Forbes has unveiled the highest-paid dead celebrities of 2024 and there may be some names who may surprise you on it. Michael Jackson may have died in 2009, but “Forbes estimates that Jackson has earned more than $3.3 billion since his death.
Friends stars Jennifer Aniston and Courteney Cox recently paid tribute to their co-star Matthew Perry a year after his death. Both tagged the Matthew Perry foundation and Courteney Cox shared a photograph of the pair of them together, with the caption: “Missing you today and always,” followed by a red heart emoji.
Jennifer Aniston also shared a black and white photograph of herself with Mattehw Perry and wrote: “1 year.” Matthew Perry passed away in October 2023 and Forbes has reported that “His 2022 memoir, Friends, Lovers and the Big Terrible Thing, which details his battle with addiction, has reportedly sold 2.5 million copies since publication. And like all of his castmates on Friends, he continues to earn more than $17 million a year in royalties- even in death.”
So who comes top of Forbes list of the highest-paid dead celebrities of 2024? Wll it is none other than Michael Jackson, who earned $600 million this year. Freddie Mercury is second, with $250 million, and in June of this year, Queen made history when they sold their music catalogue for $1 billion.
Read on to discover which other stars feature in the highest-paid dead celebrities of 2024.

1. According to reports, tickets for the Hamburg opening in 2025 of MJ: The Michael Jackson Musical, are already selling out
The late Michael Jackson is top of the highest paid celebrities of 2024 and earned $600 Million. | Getty Images

2. Queen sold their music catalogue for £1 billion in June of this year
Freddie Mercury is second in the list for highest paid dead celebrities of 2024, with $250 Million | Getty Images

3. Dr. Seuss passed away in 1991, but thanks to books such as The Cat In The Hat and licensing deals, Dr. Seuss earned millions this year
Dr. Seuss may not be a name you expect to see in the highest paid dead celebrities of 2024, but he earned $75 Million in 2024 | Getty Images

4. Graceland has welcomed 600,000 visitors in the past year
Elvis Presley is fourth on the highest paid dead celebrities of 2024, with a fortune of $50 Million. | FilmPublicityArchive/United Arch