Matthew Perry has joined the ranks of legendary pop stars such as Michael Jackson, Freddie Mercury, and Whitney Houston as one of the highest-earning deceased celebrities. In 2024, the music greats continue to top the charts in earnings, with Michael Jackson’s estate leading the pack with over $3.3 billion in earnings since his death in 2009. Freddie Mercury’s estate also saw a significant increase, earning $250 million following a $1 billion catalog sale to Sony.
Not just musicians, but also television actors like Matthew Perry, who passed away in 2023, are making a mark on the list. Perry, along with his Friends co-stars, is estimated to earn around $18 million annually in royalties from the hit sitcom. The trend of deceased celebrities earning millions posthumously also extends to creative figures like Dr. Seuss, Elvis Presley, and Prince, whose estates continue to generate significant income through various licensing deals, music streaming, and touring productions.
The Forbes list of highest-earning dead celebrities highlights the enduring popularity and financial success of iconic figures beyond their lifetimes. From musicians like Bob Marley to cartoonists like Charles M. Schulz, these legends continue to captivate audiences and generate substantial revenue through their timeless works. The methodology used to compile the rankings includes pretax earnings from various sources, including sales, streams, licensing deals, and estate acquisitions made between October 1, 2023, and September 30, 2024. Fees for agents, managers, and lawyers are not deducted in the calculations.
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