Michael Jackson raked in $160 million over the past year, by our estimate. The most successful star who still breathes, Madonna, didn’t come close. She made $125 million, according to our Celebrity 100 list. How did the King of Pop do it? He’s making a mint from two Cirque du Soleil shows: Immortal, which has grossed more than $300 million since opening in 2011, and One, which brings him back from the dead with a hologram-like doppelgänger performing ‘Man in the Mirror’. He also profits from sales of his recordings and from his half of the Sony/ATV music catalogue, which owns the copyright to hits by superstars including the Beatles, Lady Gaga and Taylor Swift. He reclaims the No. 1 spot from Elizabeth Taylor, who died in 2011. Her earnings plunged from $210 million a year ago, after a series of big auctions, to $25 million this year.
Note: Earnings from October 2012 to October 2013, except Madonna’s earnings (from June 2012 to June 2013) 1. Michael jackson Musician $160 million Died: June 25, 2009 Age: 50 Can make $200,000 from a single Cirque performance. 2. Elvis presley Singer, actor $55 million Died: Aug 16, 1977 Age: 42 Graceland gets 600,000 visitors a year.
3. Charles m schulz Cartoonist $37 million Died: Feb 12, 2000 Age: 77 There’s still gold in Peanuts. 4. Elizabeth taylor Actress $25 million Died: Mar 23, 2011 Age: 79 White Diamonds fragrance earns millions. 5. Bob marley Musician $18 million Died: May 11, 1981 Age: 36 More than 75 million albums sold since death.
6. Marilyn monroe Actress $15 million Died: Aug 5, 1962 Age: 36 The new face of Chanel No. 5.
7. John lennon Musician $12 million Died: Dec 8, 1980 Age: 40 Thriving from both recording and songwriting.
8. Albert einstein Scientist $10 million Died: Apr 18, 1955 Age: 76 Montblanc’s Einstein pen sells for $3,000.
8. Bettie page Actress $10 million Died: Dec 11, 2008 Age: 85 The pin-up girl has a chain of boutiques.
10. Theodor geisel Author $9 million Died: Sept. 24, 1991 Age: 87 Dr Seuss’s 2012 The Lorax grossed $349 million.
10. Steve mcqueen Actor $9 million Died: Nov 7, 1980 Age: 50 Deals with Tag Heuer, Persol and Lucky Brand.
12. Bruce lee Martial artist, actor $7 million Died: July 20, 1973 Age: 32 A CGI Lee stars in a Johnnie Walker ad.
12. Jenni rivera Singer $7 million Died: Dec 9, 2012 Age: 43 She’s sold 880,000 records since her death.