Michael Jackson Amongst Top-Earning Deceased Celebrities

Michael Jackson makes his debut on the Top-Earning Deceased Celebrities list. Jackson, who passed away earlier this year due to acute Propofol intoxication, placed third. The "Thriller" singer made an enormous amount of money this year due to heavy radio play, royalties from album sales, and from the rights to his name and stock in the Sony music catalog. Ever since his unexpected passing, fans have been selling memorabilia, including a lock of Jackson's hair.

Forbes senior editor Matthew Miller said: "The money might be drying up in Hollywood, but there's still plenty of cash being made in the graveyard. The earning power of dead celebrities is more powerful than ever before."

Fashion designer Yves Saint Laurent tops the list this year, knocking "The King" Elvis Presley off his top spot. Saint Laurent passed away in 2008, but he made $350 million from his fashion label and from the sale of his art collection.


The songwriting team Rodgers and Hammerstein came in second this year. The two penned famous popular Broadway musicals, such as "Oklahoma", "South Pacific", and "The Sound of Music."


Here's the list in its entirety:
1. Yves Saint Laurent - $350 million
2. Rodgers and Hammerstein - $235 million
3. Michael Jackson - $90 million
4. Elvis Presley - $55 million
5. J.R.R. Tolkien - $50 million
6. Charles Schultz - $35 million
7. John Lennon - $15 million
8. Dr. Seuss - $15 million
9. Albert Einstein - $10 million
10. Michael Crichton - $9 million

BREAKING NEWS: Michael Crichton Dead

Best selling author Michael Crichton died unexpectedly in Los Angeles after what his reps call a "courageous and private battle against cancer."

Crichton, best known for such books as "Jurassic Park" and "Disclosure," also created the hit TV series "ER."

His rep released the following statement: "While the world knew him as a great story teller that challenged our preconceived notions about the world around us -- and entertained us all while doing so -- his wife Sherri, daughter Taylor, family and friends knew Michael Crichton as a devoted husband, loving father and generous friend who inspired each of us to strive to see the wonders of our world through new eyes. He did this with a wry sense of humor that those who were privileged to know him personally will never forget.

Through his books, Michael Crichton served as an inspiration to students of all ages, challenged scientists in many fields, and illuminated the mysteries of the world in a way we could all understand.

He will be profoundly missed by those whose lives he touched, but he leaves behind the greatest gifts of a thirst for knowledge, the desire to understand, and the wisdom to use our minds to better our world.

Michael's family respectfully asks for privacy during this difficult time.

A private funeral service is expected, but no further details will be released to the public."