Ever heard of posthumous success? The Forbes annual ranking of the highest-paid dead celebrities unveils a noteworthy shift. Over the past 12 months, the 13 luminaries, including musicians, authors, and other A-listers, collectively earned $470 million (Approximately Rwf579 billion)—a 70 percent decline from $1.6 billion amassed in 2022, as reported by Forbes. The ranking encompasses pretax earnings derived from sales, streams, licensing deals, and other sources, spanning from October 1, 2022, to September 30, 2023. It also takes into account estate acquisitions made or announced within the same timeframe. For those curious about the financial prowess of departed icons, here's a glimpse into the top 10 highest-paid dead celebrities of 2023: 1. Michael Jackson - $115 million Died of acute propofol intoxication on June 25, 2009 (aged 50). The King of Pop reclaims the top spot fueled by the Broadway success of MJ: The Musical, grossing $85 million in ticket sales and ongoing earnings from the Cirque du Soleil show, Michael Jackson ONE. Anticipated earnings rise further with an upcoming biopic directed by Antoine Fuqua. 2. Elvis Presley - $100 million Died of a heart attack on August 16, 1977 (aged 42). Nearly 50 years after his passing, the King's legacy thrives, propelled by Graceland's 600,000 visitors, multiple income streams from tickets and merchandise, and an intriguing legal battle over estates following the demise of his only daughter, Lisa Marie Presley. 3. Ray Manzarek - $45 million Died of cancer on May 20, 2013 (aged 74). With an expensive music catalog deal, the late Doors keyboard player, along with guitarist Robby Krieger, sold their rights to Primary Wave. This acquisition encompasses recorded music, publishing, trademarks, and merchandising, signaling a lucrative venture. 4. Dr. Seuss - $40 million Died of cancer on September 24, 1991 (aged 87). The enduring popularity of Dr. Seuss endures through book sales and new releases like How the Grinch Lost Christmas. Increased licensing of classic characters further contributes to the late author's substantial annual earnings. 5. Charles M. Schulz - $30 million Died of cancer on February 12, 2000 (aged 77). The Peanuts gang, led by Charlie Brown, continues its financial success with collaborations with Apple, including holiday specials and branded products like cookware, sneakers, and coolers released in the past year. 6. Prince - $30 million Died of an overdose on April 21, 2016 (aged 57). Posthumous releases drive Prince's earnings, with three albums since his passing in 2016. An upcoming remastered version of the classic album Diamonds and Pearls promises unreleased songs and concert footage. 7. Whitney Houston - $30 million Died of drowning on February 11, 2012 (aged 48). Whitney Houston's estate celebrates a significant year with a successful biopic and brand collaborations, including a makeup collection with MAC Cosmetics, contributing to substantial earnings. 8. John Lennon - $22 million He was killed on December 8, 1980 (aged 40). The enduring appeal of John Lennon's music ensures steady royalties, with a recent release of the Beatles' final song, Now and Then, generated with the help of artificial intelligence. 9. Bob Marley - $16 million Died of cancer on May 11, 1981 (aged 36). More than four decades after his passing, Bob Marley's music and the rights to his name and likeness remain in high demand, expanding into various products, including a Marley-branded dispensary in Jamaica. 10. Bing Crosby - $14 million Died of a heart attack on October 14, 1977 (aged 75). The king of Christmas music, Bing Crosby, continues to rake in royalties, with a posthumous album release, Bing Crosby’s Christmas Gems, featuring archival material and rare recordings, including the digital debut of his duet with David Bowie.
