Forbes has just released their annual list of the Top-Earning Dead Celebrities for 2011. It’s been two years since his death, but not surprisingly, Michael Jackson has topped the list once once again. How much did he earn from his grave? A whopping $170 million.

I’ve included their list of the 15 celebrities that prove they know how to make the big bucks even when they’re dead. There are several ties in terms of placement on the list, but there are fifteen stars in total. Some of the celebrities have been on this list for years, while one is joining a close friend on this list this year.

All of these big earners died from different causes, ranging from cancer, murder, overdose, surgery complications, to heart attacks. One thing remains consistent though, and that was their ability to leave behind a legacy before they passed. Check out who the top earning dead celebrities were this past year (and how much they made) below.

13. Andy Warhol (tie)

Earnings: $6 million
Profession: Artist
Died: Feb. 22, 1987
Age: 58
Cause: Complications from surgery

13. Bettie Page (tie)

Earnings: $6 million
Profession: Actress
Died: Dec. 11, 2008
Age: 85
Cause: Natural causes

13. George Harrison (tie)

Earnings: $6 million
Profession: Musician
Died: Nov. 29, 2001
Age: 58
Cause: Cancer

9. Richard Rodgers (tie)

Earnings: $7 million
Profession: Song writer
Died: Dec. 30, 1979
Age: 77
Cause: Chronic illness

9. Steve McQueen (tie)

Earnings: $7 million
Profession: Actor
Died: Nov. 30, 1980
Age: 50
Cause: Complications from surgery

9. Stieg Larsson (tie)

Earnings: $7 million
Profession: Author
Died: Nov. 9, 2004
Age: 50
Cause: Heart attack

9. Jimi Hendrix (tie)

Earnings: $7 million
Profession: Musician
Died: Sept. 18, 1970
Age: 27
Cause: Overdose

8. Theodor Geisel

Earnings: $9 million
Profession: Author
Died: Sept. 24, 1991
Age: 87
Cause: Natural causes

7. Albert Einstein

Earnings: $10 million
Profession: Scientist
Died: April 18, 1955
Age: 76
Cause: Natural causes

5. John Lennon (tie)

Earnings: $12 million
Profession: Musician
Died: Dec. 8, 1980
Age: 40
Cause: Murder

5. Elizabeth Taylor (tie)

Earnings: $12 million
Profession: Actress
Died: March 23, 2011
Age: 79
Cause: Heart Failure

4. Charles Schulz

Earnings: $25 million
Profession: Cartoonist
Died: Feb. 12, 2000
Age: 77
Cause: Colon Cancer

3. Marilyn Monroe

Earnings: $27 million
Profession: Actress
Died: Aug. 5, 1962
Age: 36
Cause: Overdose

2. Elvis Presley

Earnings: $55 million
Profession: Singer, Actor
Died: Aug. 16, 1977
Age: 42
Cause: Heart attack

1. Michael Jackson

Earnings: Earnings: $170 million
Profession: Musician
Died: June 25, 2009
Age: 50
Cause: Overdose

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