Top 13 Highest-Paid Dead Celebs Of 2023, According To Forbes

Jessica Wilson
Nov 24, 2023
Nov 24, 2023

The world was shaken multiple times with the passing of each Hollywood legend, leaving millions of people, especially loyal fans, in mourning. In honoring their significant contributions to the Entertainment industry, many people, especially loyal fans, revisit their movies or replay their iconic songs.

Despite their absence in the world, it's remarkable to discover that these legends continue to amass substantial earnings each year. Forbes has recently unveiled a list of the 13 highest-paid celebrities of 2023, revealing the staggering amounts these departed icons still generate.

#13. Marilyn Monroe $10 million

Source: Marilyn Monroe/Wikipedia

Marilyn Monroe's iconic image continues to influence fashion and design trends over sixty years after her death. The star earned millions from licensing and merchandising, including an NFT collection with Zeblocks, false lashes and press-on nails from Kiss, and a lingerie line with Fleur du Mal.

#12. Arnold Palmer $10 million

Source: Matt Slocum/AP

Arnold Palmer, known for his success in golf, continues to earn royalties from his signature half-lemonade, half-iced tea beverage. In 2018, the Arnold Palmer beverage brand introduced a spiked line, diversifying its flavor options in response to the growing hard tea market.

#11. George Harrison $14 million

Source: Alamy

George Harrison's wealth continues to earn a steady income from his time with the Beatles and his solo career. The estate also benefits from the psychedelic Cirque du Soleil show, LOVE, based on the Beatles catalog.

#10. Bing Crosby $14 million

Source: Donaldson Collection/Getty Images

Mariah Carey might be the queen of Christmas, but Bing Crosby, the king for generations, continues to earn royalties from his music catalog and song usage. Recently, the Crosby estate released the posthumous album "Bing Crosby’s Christmas Gems," featuring archival material and rare recordings, just in time for the holiday season. The new release includes the digital debut of Crosby’s duet with David Bowie, “Peace On Earth / Little Drummer Boy,” excluding his biggest hit, "White Christmas."

#9. Bob Marley $16 million

Source: Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images

Even over 40 years after his death, Bob Marley's music and the rights to his name and likeness remain highly sought after. You can find them on various products like headphones, speakers, sneakers, and even cannabis. Recently, the first Marley-branded dispensary opened in Jamaica, and a movie titled "Bob Marley: One Love," starring Kingsley Ben Adir, is set to hit the big screen next year.

#8. John Lennon $22 million

Source: Pinterest

In 2023, John Lennon's estate is still making money from his music catalog and his share of Beatles music. They're releasing a new song called "Now and Then," using artificial intelligence to complete one of Lennon's demos from the 1970s that didn't make it to the group's Anthology album.

#7. Whitney Houston $30 million

Source: Getty Images

In 2023, Whitney Houston's estate is enjoying a significant year with the success of the biopic "Whitney Houston: I Wanna Dance With Somebody," grossing nearly $60 million worldwide. Additionally, MAC Cosmetics collaborated with the Houston estate, led by her sister-in-law, Pat Houston, and Primary Wave, to release a makeup collection.

#6. Prince $30 million

Source: Chris O'Meara/AP

Since Prince's passing in 2016, his estate, along with Primary Wave, has continued to publish more music, including three posthumous albums. This month, a remastered version of his 1991 album Diamonds and Pearls is set to release, featuring 47 unreleased songs and hours of never-before-seen concert footage.

#5. Charles Schulz $30 million

Source: Charles Schulz/Britannica

Despite Charlie Brown famously getting a rock for Halloween, the Schulz estate has been financially successful for over a decade. The Peanuts gang collaborates with Apple, airing holiday specials and providing digital faces for Apple Watches. Fans can also find branded cookware at Williams Sonoma, Cariuma sneakers, and Igloo Coolers, all released this year. It's almost as good as a visit from the Great Pumpkin.

#4. Dr. Seuss $40 million

Source: Dr. Seuss/Britannica

Young readers continue to enjoy Theodor Seuss Geisel's books, with his back catalog sales and new releases, like "How the Grinch Lost Christmas," forming a significant portion of his annual earnings. Additionally, Dr. Seuss earns income from licensing his classic characters, such as the Grinch, the Cat in the Hat, and the Lorax, which has increased since last year.

#3. Ray Manzarek $45 million

Source: Chris Walter/WireImage

In one of this year's significant music catalog deals, the late Doors keyboard player and the band's living guitarist, Robby Krieger, sold their rights to the band's music to Primary Wave. The deal covered recorded music, publishing, trademarks, merchandising, and related income. Drummer John Densmore and the estate of Jim Morrison still hold their stakes in the Doors' rights.

#2. Elvis Presley $100 million

Source: Elvis Presley/Britannica

Even though Elvis left the building nearly 50 years ago, he's still reigning supreme. Graceland, Presley's home in Memphis, Tennessee, drew in around 600,000 visitors in the last 12 months, bringing in substantial income through tickets and merchandise sales.

Following the January passing of Elvis' only daughter, Lisa Marie Presley, his ex-wife, Priscilla, and granddaughter Riley Keough engaged in a legal dispute for control of the two estates. Eventually, 34-year-old actress Riley Keough, known for her role in "Daisy Jones and the Six," became the sole trustee of both estates.

#1. Michael Jackson $115 million

Source: Getty Images

Michael Jackson is once again the top-earning deceased celebrity, thanks to the success of the Broadway show "MJ: The Musical" and the Cirque du Soleil show "Michael Jackson ONE" in Las Vegas. The musical grossed around $85 million in ticket sales over the past year, securing Jackson's position at the pinnacle of posthumous earnings. Additionally, a biopic titled "Michael" featuring Jackson's nephew Jaafar is expected to contribute to his ongoing financial success.

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