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Poll: Death Didn’t Stop These Celebrities From Making a Buck

A poll by urbanemovies
It was just a few short years ago that the estates of John Wayne, Bruce Lee and James Dean would annually top the list of highest paid dead celebrities. Not any longer, a new generation had taken their place as the top earners among the dead. While some names may not surprise you, there seems to be an almost equal number that will.

Which of these selected world's highest-paid dead celebrities, as listed by Forbes in the 21st century, is your favorite money-maker? *selection includes multiple Top 10 Forbes listings and/or cumulative estate income between $25+ million USD and $2+ billion USD since 2001 with nine figure income years noted.

See the companion list: World's Highest-Paid Living Celebrities

Discuss the topic here.

Results of 245 votes:

  1. 1.

    Michael Jackson

     
    Forbes Top #1-#5 Earner: 2021, 2020, 2019, 2018 ($400M), 2017, 2016 ($825M), 2015 ($115M), 2014 ($140M), 2013 ($160M), 2012 ($145M), 2011 ($170M), 2010 ($275M), 2009 Forbes Top #6-#10 Earner: 2022…
  2. 2.

    Elvis Presley

     
    Forbes Top #1-#5 Earner: 2022 ($110M), 2020, 2019, 2018, 2015, 2014, 2013, 2012, 2011, 2010, 2009, 2008, 2007, 2006, 2005, 2004, 2003, 2002, 2001 Forbes Top #6-#10 Earner: 2021, 2017, 2016
  3. 3.

    J.R.R. Tolkien

     
    Forbes Top #1-#5 Earner: 2022 ($500M), 2010, 2009, 2004, 2003 Forbes Top #6-#10 Earner: 2005, 2002, 2001
See all results

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