Wednesday, October 26, 2011

Top-Earning Dead Celebrities 2011 named by Forbes

They may be dead but they are earning way more than many living people. Here's this year's list of "Top-Earning Dead Celebrities" compiled by financial website Forbes.com.

1. Michael Jackson (d. 2009) – $170 million
2. Elvis Presley (d. 1977) – $55 million
3. Marilyn Monroe (d. 1962) – $27 million
4. Charles Schulz (“Peanuts” cartoonist, d. 2000) – $25 million
5. Elizabeth Taylor (d. 2011) – $12 million
6. John Lennon (d. 1980) – $12 million
7. Albert Einstein (d. 1955) – $10 million
8. Theodor Geisel (Dr. Seuss, d. 1991) – $9 million
9. Jimi Hendrix (d. 1970) – $7 million
10. Stieg Larsson (author, d. 2004) – $7 million
11. Steve McQueen (actor, d. 1980) – $7 million
12. Richard Rodgers (songwriter, d. 1979) – $7 million
13. George Harrison (d. 2011) – $6 million
14. Bettie Page (actress, d. 2008) – $6 million
15. Andy Warhol (d. 1987) – $6 million

The Forbes' "Top-Earning Dead Celebrities" list takes into account any deceased famous personality who has earned at least $6 million between October 2010 and October 2011.

"For the most part, earnings come from things like music royalties (John Lennon), book sales (Dr. Seuss) or the licensing of one’s image and likeness (McQueen)," Forbes wrote.