Michael Jackson tops Forbes’ list of the highest earning celebrities who have passed away.
The King of Pop – who died of acute Propofol intoxication in June 2009 – brought in an estimated $140 million in the past year for his estate, according to the magazine.
The money came from Cirque du Soleil shows “Immortal” and “One,” as well as his half of the Sony/ATV publishing catalog, his own MiJac catalogue and his posthumous album, “Xscape,” which was released earlier this year.
In second place is Elvis Presley, earning $55 million in the past 12 months. “Peanuts” creator Charles Schulz comes in third with $40 million.
According to Forbes – who compiled the list using estimated earnings and spoke to estate managers, lawyers and licensors – the 13 deceased stars earned a total of $363.5 million between October 2013 and 14.
Forbes’ Highest-Earning Dead Celebrities 2014:
1. Michael Jackson, $140 million
2. Elvis Presley, $55 million
3. Charles Schulz, $40 million
4. Dame Elizabeth Taylor, $25 million
5. Bob Marley, $20 million
6. Marilyn Monroe, $17 million
7. John Lennon, $12 million
8. Albert Einstein, $11 million
9. Theodor Geisel, $9 million
10. Bruce Lee, $9 million
11. Steve McQueen, $9 million
12. Bettie Page, $9 million
13. James Dean, $9 million
Information from Forbes.com contributed to this report.
