13 dead celebrities who are super rich in 2024

Even in death, fame continues to produce wealth.

Some of the world’s most famous people—from music legends to authors—continue to earn millions each year.

As pop culture critic Chuck Klosterman once noted, “Death is the only thing that guarantees a rock star will have a legacy that transcends fleeting importance.”

In 2024, stars like Michael Jackson, Freddie Mercury, and Whitney Houston lead the highest paid dead people, and their estates generate the most money from internet deals and glass sales.

Michael Jackson’s estate topped the list this year, earning $600 million, thanks to the massive sale of the catalog rights to Sony.

Similarly, Freddie Mercury’s estate received a whopping $1 billion from the sale of Queen’s catalog, highlighting the continued profitability of legacy artists.

Real estate sales and catalogs have become important sources of income for dead stars, allowing their products to remain profitable and viable.

According to a Forbes report released Thursday, “This year’s ranking of Dead Celebrities includes taxable income from sales, royalties, licensing agreements and other income between October 1, 2023 and September 30, 2024, plus and acquisition of goods, declared or completed during that period.”

Forbes compiled this information using Luminate’s analysis and input from industry experts.

Here are the highest-paid dead celebrities of 2024, whose influence is lasting and whose earnings are on the rise.

• Michael Jackson – $600m

The King of Pop’s estate receives worldwide profits from his Broadway musicals and tours, with new productions planned for Hamburg in 2025.

• Freddie Mercury – $250m

Returning to the charts, Queen’s frontman saw a major setback from the group’s chart-topping sales, preserving the legacy of hits like “Bohemian Rhapsody.”

Theodor Seuss Geisel’s classic stories, including The Cat in the Hat and The Grinch, remain popular, supported by merchandise and collectors’ items.

Graceland continues to be a major tourist attraction, with revenue from music streaming and licensing. The property faced an attempted fraud incident earlier this year.

The publishing rights and image of the lead singer of Cars saw growth after a deal with Primary Wave, expanding the band’s popularity.

Prince’s set and legacy at Paisley Park keep his legacy alive, though a legal dispute could delay the planned Netflix documentary.

Marley’s brand remains strong, boosted by a recent biopic and a cannabis collaboration that lives up to his legacy.

• Charles M. Schulz – $30m

Peanuts creator Schulz has seen increasing popularity, especially on social media, and Snoopy appeals to a new audience.

The benefits and invitations of the Friends actor have preserved his legacy, and many fans remember his openness about addiction.

Lennon’s material benefits from the enduring appeal of The Beatles and AI’s revived song, “Now And Then,” which concludes the 1978 demo.

Plans to turn Brown’s mansion into a tourist attraction promise new revenue, as well as income from his music catalog.

The golf course’s signature drink, produced by Arizona Beverages, remains extremely popular, generating steady revenue from non-alcoholic and spiked versions.

Houston’s icon shines in Las Vegas, with themed slot machines giving fans a unique commitment to his legacy.

For fans, these stars remain cultural icons, and their legacies grow stronger over time.

As estates come up with new content and make new contracts, these celebrities prove that lasting influence can yield big rewards.