Michael Still Top Earning Dead Celebrity

Michael Jackson remains the unparalleled icon of posthumous fame and fortune. In 2024, he once again claims the top spot on Forbes’ list of Top Earning Dead Celebrities, underscoring his enduring global influence and immense commercial power. His artistry and innovation continues to captivate the public and drive substantial revenue streams, keeping his legacy as vibrant as ever.

This year, in a landmark move, his estate finalized a monumental $600 million deal with Sony for his music catalog, encompassing publishing rights and recorded masters. Beyond this sale, the Broadway production, “MJ: The Musical,” continues to be a major success, drawing sellout crowds and rave reviews. Global touring productions celebrating his iconic career also bring in massive profits, allowing new audiences to experience his work. Combined with merchandise sales, licensing agreements, and streaming revenue, these ventures have propelled Michael’s posthumous earnings to an astonishing $3.3 billion since his passing in 15 years ago in 2009.

While other late celebrities like Freddie Mercury and Matthew Perry have also achieved impressive posthumous earnings, Michael’s outshines them all. Mercury’s estate benefited from Queen’s $1 billion catalog sale to Sony, earning around $250 million, and Perry continues to earn from “Friends” syndication.

In life, Michael Jackson shattered records, redefined the music industry, and revolutionized entertainment. In death, he continues to set the gold standard for what it means to be an icon and is a testament to how an artist’s legacy can evolve and expand.

The top 10 of top earning dead celebrities is:

1. Michael Jackson – $600 Million
2. Freddie Mercury – $250 Million
3. Dr. Seuss – $75 Million
4. Elvis Presley – $50 Million
5. Ric Ocasek – $45 Million
6. Prince – $35 Million
7. Bob Marley – $34 Million
8. Charles M. Schulz – $30 Million
9. Matthew Perry – $18 Million
10. John Lennon – $17 Million

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