Matthew Perry has joined the ranks of the highest-earning dead celebrities, alongside music icons like Michael Jackson, Freddie Mercury, and Whitney Houston. Despite his passing in 2023, Perry continues to bring in royalties from the hit sitcom Friends, earning an estimated $18 million annually. The list, compiled by Forbes, includes figures from various industries, with music catalog income and estate deals being the main income generators for deceased recording artists.
Michael Jackson holds the top spot on the list, earning over $600 million thanks to a recent catalog sale to Sony and ongoing revenue from Broadway productions and tours. Freddie Mercury of Queen returned to the list for the first time since 2020, raking in an estimated $250 million following a $1 billion catalog sale to Sony. Other notable figures include Dr. Seuss, Elvis Presley, and Bob Marley, whose posthumous earnings come from music royalties and licensing opportunities.
Interestingly, Perry is a rare television actor to make it onto the list, with his continued success stemming from the popularity of Friends. Despite the tragic circumstances of his passing, Perry’s legacy lives on through his work on the show and his candid discussions about his struggles with addiction. With a diverse range of celebrities making up the top earners in the afterlife, it’s clear that their impact and influence continue to resonate with audiences across the globe.
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