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SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 22, 2009
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9

Highest Earning Dead Celebs

Michael Jackson, predictably, made the list—but not at No. 1

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(Newser) – The stars on Forbes' annual list of the top-earning dead celebrities number, appropriately, 13. To make the list, a "deleb" must have brought in at least $6 million in the past year. This year's list is notably missing former mainstays Marilyn Monroe, James Dean, and Steve McQueen, and puts a fashion designer in the top spot:

  1. Yves Saint Laurent: $350 million
  2. Richard Rodgers and Oscar Hammerstein: $235 million combined
  3. Michael Jackson: $90 million
  4. Elvis Presley: $55 million
  5. JRR Tolkien: $50 million

  1. Charles Schulz: $35 million
  2. John Lennon: $15 million
  3. Dr. Seuss (Theodor Geisel): $15 million
  4. Albert Einstein: $10 million
  5. Michael Crichton: $9 million
  6. Jimi Hendrix: $8 million
  7. Aaron Spelling: $8 million
  8. Andy Warhol: $6 million

In this 2002 file photo, French fashion designer Yves Saint Laurent announces his retirement from the world of haute couture in Paris.
In this 2002 file photo, French fashion designer Yves Saint Laurent announces his retirement from the world of haute couture in Paris.   (AP Photo/Remy de la Mauviniere, File)
In this 2002 file photo, Michael Jackson performs
In this 2002 file photo, Michael Jackson performs "Dangerous" during the taping of the American Bandstand's 50th anniversary show in Pasadena, Calif.   (AP Photo/Kevork Djansezian, file)
Elvis, circa 1955.
Elvis, circa 1955.   (Getty Images)
December 1956: British writer John Ronald Reul Tolkien (1892-1973), sitting in his study at Merton College, Oxford.
December 1956: British writer John Ronald Reul Tolkien (1892-1973), sitting in his study at Merton College, Oxford.   (Getty Images)
Cartoonist Charles Schulz draws a picture of Charlie Brown in his Sebastopol, Calif., home in this 1966 file photo.
Cartoonist Charles Schulz draws a picture of Charlie Brown in his Sebastopol, Calif., home in this 1966 file photo.   (AP Photo/File)
John Lennon is seen at a news conference in this May 13, 1968, file photo in New York.
John Lennon is seen at a news conference in this May 13, 1968, file photo in New York.   (AP Photo/John Lindsay, file)
This undated photo shows Albert Einstein sticking his tongue out at photographers.
This undated photo shows Albert Einstein sticking his tongue out at photographers.   (AP Photo/RR Auction, LLC.)
In this 2004 file photo, author Michael Crichton poses at The Peninsula Hotel in New York.
In this 2004 file photo, author Michael Crichton poses at The Peninsula Hotel in New York.   (AP Photo/Jim Cooper, file)
This is a 1970 photo of Jimi Hendrix performing on the Isle of Wight in England.
This is a 1970 photo of Jimi Hendrix performing on the Isle of Wight in England.   (AP Photo/FILE)
Aaron Spelling at the final wrap party for
Aaron Spelling at the final wrap party for "Melrose Place."   (Getty Images)
Andy Warhol (1928-1987).
Andy Warhol (1928-1987).   (Getty Images)
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9 comments
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alkaseltzersammich
Oct 28, 09 12:47 PM CDT
I wonder how much Biggie, 2pac, and Kurt Cobain are making as dead celebrities. Reply
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IN RESPONSE:
IggyJack
Oct 28, 09 1:47 PM CDT
Not a damn thing.
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IN RESPONSE:
alkaseltzersammich
Oct 28, 09 3:27 PM CDT
2 pac has released several albums since he died that went platinum. Biggie had a greatest hits collection that went triple platinum not to mention a movie that was number #1 in the box office. Kurt Cobain had his MTV unplugged album rereleased (went platinum), a box set (platinum), and a DVD box set which sold like crazy. I gaurantee their still pulling in millions.
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IN RESPONSE:
Yourself
Oct 28, 09 3:27 PM CDT
@iggyjack - how can 2Pac not be making a damn thing while dead? every few years they put out a never before heard song from him and it's always a hit. Cobain name make a killing too. too bad you're so naive.
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+1
jeebus
Oct 28, 09 5:26 PM CDT
Are number 1 and 2 really celebrities? I've never heard of any of them? Reply
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