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The highest-earning dead celebrities, and where their money goes

Who makes most from beyond the grave?
The methodology behind the list
13. Whitney Houston: $13 million (£10m)
13. Whitney Houston: $13 million (£10m)
12. Arnold Palmer: $14 million (£10.8m)
12. Arnold Palmer: $14 million (£10.8m)
11. James Brown: $15 million (£11.5m)
11. James Brown: $15 million (£11.5m)
10. John Lennon: $17 million (£13.1m)
10. John Lennon: $17 million (£13.1m)
9. Matthew Perry: $18 million (£13.8m)
9. Matthew Perry: $18 million (£13.8m)
8. Charles M. Schulz: $30 million (£23.1m)
8. Charles M. Schulz: $30 million (£23.1m)
7. Bob Marley: $34 million (£26.1m)
7. Bob Marley: $34 million (£26.1m)
6. Prince: $35 million (£26.9m)
6. Prince: $35 million (£26.9m)
5. Ric Ocasek: $45 million (£34.6m)
5. Ric Ocasek: $45 million (£34.6m)
4. Elvis Presley: $50 million (£38.4m)
4. Elvis Presley: $50 million (£38.4m)
3. Dr. Seuss: $75 million (£57.7m)
3. Dr. Seuss: $75 million (£57.7m)
2. Freddie Mercury: $250 million (£192m)
2. Freddie Mercury: $250 million (£192m)
1. Michael Jackson: $600 million (£461m)
1. Michael Jackson: $600 million (£461m)
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Ron Pownall/Getty Images

Who makes most from beyond the grave?

Forbes recently dropped its annual list of the highest-paid dead celebrities – and some of the names in the latest edition might surprise you.

From music icons to beloved authors, read on to discover the 13 stars featured and find out how much money their estates made in 2024. We'll also explore who benefits from each star's millions, from family members to estate management companies.

All dollar amounts in US dollars.

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Danielle McAdam

10 April 2025

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