These Are the Highest-Paid Dead Celebrities Right Now

John Lennon – $17 Million

Even in death, some celebrities continue to earn staggering amounts of money each year. From legendary musicians whose music catalogs keep breaking records, to cultural icons whose names live on through merchandise and licensing deals, the business of fame doesn’t stop at the grave. In fact, Forbes even released its 2024 list of the highest-paid dead celebrities, revealing just how much these late stars still influence popular culture and global markets.

Imagine making millions without lifting a guitar – that’s Lennon’s reality in the afterlife. The Beatles’ music refuses to age, boosted by remasters, documentaries, and even AI-touched tracks. His estate, split among Yoko Ono and his sons, carefully curates every release. Fans still can’t resist pressing play, whether it’s vinyl or Spotify. Nostalgia sells, but Lennon also represents musical innovation frozen in time. Turns out peace and love come with a pretty good paycheck. | © Warner Bros.

Matthew Perry – $18 Million

Chandler Bing’s sarcasm is immortal, and so, apparently, are the checks. Friends reruns dominate streaming, ensuring Perry’s estate collects royalties like clockwork. His memoir added another layer of resonance, becoming a bestseller that fans still pass around. Beyond profit, his foundation channels part of that money into addiction recovery efforts. There’s something fitting about humor funding hope. And yes, the whole thing could not BE more on brand. | © Warner Bros.

Charles M. Schulz – $30 Million

Somewhere out there, Snoopy is dancing on top of his doghouse, celebrating $30 million in annual earnings. Schulz’s Peanuts characters have outlived their creator by decades yet remain everywhere: from T-shirts to holiday TV specials. Careful licensing keeps them relevant without tipping into oversaturation. Every fall and Christmas, Charlie Brown resurfaces to remind us that simplicity still resonates. The comics might be black and white, but the profits are very much green. | © Encyclopædia Britannica

Bob Marley – $34 Million

Few musicians become global symbols, but Marley did, and his estate is still cashing in. His catalog dominates playlists, his image covers everything from coffee bags to posters, and the merchandise never stops. A recent biopic reignited interest, sending streams and sales surging. Legal battles over rights have made headlines, but the business keeps moving forward. Marley isn’t just remembered – he’s marketed as a lifestyle. The result? A legacy that keeps jammin’ long after the last encore. | © Magnolia Pictures

Prince – $35 Million

Purple never really goes out of style, and neither does Prince’s earning power. With Paisley Park doubling as a tourist destination and his catalog being reissued in deluxe formats, revenue keeps flowing. His estate finally sorted out the messy legal battles, opening doors for fresh licensing deals. Fans line up to revisit his genius, from “Purple Rain” to the deep cuts. Few artists fought as fiercely for control of their work, and even in death, that control pays dividends. Royalty, in every sense of the word, keeps stacking up. | © Warner Bros.

Ric Ocasek – $45 Million

Who knew that the frontman of The Cars would be zooming past most dead rock stars in earnings? Ric Ocasek’s catalog, along with his name and likeness rights, was snapped up by Primary Wave, giving his estate a massive boost. Family disputes over who gets what may have stirred headlines, but the business side never skipped a beat. Those new licensing opportunities mean his songs keep cruising through commercials and playlists. He may have written about heartbreak, but the money rolling in is anything but sad. Sometimes, just letting the good times roll really does pay. | © Archiv Tv Public Germany ZDF

Elvis Presley – $50 Million

Graceland isn’t just a mansion – it’s basically a money-printing machine. Hundreds of thousands of fans still make the pilgrimage each year, spending on tours, merch, and fried peanut butter sandwiches. Add to that the never-ending licensing of his music and image, and you’ve got a very busy King. Even with estate drama in recent years, the Presley brand never lost momentum. Elvis isn’t just remembered, he’s marketed as if he never left the building. Turns out the crown fits just as well in the afterlife. | © HBO Documentary Films

Dr. Seuss – $75 Million

There’s no “oops” in Whoville when it comes to finances; Dr. Seuss’s estate is thriving. Book sales remain strong, but the real jackpot is licensing: movies, TV specials, even theme park rides. Carefully controlled partnerships keep the brand whimsical without watering it down. Every time a kid discovers the Cat in the Hat, another dollar finds its way home. Seuss’s rhymes may be playful, but his legacy is serious business. Not bad for a man who made up words for a living. | © Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer

Freddie Mercury – $250 Million

Few voices can shake stadiums decades later, but Freddie Mercury’s still does – and now his estate is cashing in big. The blockbuster sale of Queen’s music catalog sent earnings into the stratosphere. Songs like “We Will Rock You” and “Bohemian Rhapsody” are more than hits; they’re cultural currency. Add in merch, films, and renewed interest from younger fans, and the money keeps flowing. Mercury’s showmanship never really left the stage – it just switched to the balance sheet. Long live the queen of Queen. | © Rogan Productions

Michael Jackson – $600 Million

The King of Pop doesn’t just top charts – he tops earnings lists, too. A gigantic catalog deal, plus global licensing and Broadway’s MJ: The Musical, fueled a jaw-dropping $600 million. Few artists command that kind of cross-generational power, and his estate knows it. Music, merchandising, and streaming royalties layer on top of each other like moonwalk steps. Controversies aside, the brand remains one of the most valuable in entertainment. In death, Michael Jackson may be making more than anyone alive. | © MJJ Productions