Michael Jackson Ranks As Richest Dead Celebrity

Late pop icon's estate brought in more than $275 million in 12 months, according to Forbes.

Michael Jackson

In life, Michael Jackson was forever dogged by rumors of financial struggles. But in death, the late pop icon has vaulted to the top of the list of celebrities whose estates generate millions. In fact, according to a new Forbes magazine list, Jackson is by far the richest dead celebrity, with an estate that brought in more than $275 million over the past 12 months.

Jackson's music and "This Is It" documentary have been so lucrative that he outearned the combined hauls of megastars Lady Gaga, Beyoncé, Madonna and Jay-Z. Not only that, but Jackson also outpaced the combined earnings of all of the other late celebs on the list.