Matthew Perry, the late star of “Friends,” has joined a prestigious list of deceased celebrities who are still raking in the big bucks from beyond the grave. According to Forbes, Perry, along with iconic musicians like Michael Jackson, Freddie Mercury, and Bob Marley, continues to earn millions in royalties and estate deals.
In 2024, the King of Pop’s estate scored a major win with a $600 million catalog sale of his publishing and recorded masters’ rights to Sony, marking a significant source of income for the late artist’s legacy. Meanwhile, Freddie Mercury of Queen reappeared on the list after a $1 billion catalog sale to Sony, with proceeds split among the original band members and Mercury’s estate.
Other musicians on the list include Elvis Presley, Ric Ocasek of The Cars, Prince, Bob Marley, and John Lennon, each earning millions through music catalog royalties and licensing deals. In the world of literature, Dr. Seuss continues to delight young readers with beloved characters like The Cat in the Hat and The Lorax, generating income through licensing for theme parks, TV, movies, and apparel.
Not limited to musicians, actor Matthew Perry has also made the list, earning over $18 million annually in royalties from the hit sitcom “Friends.” Despite his tragic death from an accidental overdose, Perry’s memoir chronicling his battle with addiction has sold over 2.5 million copies.
Ultimately, these deceased celebrities continue to leave a lasting impact on pop culture and the entertainment industry, proving that even in death, their legacies remain lucrative. With ongoing revenue streams from music catalogs, estate deals, and brand collaborations, these icons continue to earn millions long after they have passed away.
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