ranked fourth with $33 million and Beatles frontman John Lennon came in at no. 5 with $17 million. See the full list below.
1. Michael Jackson $275 million
2. Elvis Presley $60 million
3. J.R.R. Tolkien $33 million
4. Charles Schulz $50 million
5. John Lennon $17 million
6. Stieg Larsson $15 million
7. Dr. Seuss (Theodor Geisel) $11 million
8. Albert Einstein $10 million
9. George Steinbrenner $8 million
10. Richard Rodgers $7 million
11. Jimi Hendrix $6 million
12. Steve McQueen $6 million