Michael Jackson tops richest dead celebs list

Pop legend Michael Jackson. Photo / AP

Michael Jackson has been named the top-earning dead celebrity for the third year in a row.

The King of Pop - who died of acute Propofol intoxication in June 2009 - has made NZ$1.5b since his death and a whopping $172 million in the past 12 months alone, ensuring he once again takes the top spot on the Forbes list of top-earning dead stars.

His earnings have come from his music and publishing revenues, his half of the Sony/ATV publishing catalogue and two Cirque du Soleil shows.

However, his profits are slightly down from $206 million which his estate earned in 2014.

Jacksonwas $899 million in debt when he died due to over-spending.

The late singer earned more than twice that of the next celebrity on the list, Elvis Presley who made $83 million in the past 12 months.

His profits have come from music sales and visits to his Graceland home.

Peanuts cartoonist Charles Schulz came in third with $60 million, Bob Marley has made it on to fourth place with $32 million while Elizabeth Taylor is fifth with $30 million.

Top-earning dead celebrities of 2015

1. Michael Jackson
2. Elvis Presley
3. Charles Schulz (Peanuts cartoonist)
4. Bob Marley
5. Elizabeth Taylor
6. Marilyn Monroe
7. John Lennon
8. Albert Einstein
9. Paul Walker
10. Bettie Page