Forbes compiled a list of the world's highest-paid dead celebrities. From writers and performers to athletes and cartoonists, the top 13 celebrities earned around $1.6 billion, making this year's total 72 percent bigger than last year's.

Key Takeaways

• Five dead celebrities earned more than $100M in 2022: J.R.R. Tolkein (author), Kobe Bryant (athlete), David Bowie (artist), Elvis Presley (artist) and James Brown (artist).

• Tolkein, author "The Lord of The Rings" and "The Hobbit," died in 1973 and topped this year's list with $500 million, mostly coming from sales of Middle Earth Enterprises to Embracer and other intellectual properties.

• Basketball star Kobe Bryant, who passed away in 2020, earned around $400 million, making him the second highest paid dead celeb, during Coca-Cola's acquisition of BodyArmor energy drink, of which Bryant reportedly had a seven percent stake.

• Musicians and performers on the list like David Bowie, Elvis Presley, James Brown, Michael Jackson, Leonerd Cohen and others made the bulk of their money through publishing catalog and masters sales.

• One of the lesser-known celebrities on the list, drummer Jeff Porcaro, earned close to $25 million in 2022. He's credited as a co-writer on Toto's "Africa" and his beat was used by Quincy Jones on Michael Jackson's "Thriller."

• Other dead celebs who earned over eight-figures last year include: author and cartoonist Dr. Suess; creator of "Peanuts" Charles Schulz; performer and actor Juan Gabriel; and The Beatles' John Lennon and George Harrison.

Via Forbes.

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