In a remarkable achievement, the late American singer Michael Jackson, affectionately known as the ‘King of Pop,’ has claimed the prestigious title of the world’s highest-paid deceased celebrity in 2023. Forbes magazine recently unveiled their annual list, placing Jackson at the pinnacle with an impressive estimated earning of $115 million.
This momentous occasion marks Jackson’s triumphant return to the top position after a four-year hiatus. Elvis Presley, Jackson’s late father-in-law and a legendary figure in the music industry himself, secured second place on the list with a remarkable estimated earning of $100 million.
Joining these iconic figures are several other late celebrities who have left an indelible impact on the world. Bob Marley, Prince, John Lennon, and Whitney Houston are just a few of the revered talents to be featured among the top 13 deceased celebrities list.
Collectively, these luminaries garnered a substantial sum of approximately $470 million during the past year. However, this figure reflects a significant decrease of 70% compared to the previous year.
The rankings were determined based on various factors, including pre-tax earnings from sales, licensing deals, streams, and other sources of income. The evaluation period spanned from October 1, 2022, to September 30, 2023.
Without further ado, let us have a closer look at the full list:
- 1. Michael Jackson – $115 million
- 2. Elvis Presley – $100 million
- 3. Ray Manzarek – $45 million
- 4. Dr. Seuss – $40 million
- 5. Charles M. Schulz – $30 million
- 6. Prince – $30 million
- 7. Whitney Houston – $30 million
- 8. John Lennon – $22 million
- 9. Bob Marley – $16 million
- 10. Bing Crosby – $14 million
- 11. George Harrison – $14 million
- 12. Arnold Palmer – $10 million
- 13. Marilyn Monroe – $10 million
This impressive list serves as a testament to the lasting impact of these extraordinary individuals and their continued influence on popular culture. Even in death, their legacies thrive, reminding us of the immense talent and artistry they brought to the world.
