Jackson named Forbes top earning dead celebrity
- By Zhang Rui
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E-mail China.org.cn, October 25, 2013
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King of Pop Michael Jackson performs on stage during the Bad tour. [File photo] |
King of Pop Michael Jackson has reclaimed his crown on the Forbes top earning dead celebrities list released on Wednesday.
Jackson has earned US$160 million over the past year, between October 2012 and October 2013, according to Forbes' estimates.
His estate generated the incomes from two Jackson-themed Cirque du Soleil shows, recorded music sales, his very own music catalog and his 50 percent share of the Sony/ATV publishing empire which owns the copyrights to hits by the Beatles, Lady Gaga, Eminem and Taylor Swift, among others.
Much of his money stems from the two Cirque shows. "Immortal," a globetrotting show that came to China in August, has grossed over US$300 million since its opening in 2011. "One," a residence show which opened at the Mandalay Bay in Las Vegas in May of this year, is "routinely sold out," the magazine said.
Jackson reclaimed the No.1 spot on the list from his good friend Elizabeth Taylor. The legendary actress, who passed away in 2011, earned an estimated US$210 million in 2012, thanks to a series of Christie's auctions of Taylor's art, jewels and clothing collections. Her earnings fell to an estimated US$25 million this year, landing her in fourth place.
The King of Rock 'n' Roll Elvis Presley is second on the list, earning an estimated US$55 million. "Peanuts" creator Charles Schulz ranks third with US$37 million. Iconic reggae artist Bob Marley rounded up the top five with earnings of US$18 million.
Chinese Kung fu star Bruce Lee was also on the list with an income of US$7 million in 2012. This year marks the 30th anniversary of his death, with several memorial activities and dedicated publications around the world.
Albert Einstein, who died in 1955 and is the only scientist featured on the list, continues to generate millions of dollars for his image associated with "smart" products.
Madonna was the top earner on the most recent Forbes' Celebrity 100 list, earning US$125 million between June 2012 and June 2013. Jackson's earnings over the past year make for a third time in five years that the top earning celebrity in the world has come from the graveyard.
Below follows the full Forbes top earning dead celebrities list of 2013:
1. Michael Jackson US$160 million
2. Elvis Presley US$55 million
3. Charles Schulz US$37 million
4. Elizabeth Taylor US$25 million
5. Bob Marley US$18 million
6. Marilyn Monroe US$15 million
7. John Lennon US$12 million
8. Albert Einstein US$10 million
8. Bettie Page US$10 million
10. Theodor Geisel US$9 million
10. Steve McQueen US$9 million
12. Bruce Lee US$7 million
12. Jenni Rivera US$7 million
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