Michael Jackson tops earnings rankings for dead celebrities
October 26, 2010 (NEW YORK) -- Michael Jackson is making more money from the grave than any artist or group dead or alive.
Jackson is the top-earning dead celebrity on Forbes's annual list, raking in $275 million in the past 12 months. That's more than the rest of the dead celebrities combined and Forbes says is more than any living artist or group. Elvis ranks second on the list with $60 million. "Lord of the Rings" author J.R.R. Tolkien is third with $50 million. "Peanuts" creator Charles Schulz is fourth with $33 million and John Lennon is fifth with $17 million. Jimi Hendrix ranks eleventh with $6 million.
$275 million
Musician Died: June 25, 2009 Age: 50 Cause: Drug overdose
The King of Pop passed away last summer, but he’s made more money over the past year than any musician, dead or alive. His $275 million total was greater than the earnings of the two most profitable living acts, U2 and AC/DC, combined. Jackson's posthumous earnings have been bolstered by shrewd negotiations by his estate, including a merchandising deal and the rights to his name and likeness for the Sony film This Is It, which grossed over a quarter of a billion dollars.
No. 2 Elvis Presley
$60 million
Singer, actor Died: Aug. 16, 1977 Age: 42 Cause: Heart attack
The King of Rock 'n' Roll’s income ballooned to $60 million, up $5 million from last year, thanks to Graceland admissions and the Elvis Presley Cirque du Soleil spectacular launched in Las Vegas earlier this year. His portfolio of more than 200 licensing and merchandise deals got a nice boost from the late star's 75th birthday celebration. Among the commemorative events: Graceland exhibits, touring tribute concerts and an Elvis-themed cruise to the Bahamas.
No. 3 J.R.R. Tolkien
$50 million
Author Died: Sept. 2, 1973 Age: 81 Cause: Bleeding ulcer
The last Lord of the Rings movie hit theaters eight years ago, but Tolkien is still a hot topic in Hollywood. A two-movie adaptation of his book The Hobbit is currently in preproduction in New Zealand. All that Hollywood attention has helped move his books. According to Nielsen, Tolkien sold just shy of 500,000 copies in the last year.
No. 4 Charles Schulz
$33 million
Cartoonist Died: Feb 12, 2000 Age: 77 Cause: Colon cancer
The Peanuts brand changed ownership again this year, with Iconix purchasing the cartoon and its characters for $175 million to form Peanuts Worldwide, LLC. With the acquisition, Charles M. Schulz Creative Associates will maintain a 20% stake in the new company. The late Schulz continues to earn from his comic strip, which appears in 2,200 newspapers across 75 countries.
No. 5 John Lennon
$17 million
Musician Died: Dec. 8, 1980 Age: 40 Cause: Murder
It’s been nearly 30 years since The Beatles’ John Lennon was killed in New York City. In what would have been his 70th year, EMI has launched the “Gimme Some Truth” campaign, re-releasing much of Lennon’s catalog, resulting in several Top 10 chart appearances. His estate still earns from the "Beatles Rock Band" videogame and licensing deals with the likes of Cisco and Mont Blanc.
No. 6 Stieg Larsson
$15 million
Writer Died: Nov. 9, 2004 Age: 50 Cause: Heart attack
Larsson died before The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo was published, so he didn’t live to see the incredible success of his series of three books, known as The Millennium Trilogy. (A fourth book has reportedly been found.) More than 40 million copies of the books have been sold in 44 languages, and Sony is producing American films based on the books. They will star Daniel Craig as Mikael Blomkvist.
No. 7 Dr. Seuss (Theodor Geisel)
$11 million
Author Died: Sept. 24, 1991 Age: 87 Cause: Natural causes
With his instantly recognizable rhyming scheme, Dr. Seuss is the best-selling children’s author in history. Horton, the Grinch and his other iconic characters are now reaching audiences through iPhone apps and an attraction at Orlando’s Universal Studios theme park. According to Nielsen, Seuss’ titles are on pace to sell 3 million copies this year.
No. 8 Albert Einstein
$10 million
Scientist Died: April 18, 1955 Age: 76 Cause: Natural causes
Associated with all things intelligent, Einstein's name continues to be used to peddle Baby Einstein products, a majority Disney-owned venture designed to make infants smarter. Other lucrative tie-ins include Italy’s Banca Profilo’s “Face Value” campaign, Chrysler’s Ram brand truck ads and a collection of A.J. Morgan “geek chic” glasses. The scientist's estate has also expanded into videogames with a Nintendo DS brain game that retails for about $50.
No. 9 George Steinbrenner
$8 million
Sports Franchise Owner Died: July 13, 2010 Age: 80 Cause: Heart attack
Professional sports has never seen a more iconic franchise owner than George Steinbrenner. The New York Yankees boss carried the club back to its championship heritage, brought a new stadium to the Bronx and took the team’s famous interlocking NY logo global. Although Steinbrenner passed away during the team’s most recent season, he continues to earn as long as the Yankees continue to win.
No. 10 Richard Rodgers
$7 million
Songwriter Died: Dec. 30, 1979 Age: 77 Cause: Chronic illness
In 2009 the Netherlands' Imagem Music Group bought the rights to the collaborative catalog of Richard Rodgers and Oscar Hammerstein for a reported $200 million. Without those assets, Rogers still lands on our list, thanks to his earlier work with Lorenz Hart. That catalog boasts such standards as “My Funny Valentine” and “The Lady is a Tramp.”
