Michael
Jackson was named this year's top-
earning dead celebrity on Tuesday
in a list compiled by financial
website Forbes.com, earning the
title for the second year in a row
following his death in 2009.
"Thriller" singer Jackson, who died
aged 50 of a drug overdose, is
estimated to have earned $170
million in the past year, which also
places him as the second highest-
earning pop music act this year,
dead or alive, Forbes.com said.
Jackson's physician at the time of
his death, Dr. Conrad Murray, is
currently on trial in Los Angeles,
charged with involuntary
manslaughter for administering the
powerful anesthetic propofol as a
sleep aid for the singer in Jackson's
home. Murray has pleaded not
guilty.
Jackson, whose name has rarely
been out of the media headlines due
to his sudden death and its cause,
has seen sales of albums and
memorabilia increase in the past
year.
The theater group Cirque Du Soleil
has mounted an extravagant show
called "Immortal" that is based on
the singer's life and music. Earlier
this month, a tribute concert in
Cardiff, Wales, lured tens of
thousands of fans.
The King of Pop is followed closely
by the King of Rock 'n' Roll Elvis
Presley placed second on the list
with earnings of $55 million. Like
Jackson, Presley's estate has also
benefited from Cirque du Soleil, who
produced "Viva Elvis" in tribute to
the late singer.
Hollywood's golden age pin-up girl,
Marilyn Monroe, who died at age 36
in 1962, earned near $27 million,
placing her third on the list.
Sultry screen icon Elizabeth Taylor,
who passed away in March 2011
aged 79, was placed fifth after
reportedly earning $12 million, with
a large portion coming from the
sales of her popular fragrance,
"White Diamonds."
The Top-Earning Dead Celebrities list
by Forbes takes into account any
deceased famous figure who has
earned at least $6 million between
October 2010 and October 2011.
The full list can be viewed on
Forbes.com at www.forbes.com/
deadcelebs.
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