Michael Jackson tops the most exclusive power list: Top-earning dead celebs

Everyone loves to rank the rich and famous, but there is one celebrity power list that even the most self-infatuated star would avoid like the plague -- Forbes' Top-Earning Dead Celebrities list. Heading the new list is none other than Michael Jackson, who made so much money last year that he actually out-earned every living celebrity except for Oprah Winfrey. When it came to dead celebs, it was no contest. Having grossed $275 million, the King of Pop out-earned all of the other 12 deceased stars on the list combined, with most of his loot coming from his stake in the lucrative Sony/ATV music catalog, his piece of the film "This Is It" and, well, fan fascination with all things MJ.

To qualify for the list (which extends from Oct. 1, 2009, to Oct. 1, 2010, sort of like the Grammys) you have to earn at least $5 million, which I guess is why this year's list only ranks 13 celebs, not just because 13 is an unlucky number. To make the story even more dryly funny, Forbes writers Dorothy Pomerantz and Lacey Rose talked with a guy who handles the personality rights for two celebs on the list, Steve McQueen and Albert Einstein (no word on why Einstein made the list, although maybe he has a line of American Apparel khakis that's big with the kids these days).

Anyway, David Reeder, the personality rights guy, puts it all in the proper, if slightly ghoulish perspective, saying, "The death of Michael Jackson really put a focus on -- crassly, quite frankly -- what someone's worth when they're deceased. In a more positive way, it exposed consumers to this idea that there actually is a market for, and an enduring legacy for, these people."

The list has the usual suspects, such as Elvis, who's No. 2, JRR Tolkien, who's No. 3, and Dr. Seuss, who's No. 7. Newcomers include George Steinbrenner, who debuted at No. 9 and "Girl With the Dragon Tattoo" author Stieg Larsson (No. 6), who died in 2004 but whose estate is finally getting some movie money along with its book earnings. If nothing else, the list reminds you of the timelessness of capitalism, since in what other economic system could a movie star like McQueen be dead for 30 years and still be selling cool threads for Tommy Hilfiger?

And by the way, putting aside rock icons such as Jimi Hendrix, could you possibly guess which great American composer made the list? Here's a hint: He's one of only two people who've won an Oscar, an Emmy, a Grammy, a Tony and a Pulitzer Prize.   

It's Richard Rodgers, whose estate must still be getting lots of dough from "South Pacific," Oklahoma!" and "The Sound of Music."

Photo: Michael Jackson shown at a 2009 press conference in London. Credit: Joel Ryan/Associated Press

 

 

Comments

[Patricia Boeglin]

IF MICHAEL JACKSON was alive... .HE WOULD HAVE WON: FORBES: TOP EARNING "LIVE" CELEBITY! There is a HUGE demand for EVERYTHING Michael Jackson! A new generation is discovering his amazing talent.... MICHAEL IS INVINSIBLE.. HE WILL NEVER DIE! He is very much "alive" in every one of us! His music and his genius will "LIVE FOREVER!"

[Tom]

You are saying Oprah Whinfrey made more that $275K? Why?

[MJJJusticeProject]

This is a wonderful bit of news and something that is not all together surprising becauae, Michael Jackson is a much loved legend by millions of people across the globe. Not only was he was musically gifted but he was a great human being who traveled the world and gave people the monetary help they needed. Kenny Ortega went with MJ to an orphanage once and witnessed how MJ went about his visit whispering to different hospital staff. Later, he asked what had been whispered and they told him that MJ had asked what the orphanage needed. The next day all of the requests and needs were fulfilled by MJ. This is the underreported yet true legacy of Michael Jackson, and that is why people still flock to his music. Thank you Mr. Goldstein for writing a this type of article. It is refreshing to find a journalist reporting on MJ and sticking to the topic at hand.

[Jay]

Michael Jackson earned over 1 billion dollars, does that ammount include in this list?

[erica]

This *is* a joke...isn't it? er... how is some fat chat-show host earning more than the most famous, talented person who ever lived? Only in America... just rediculous.

[umh]

Actually speaking the newer generation is realizing what an amazing talent MJ was, is and will remain irreplaceable. He is very much alive around us with his music and all he is given to this world. He is TOO big to ever be DEAD.

[LoveLightMagic]

It is incredibly refreshing to read a positive article about MJ. Please keep them coming! The public should hear the truth about MJ! There is so much about MJ that is under reported, or not reported at all. The main public who doubt him would have second thoughts - then again, his success since last year somewhat proves he is still loved by the masses. ;) Thank you for posting such a lovely article about MJ!

[DISGUSTED]

MICHAEL JACKSON EARNED 1 BILLION IN ONE YEAR ACCORDING TO THE MICHAEL JACKSON ESTATE.

[Ms. Smith]

Michael Jackson will be loved and missed forever! This doesn't surprise me at all and I am so glad. I can't wait for the new album to come out!