Matthew Perry has made a surprising entry into the exclusive list of the highest-earning dead celebrities, joining music legends such as Michael Jackson, Freddie Mercury, and Whitney Houston. Despite his passing in 2023 due to an accidental overdose, Perry continues to pull in an estimated $18 million annually in royalties from his iconic role on the hit sitcom Friends.
The top spot on the list is once again claimed by the King of Pop, Michael Jackson, whose estate has earned over $3.3 billion since his death in 2009. Jackson’s estate scored a major victory with a $600 million catalog sale of his publishing and recorded masters’ rights to Sony. Meanwhile, Queen’s Freddie Mercury reclaims his spot on the list with an estimated $250 million following the group’s $1 billion catalog sale to Sony.
Other notable entries include music legends like Elvis Presley, Bob Marley, and Prince, as well as iconic figures like Dr. Seuss and Peanuts creator Charles M. Schulz. The list also features Arnold Palmer, whose famous iced tea and lemonade drink continues to generate millions in revenue through licensing deals.
The rankings were compiled based on pre-tax earnings from sales, streams, licensing deals, and estate acquisitions between October 1, 2023, and September 30, 2024. The data was collected with the help of Luminate and industry insiders, with fees for agents, managers, and lawyers not deducted from the figures. Despite their passing, these celebrities continue to amass wealth and leave a lasting legacy in their respective industries.
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