Michael Jackson Made More 2011 Money Than Any Other Dead Celeb

There's got to be at least a 50-50 shot that legal fees will make some dent in it, but if the Afterlife has an Easy Street, Michael Jackson's 2011 revenue has him living on it.

Forbes reports that the late King of Pop was 2011's top-earning deceased celebrity. Jackson, who died following an apparent Propofil overdose on June 25, 2009, took in roughly $170 million this past year. It's his second year topping the Forbes list, after bringing in upward of $275 million in sales and licensing revenue in 2010 to take the top spot that year as well.

Elvis Presley remained in second place to Jackson for the second year running, with about $55 million earned. Marilyn Monroe ranked third with $27 million earned this past year. According to Forbes, a good bit of Presley's revenue came from the licensed Cirque Du Soleil tribute show "Viva Elvis."

Close Jackson friend Elizabeth Taylor, who died this past March at 79 years old, tied for fith place with John Lennon, both late famous faces having earned $12 million. Much of Taylor's revenue came from the sale of her longtime fragrance line, White Diamonds.

The full list:

1. Michael Jackson:$170 million

2. Elvis Presley:$55 million

3. Marilyn Monroe:$27 million

4. Charles Schulz:$25 million

5. John Lennon:$12 million

5. Elizabeth Taylor:$12 million

7. Albert Einstein:$10 million

8. Theodor Geisel:$9 million

9. Jimi Hendrix:$7 million

9. Stieg Larsson:$7 million

9. Steve McQueen:$7 million

9. Richard Rodgers:$7 million

13. George Harrison:$6 million

13. Bettie Page:$6 million

13. Andy Warhol:$6 million


Following his death in 2009, Jackson became the year's best-selling album artist, his catalogue having moved 8.2 million albums in the U.S. and 35 million sold total worldwide.