High-Earning 'Dead Celebrities' Through September 2024

Several public figures, especially musicians and actors, who have passed away continue to leave behind legacies and even generate profits. This aligns with the findings of a search conducted by Forbes.

Michael Jackson, Freddie Mercury, Bob Marley, and Whitney Houston topped the list of highest-earning deceased celebrities.

"Income from music catalogs and estate deals remains a top revenue generator for deceased artists," Forbes wrote on its website, as quoted on Tuesday (November 5, 2024).

Michael Jackson achieved a major victory in August 2024, after a judge ruled that the US$600 million sale of his publishing and master recording catalogs to Sony could proceed. Despite the positive outcome, the decision drew protests from the late artist's mother, Katharine Jackson.

This valuation placed the King of Pop in first place. The flow of money to Michael Jackson continues, including revenue from Broadway musicals and tours by the musician commonly known as MJ.

"Overall, Forbes estimates Jackson has grossed over US$3.3 billion since his death in 2009," Forbes wrote.

MJ died on June 25, 2009, at the age of 50. The cause of death was a drug overdose that caused his heart to stop suddenly.

Freddie Mercury, the lead vocalist of Queen, took second place with an estimated income of US$250 million thanks to the sale of a US$1 billion catalog to Sony in June 2024.

"The proceeds are divided into four parts between Mercury and the surviving original band members, Brian May, Roger Taylor, and John Deacon," Forbes wrote, quoting a source familiar with the deal.

Freddie Mercury died on November 24, 1991, at the age of 45 after battling AIDS.

Third place went to American children's book author Theodor Seuss Geisel, or Dr. Seuss. His estimated income is US$75 million, derived from licensing for theme parks, TV, film, and apparel.

Fourth is veteran singer Elvis Presley, with a value of US$50 million. This comes from licensing, music streaming, and revenue from Graceland, his home in Memphis, Tennessee, which Forbes considers to remain highly profitable.

"Graceland welcomed 600,000 visitors last year, according to family representatives—despite an attempt by a fraudster to sell it at a foreclosure auction in May," Forbes wrote.

Fifth is Ric Ocasek, a singer from the US, with a value of US$45 million. Additionally, Prince, Bob Marley, Charles M. Schulz, Matthew Perry, and John Lennon are included in this top 10 list.

This year's Dead Celebrity ranking includes pre-tax income from sales, streaming, licensing deals, and other sources calculated from October 1, 2023, to September 30, 2024, as well as estate acquisitions made or announced during the same period.

Forbes compiled these figures with the help of data from research firm Luminate and interviews with industry insiders. Fees for agents, managers, and lawyers were not deducted.

(See also: 10 Richest People in Indonesia According to Forbes October 2024)