Michael Jackson still a top earner

Forbes: Jackson earnings a thriller

Michael Jackson was named this year's top-earning dead celebrity in a list compiled by financial website Forbes.com, earning the title for the second year in a row following his 2009 death, Reuters reports. Jackson is estimated to have earned $170 million in the past year, which also places him as the second highest-earning pop music act this year, dead or alive. Elvis Presley placed second ($55 million), while Marilyn Monroe was third (nearly $27 million). "Peanuts" creator Charles Schulz was fourth ($25 million) and Elizabeth Taylor, who died in March, placed fifth ($12 million). Forbes takes into account any deceased famous figure who has earned at least $6 million between last October 2010 and this month.