Michael Jackson 'top-earning dead celeb'

Michael Jackson has been named the world's highest-earning dead celebrity.

The 'Billie Jean' star, who died in June 2009 from an overdose, has topped the Forbes Top Earning Dead Celebrities list, having earned $275 million since his death.

Jackson earned more than the 12 famous names beneath him on the list combined, which includes Elvis Presley and John Lennon.

Forbes said: "Jackson’s posthumous earnings have been bolstered by shrewd negotiations by his estate, including a merchandising deal and the rights to his name and likeness for the Sony film This Is It, which grossed over a quarter of a billion dollars.”

Presley took second place with earnings of $60 million recorded, and Lord Of The Rings writer J. R. R. Tolkien was listed as third with $50 million.

Other celebrities that have continued to earn money are Dr Seuss with $11 million and Jimi Hendrix, who made $6 million.

The full list of Forbes Top Earning Dead Celebrities appears below:

1. Michael Jackson - $275 million
2. Elvis Presley - $60 million
3. J. R. R. Tolkein - $50 million
4. Charles Schultz - $33 million
5. John Lennon - $17 million
6. Stieg Larsson - $15 million
7. Dr Seuss - $11 million
8. Albert Einstein - $10 million
9. George Steinbrenner - $8 million
10. Richard Rogers - $7 million
11. Jimi Hendrix and Steve McQueen - $6 million each
12. Aaron Spelling - $5 million