Celebrity News October 25, 2012
Liz Taylor and Michael Jackson Lead Forbes' Top-Earning Dead Celebrities List
Fans can't get enough of Michael Jackson and Elizabeth Taylor. The late longtime friends took the two top spots on Forbes' top-earning dead celebrities list.
While the King of Pop, who died in 2009 at age 50, raked in $145 million – more than any living star – he still came in second place to Liz.
The “Cleopatra” actress' estate earned $210 million between October 2011 and 2012 thanks to a record-breaking Christie's auction of many of Taylor's valuables. Liz, who passed away in 2011 at 79, also made big bucks from her White Diamonds perfume and movie residuals.
Jackson's estate benefits from his music, the “Immortal World Tour” Cirque du Soleil show and a 50% stake in the Sony ATV music catalog – which includes a piece of Lady Gaga and Taylor Swift sales.
Below are the top earners. Go to Forbes.com for the complete list.
