Late world stars: this legend deserves the most in 2024

Although these legends are no longer with us, their influence remains and their legacies continue to generate millions. Forbes ranks the deceased icons who continue to inspire and earn money worldwide every year. MASTERS reveals the wealthiest.

5. Charles M. Schulz – €28 million

Is there anyone on earth who doesn't love the Peanuts characters? Snoopy, Charlie Brown, Lucy, and the rest of the iconic gang are the beloved creations of Charles Schulz. Since the first Peanutscomic strip was published in 1950, Schulz's creation became a worldwide phenomenon. By the 80s, he was even the highest-paid celebrity in the world. 

In almost 50 years, Schulz drew no fewer than 17.897 Peanuts-comics, all by hand. In his will, he stipulated that no one would be allowed to continue his work, a wish that has been honored to this day. Meanwhile, his legacy continues to flourish, with Apple collaborations and merchandise contributing millions each year. 

4. Dr. Seuss – €37 million

More than thirty years after his death, Dr. Seuss remains a fixture on the list of the highest-earning deceased celebrities. Born Theodor Seuss Geisel, he was a writer, cartoonist, and poet who wrote and illustrated more than sixty children's books. Classics such as The Cat in the Hat, Green eggs and ham, The Lorax en How the Grinch Stole Christmas! prove to have a timeless appeal. After his death, his widow, Audrey, founded Seuss Enterprises to manage his intellectual property. Under her leadership, the company grew into a multi-million dollar empire, generating tens of millions of dollars annually through licensing and brand partnerships.

3. Ray Manzarek – €42 million

The Doors keyboardist Ray Manzarek posthumously earns millions thanks to the sale of music rights to Primary Wave. The deal includes not only the music itself, but also trademark rights and merchandising. In this way, the influence of the legendary rock band remains alive to this day…

2. Elvis Presley – €93 million

Nearly fifty years after his death, Elvis Presley remains a legendary name with an impressive financial legacy. His Graceland attracts thousands of visitors each year, and merchandise and tickets continue to sell at the box office. In 2022, the biopic Elvis, starring Austin Butler as the King of Rock 'n Roll, grossed over $272 million. The film became the second highest-grossing music biopic of all time.

Over the past year, the Presley family has been in a legal battle over control of the empire following the death of his daughter Lisa Marie. Granddaughter Riley Keough is now at the helm. 

1. Michael Jackson – €107 million

At number one is Michael Jackson, the King of Pop, who is still raking in millions fourteen years after his death. His estate is doing well thanks to MJ: The Musical, a Broadway show that grossed over $79 million last year. In addition, the Cirque du Soleil show Michael Jackson ONE a crowd puller and source of steady income in Las Vegas.

Jackson's legacy will also soon receive a new boost with a planned biographical film.