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Michael Jackson has topped Forbes’ list for the highest-earning deceased celebrity of the past year.
The estate of the late singer amassed $160 million (R1,6 billion) in 12 months as a result of two successful Cirque du Soleil shows – Michael Jackson One and Michael Jackson The Immortal World Tour – based on a catalogue of his hits.
The earnings put him at the top of Forbes magazine's annual list of Top-Earning Dead Celebrities.
The King of Pop, who died after overdosing on the anaesthetic propofol in 2009, took the crown from his close friend Elizabeth Taylor, who slipped to fourth place with earnings of $25 million (R250 million).
According to the publication, Elvis Presley's estate brought in an estimated $55 million (R550 million) in posthumous earnings, putting him in second place on the list which analyses deceased celebrities’ earnings between June 2012 and June 2013.
Cartoonist Charles Schulz – who created the Peanuts comic strip – moved up one spot to third place after amassing $37 million (R370 million).
Reggae star Bob Marley rounded out the top five with $18 million (R180 million).
Others in the top 13 include Albert Einstein, Marilyn Monroe and Bruce Lee, as well as newcomer Jenni Rivera. The estate of the late Mexican singer, who died in a plane crash in 2012, earned $7 million (R70 million).
Full list of Forbes magazine's Top-Earning Dead Celebrities:
1. Michael Jackson – $160 million (R1,6 billion)
2. Elvis Presley – $55 million (R550 m)
3. Charles Schulz – $37 million (R370 m)
4. Elizabeth Taylor – $25 million (R250 m)
5. Bob Marley – $18 million (R180 m)
6. Marilyn Monroe – $15 million (R150 m)
7. John Lennon – $12 million (R120 m)
8. Albert Einstein – $10 million (R100 m)
9. Bettie Page – $10 million (R100 m)
10. Theodor Geisel – $9 million (R90 m)
11. Steve McQueen – $9 million (R90 m)
12. Bruce Lee – $7 million (R70 m)
13. Jenni Rivera – $7 million (R70 m) - Bang Showbiz Share your thoughts:
