Filmfan

Not Elvis but Michael Jackson was named this year's top-earning dead celebrity on Tuesday in a list compiled by financial website Forbes.com, earning the title for the second year in a row following his death in 2009.

"Thriller" singer Jackson, who died aged 50 of a drug overdose, 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, Forbes.com said.

Jackson is followed closely by the King of Rock 'n' Roll Elvis Presley placed second on the list with earnings of $55 million. Like Jackson, Presley's estate has also benefited from Cirque du Soleil, who produced "Viva Elvis" in tribute to the late singer.

Hollywood's golden age pin-up girl, Marilyn Monroe, who died at age 36 in 1962, earned near $27 million, placing her third on the list.

Sultry screen icon Elizabeth Taylor, who passed away in March 2011 aged 79, was placed fifth after reportedly earning $12 million, with a large portion coming from the sales of her popular fragrance, "White Diamonds."

Between October 2010 and October 2011, the top 5 earners are:

No. 01 Michael Jackson - $170 million - Died: June 25, 2009 - Age: 50 - Cause: Overdose

Forbes Adds: Michael Jackson may be the King of postmortem earnings, but Elvis will always be the original King of Pop and King of Rock and Roll.

No. 02 Elvis Presley - $55 million - Died: Aug. 16, 1977 - Age: 42 - Cause: Heart attack

No. 03 Marilyn Monroe - $27 million - Died: Aug. 5, 1962 - Age: 36 - Cause: Overdose

No. 04 Charles Schulz - $25 million - Died: Feb. 12, 2000 - Age: 77 - Cause: Colon Cancer

No. 05 John Lennon (tie) - $12 million - Died: Dec. 8, 1980 - Age: 40 - Cause: Murder

No. 05 Elizabeth Taylor (tie) - $12 mill - Died: March 23, 2011 - Age: 79 - Cause: Heart Failure