Bill Cosby has recouped his ranking as the entertainment world's top earner from singer Michael Jackson by raking in an estimated $4 million a month on syndicated TV reruns of "The Cosby Show," Forbes magazine
reported Sunday.Forbes issued its biennial list of the world's highest-paid entertainers headed by an estimated $115 million in earnings by Cosby in 1989 and 1990. Jackson had earnings of about $100 million in that period.
Jackson topped the Forbes list in 1988, but his income declined to $65 million in 1989 and a projected $35 million in 1990, during which he has had no tour or new album.
The Rolling Stones rock group rose from eighth place two years ago to third place on the 1990 list, thanks largely to their Steel Wheels tour. Their two-year total take was $88 million, split five ways, of course.The cream of the Forbes "Top 40" richest entertainers were:
-Hollywood producer-director Steven Spielberg, $87 million, currently enjoying the success of "Arachnophobia."
-New Kids on the Block, $78 million, five young recording stars who jumped from oblivion to the No. 5 spot.
-TV talk show queen Oprah Winfrey, $68 million, with a show now seen in 13 countries.
-Actor Sylvester Stallone, $63 million, who just filmed "Rocky V" and may do "Rambo IV."
-Pop singer Madonna, $62 million, as the result of the most materially rewarding two years in her career.
-Body builder-actor Arnold Schwarzenegger, $55 million, who showed his muscle at the box office in the film "Total Recall."
-Cartoonist Charles M. Schulz, $44 million, whose income from his comic strip and the licensing of its characters ain't "Peanuts."
-TV host Johnny Carson, $50 million, despite competition from late-night rival Arsenio Hall.
-Movie actor-director Jack Nicholson, $50 million, still counting the booty from "Batman".
-Actor Eddie Murphy, $48 million, as a result of his sweet deal with Paramont Pictures six years ago.
-Ex-Beatle Paul McCartney, $45 million, still raking it in from royalties and a yearlong tour.
-Crooner Julio Iglesias, $44 million, slipping a bit but still a top show tour and recording attraction.
-Film star Bruce Willis, $36 million, enjoying the sequalization of "Die Hard" and the prospects of a hit in "Bonfire of the Vanities."
-British rock group The Who, $35 million, coasting on the success of a 25th anniversary tour last year.
-James Bond original Sean Connery, $35 million, older and richer from his latest thriller, "The Hunt for Red October."
-Rock group Bon Jovi, $35 million, despite dipping earnings made up in part by sale of concert merchandise.
-Rock singer-composer Prince, $35 million, making a comeback with the "Batman" soundtrack.