In 2024, the financial afterlives of celebrities continue to impress, with numerous iconic figures making significant earnings even after their passing. Among these are legendary musicians like Michael Jackson and Freddie Mercury, whose estates thrive through various income streams such as music catalogs and lucrative estate deals. Their contributions to the entertainment world, alongside successful Broadway productions, ensure their legacies not only endure but also generate substantial revenue.
Adding a surprising twist, actor Matthew Perry has entered the ranks of high earners, primarily through ongoing royalties from the beloved sitcom Friends. His achievement highlights the diverse avenues through which deceased stars can maintain financial success, whether through music rights, merchandise, or brand collaborations. The remarkable earnings of these figures serve as a testament to their lasting impact on pop culture and society.
Michael Jackson
Michael Jackson, known as the King of Pop, continues to capture audiences worldwide. His influence remains strong in Germany, where MJ: The Musical is set to debut in Hamburg in 2025, with tickets flying off the shelves. Jackson’s estate attorney, John Branca, anticipates that this production could thrive, supported by additional shows in London and Las Vegas. Collectively, these performances are generating around $6 million each week, highlighting Jackson's enduring legacy.
Freddie Mercury
Freddie Mercury, the iconic leader of Queen, passed away on November 24, 1991, due to complications from AIDS. His musical legacy continues to thrive, particularly after the success of the Bohemian Rhapsody biopic, which significantly boosted his estate earnings. In June, Queen achieved a historic milestone with a $1 billion catalog sale, further solidifying Mercury's impact on music and culture.
Dr. Seuss
Theodor Seuss Geisel, known as Dr. Seuss, remains a cherished figure in children's literature. His memorable works like The Cat in the Hat and The Grinch Who Stole Christmas continue to captivate kids today. Beyond books, his creations extend into theme parks, TV adaptations, and various merchandise. Recent items include collector's coins and adorable Dr. Seuss Babies, featuring miniature versions of beloved characters like The Grinch and Cindy Lou Who. His legacy generates substantial income, affirming his status as a favorite among young readers.
Elvis Presley
Elvis Presley passed away on August 16, 1977, due to a heart attack. Known as “The King,” his legacy continues to thrive through various revenue streams. Graceland, his iconic home in Memphis, Tennessee, attracts around 600,000 visitors annually. Despite past challenges, including a fraudulent foreclosure attempt, Graceland remains a significant source of income. The estate generates approximately $45 million, ensuring that Elvis's influence and popularity endure well beyond his time.
Ric Ocasek
Ric Ocasek, the iconic frontman of The Cars, made a significant impact on rock music. He was the creative force behind many of the band's biggest hits, including “Just What I Needed,” which earned a spot on Rolling Stone’s list of the “500 Greatest Songs of All Time.” The band achieved remarkable success with 13 Top 40 singles and over 20 million albums sold. Ocasek’s legacy continued to thrive even after his passing on September 15, 2019, from cardiovascular disease, with a lucrative deal cementing his influence in the music industry.
Prince
Prince, known as The Purple One, captivated audiences with his music, notably his landmark album Purple Rain. His estate generates millions each year from his extensive catalog, including income from his name and image. Fans also flock to his iconic Minneapolis compound, Paisley Park, which serves as a shrine to his legacy.
Despite his immense success, Prince's legacy has faced challenges. There's been significant controversy regarding a documentary about his life, which may remain unreleased due to the estate's objections. Filming choices that depicted Paisley Park and a sequence linking his song “Let’s Go Crazy” to the location of his passing sparked discontent among his representatives.
Bob Marley
Bob Marley passed away on May 11, 1981, at the age of 36 due to cancer. His estate continues to thrive, generating significant income from music royalties and a growing brand presence. In 2024, with the launch of the biopic Bob Marley: One Love, earnings surged notably. The Marley family also partnered with the cannabis brand Jeeter to create a unique cannabis line, reflecting their ongoing influence in various markets. Recent estimates place his annual income around $30 million, showcasing his lasting impact on music and culture.
Charles M. Schulz
Charles M. Schulz, affectionately called “Sparky” by friends, passed away on February 12, 2000, at the age of 77 due to cancer. Even years after his death, his creation Peanuts continues to thrive, raking in around $30 million in 2024 through brand partnerships and streaming platforms. The franchise is experiencing a resurgence among Gen Z, with popular TikTok accounts celebrating Snoopy and pals Charlie Brown and Woodstock, leading to high demand for merchandise at stores like CVS and Urban Outfitters.
Matthew Perry
Matthew Perry’s unexpected passing on October 28, 2023, at age 54, ignited a wave of sadness across the nation. Known for his role as Chandler Bing on Friends, he was candid about his struggles with addiction, making his death from a ketamine overdose even more poignant. His memoir, Friends, Lovers and the Big Terrible Thing, released in 2022, has resonated widely, selling over 2.5 million copies. Remarkably, Perry’s legacy persists, with annual royalties exceeding $17 million from Friends, a testament to the enduring popularity of the show and its characters.
John Lennon
John Lennon, a member of the iconic band The Beatles, continues to earn a substantial income each year from his music. His enduring popularity was highlighted when Peter Jackson utilized advanced A.I. technology to revive a demo Lennon left unfinished before his tragic death on December 8, 1980. The finished track, titled Now And Then, was described by Paul McCartney as “the last Beatles song.” In 2023, Lennon’s estate reported annual earnings of about $15 million, reflecting his lasting impact on fans worldwide.
James Brown
James Brown, known as the “hardest working man in show business,” passed away on December 25, 2006, at the age of 73 due to heart failure. His estate continues to generate millions annually, largely managed by Primary Wave, which owns his publishing rights, recordings, and likeness. Exciting plans are in motion to restore his South Carolina mansion, combining it with the nearby Augusta area to create a tourist destination comparable to Elvis Presley’s Graceland. This initiative might significantly boost his legacy and financial earnings.
Arnold Palmer
Arnold Palmer transformed a simple mix of iced tea and lemonade into a thriving business venture. His signature drink, produced by AriZona, sells around 500 million cans each year, providing his estate with ongoing royalties. Additionally, Molson Coors offers a hard version of this popular beverage, which ranks as the second best-selling spiked tea in the country. Palmer's legacy continues to drive impressive sales and maintain his presence in the beverage market.
Whitney Houston
Whitney Houston's influence continues to resonate in the entertainment industry, even after her passing on February 11, 2012, at the age of 48 due to drowning. Though she never had the opportunity for a residency in Las Vegas, her legacy thrives through a variety of innovative channels.
Gambling enthusiasts can engage with Whitney-themed slot machines that feature her iconic music and videos. These slots are not only a tribute to her talent but also generate income through a royalty model that grows as the machines are played. Reports indicate that over 1,000 Whitney slots are projected to debut by 2025.
In terms of financial impact, Houston remains a formidable presence on the charts of deceased celebrities. She consistently ranks among the top earners through various revenue streams, including music sales, streaming, and licensing agreements. Publications like Forbes keep track of her earnings, showcasing the immense popularity and lasting appeal of her work in the years following her death. Her estate continues to flourish, highlighting the extraordinary impact she had as an artist.