Deceased celebrities who made the most money in 2023

Can you continue earning money after dying? Of course. The artist dies but their legacy survives and, in many cases, generates million-dollar profits for whoever owns the rights to it.

Who were the dead celebrities who earned the most money in 2023? You surely know almost all of them because the artists that Forbes has compiled in this ranking are global and eternal.

Forbes compiles the figures with the help of data from Luminate and interviews with industry experts. This year's methodology included pre-tax income from sales, streams, licensing deals, and other sources, and took into account the period between October 1, 2022, and September 30, 2023.

Deceased June 25, 2009 - The King of Pop's Broadway musical has grossed $85 million, while Cirque du Soleil's Las Vegas show, 'Michael Jackson ONE', has also reported huge profits. In 2024, Antoine Fuqua will direct a biopic about Jacko, so he will probably stay at the top of the ranking

Deceased August 16, 1977 - Graceland remains a place of pilgrimage for hundreds of thousands of people, while his music continues to play more than 45 years after his death.

Deceased May 20, 2013 - The rights that The Doors' keyboardist left to the band's catalog were sold to Primary Wave in one of the biggest music deals of the year.

Deceased September 24, 1991 - Theodor Seuss Geisel remains a classic like few others. His Grinch is always present but overall, his illustrations are pure timeless art.

Deceased February 12, 2000 - Charlie Brown and Snoopy continued to make waves with their merchandising in 2023, to which the agreement with Apple TV+ to broadcast their Christmas specials was added. In addition, the company has agreements with Williams Sonoma, Cariuma, and Igloo Coolers, involving a lot of money.

Deceased April 21, 2016 - Since his death, Primary Wave has released three posthumous albums, to which they will add a compilation with 47 unreleased songs and never-before-seen live material.

Deceased February 11, 2012 - Her biopic performed quite well, while MAC Cosmetics launched a makeup line under her name and run by her sister-in-law, Pat Houston, and by Primary Wave. Yes, the same company profiting from Prince and The Doors.

Deceased December 8, 1980 - Artificial Intelligence arrived in John Lennon's catalog to launch 'Now and Then.' More than 40 years after his death, Lennon's genius is still more relevant than ever.

Deceased May 11, 1981 - His music image and brand remain highly lucrative. As if that were not enough, the first clothing store with its brand has opened in Jamaica: Marley.

Deceased October 14, 1977 - Before Mariah Carey, Bing Crosby was the King of Christmas. His songs still generate millions for his heirs who continue to release albums and tracks when the year ends.

Deceased November 29, 2001 - His songs, both for The Beatles and solo, continue to generate profits. Added to this is Cirque du Soleil's psychedelic show 'Love', which is based on the Liverpool band's songs.

Deceased on September 25, 2016 - The golf legend left a legacy of benefits to his heirs, thanks to his tea and lemonade brand that continues to expand its catalog and multiply sales.

Deceased August 5, 1962 - Blonde Ambition died more than 60 years ago, but her image continues to create trends, selling Kiss eyelashes and false nails, and even a Fleur du lingerie line Wrong. Well, and let's not forget the Zeblocks NFTs.