Celebrity Biographies
The Top Earning Dead Celebrities of 2014
In this article, we will take a look at celebrities who continue to wield their aura beyond the grave. And even after death, they earn more than many living celebrities working in the same field or sector. Their sources of income include income from their creations such as music, films, and cartoons, royalties on use of their name, and income from existing business ventures.
-
Michael Jackson
$140 million
Died : June 25, 2009
Cause : overdose/manslaughter
Alter: 50
Even after six years of his death, the king of pop still exerts his tremendous influence on the music industry. Since his death in 2009, he has been collecting hundreds of millions of dollars every year. His 1982 album Thriller is still the best-selling album of all time. The album sold more than 65 million copies. In total, he has had 13 number-one singles in the US during his solo career, which is more than any other male artist in the Hot 100 era and has an estimated worldwide record sales of over 400 million. A significant portion of his posthumous earnings came from two Cirque du Soleil shows – “Immortal”, now among the top ten highest grossing tours of all time, and “One”, a permanent show in Las Vegas. He’s also making millions from his 50 percent stake in Sony/ATV Music Publishing earnings and his own Mijac catalogue. In May 2014, Epic Records released an eight-song album of unreleased material culled from previous recordings. The album ended up at number 2 on the charts.
-
Elvis Presley
$55 million
Died : August 16, 1977
Cause : heart attack
Alter: 42
Next on the list after “King of Pop” is “King” of Rock and Roll. “Elvis Presley topped this list seven times and came second on numerous other occasions. One of the main sources of income over the years has been the release of his re-issued and remixed singles, which grossed him a staggering $60 million in 2010, which also marked the celebration of his 75th birthday and the launch of Cirque du Soleil’s Viva Elvis Show in Las Vegas. Additionally, he has made millions of dollars in profits by licensing and marketing the products associated with his name. As of mid-2011, there were an estimated 15,000 licensed Presley products. The other source of income for his estate is approvals for Graceland. His childhood home, which opened to the public in 1982, receives over half a million visitors a year. It is the second most visited home in the United States after the White House.
-
Charles Schultz
40 million dollars
Died : February 12, 2000
Cause : colon cancer
Alter: 77
Due to his most famous creation “The Peanuts”, Charles Schulz will remain in the public psyche for many years to come. Even after fifteen years of his death, the comic is one of the most popular sections in the leading publications. Schulz is considered by many leading cartoonists to be one of the most influential cartoonists of all time, and his influence can be seen in the work of many modern comic artists. The creator of Charlie Brown and Snoopy is said to have earned more than $1.1 billion in his lifetime. And that income certainly didn’t stop after his death, as royalties continue to flow in on products inspired by his famous cartoons. The 3D movie inspired by the comics is set to be released this year. The film entitled “
-
Elizabeth Taylor
25 million dollars
Died : March 23, 2011
Cause : heart failure
Alter: 79
Elizabeth Taylor was one of the big screen actresses of Hollywood’s Golden Age. Her timeless beauty and glamorous lifestyle have made her a perennial favorite even among those who have never seen her films. Her commitment to AIDS and HIV programs has brought her recognition in industries extending beyond the film industry. She was also one of the few celebrities to publicly condemn President George W. Bush’s war on Iraq. Her presence on this list is due to the revenue she generated from her line of perfumes, which still ranks among the best-selling fragrances. Her estate now also uses her image for merchandising and licenses. Chances are you’ll be seeing more of them on the Forbes list in the years to come.
-
Bob Marley
20 million dollars
Died : May 11, 1981
Cause : cancer
Alter: 36
Bob Marley is arguably the most popular reggae icon in the world. His music and habit of smoking marijuana have made him a staple among everything considered cool. In the last two decades he has sold more than 75 million albums. Profits increased by US$2 million in 2014 due to the diversified products and ranges launched by his foundation. The Marley Beverage Company, with products like Marley Coffee and a “relaxation drink” known as Marley’s Mellow Mood and House of Marley, with a line of eco-friendly audio and lifestyle products, is a multi-million dollar company. Also in 2013, Marley’s estate launched Marley Apparel , a lifestyle clothing line designed by Bob’s eldest daughter, Cedella Marley.
-
Marilyn Monroe
17 million dollars
Died : August 5, 1962
Cause : overdose
Alter: 36
Marilyn Monroe was arguably Hollywood’s first sex symbol. For her immense commercial success and critically acclaimed work, she was ranked the sixth greatest female star of all time by the American Film Institute . Her tragic death from a barbiturate overdose was a mystery, further increasing her popularity. Their position on this list is due to various products sold by Authentic Brand Group , who bought the rights to Monroe in 2011. Her clothing line at Macy is very popular with customers. And sales of her recently launched lingerie line, Monroe, are also picking up. With the work of Authentic Brands Group your presence in future listings is anticipated.
-
John Lennon
12 million dollars
Died : December 8, 1980
Cause : murder
Alter: 40
The Beatles Band co-founder has a cult following, and even 34 years after his death, his fan base is still as large as ever. His estate continues to earn from iTunes sales and has licensing deals with the likes of Cisco and Mont Blanc . The Beatles Cirque du Soleil Show is also highly successful and has contributed significantly to the proceeds of the John Lennon estate. Although the Beatles’ records are not yet available on the music streaming service Spotify, Lennon’s 8-album solo discography was added in October. In other news, his killer, Mark David Chapman, has been denied parole eight times.
-
Albert Einstein
11 million dollars
Died : April 18, 1955
Cause : Natural causes
Alter: 76
Albert Einstein, despite being a scientist, enjoys a rock star-type fame. He is the epitome of cool intelligence. There are numerous products on the market inspired by the father of relativity. The Einstein Bobheads were featured in the highly successful film Night at the Museum: Battle of the Smithsonian. And the Einstein t-shirts and posters are particularly popular with science students. Besides these popular products, the famous scientist also has his own line of tablets designed specifically for student scientists. The tablet has integrated sensors for measuring heart rate, humidity and temperature.
-
Theodor Geisel
9 million dollars
Died : September 24, 1991
Cause : Natural causes
Alter: 87
Theodor Geisel was an American cartoonist and writer, better known by his nickname Dr. seuss During his career, the famous writer has published around 46 children’s books, which have led to numerous adaptations, including 11 television specials, four feature films, a Broadway musical and four television series. His works enjoy such popularity and enduring appeal that his birthday, which falls on March 2, has been set as the annual date for the celebration of National Read Across America Day . Geisel’s estate earns millions from sales of his class works such as “The Cat in the Hat” and “The Lorax”, and even years after his death he remains the best-selling author in children’s literature.
-
Bruce Lee
9 million dollars
Died : July 7, 1973
Cause : cerebral edema
Alter: 32
It is not wrong to say that Bruce Lee is the most iconic martial artist in history. He is the pioneer and founder of Jeet Kune Do (The Way of the Intercepting Fist), the martial art form that became immensely popular after Lee’s untimely death. His films such as ‘The Big Boss’, ‘Fist of Fury’ and ‘Enter the Dragon’ became cult hits and inspired many aspiring martial artists and action heroes, including famed actor Jackie Chan. Last year, gaming giant EA Sports released the latest iteration of UFC, allowing Bruce Lee fans to pretend to be their favorite hero. It is also reported that his estate has plenty of money for Bruce Lee’s CGI remake in the upcoming movie ‘Ip Man 3.’
-
Steve McQueen
9 million dollars
Died : November 30, 1980
Cause : Complications after an operation
Alter: 50
Steve McQueen was the first Hollywood starDespite his tendency to dig at every director and producer he’d ever worked on, McQueen was still one of the highest-paid actors of his generation. In fact, he was the highest-paid actor in 1974, despite not acting in films for the next four years. McQueen’s passion for cars and motorcycles was well known and iconic. The cars he used in his films became extremely popular and found a place in popular imaginations. And his connection to cars is still being used to monetize his estate. His digitally enhanced image was used by the Ford company on various occasions for promotional purposes. The McQueen collection was launched by car giant Porsche last year.
-
Bettie Page
9 million dollars
Died : December 11, 2008
Cause : Natural causes
Alter: 85
If Marilyn Monroe is the ultimate sex symbol, Bettie Page is the “queen of the pinups.” Her jet black hair, blue eyes, and trademark trademark have fascinated and influenced artists for generations. The artists have paid homage to the legendary star on various occasions. Rosario Dawson did it in Quentin Tarantino’s film ‘Death Proof’ with her signature hairdo, Beyoncé in her music videos for ‘Video Phone’ and ‘Why Don’t You Love Me’. Now the new generation is fascinated She, too, and sales of Page-inspired dresses are at an all-time high. That year, a Vegas show featuring a Page hologram took place, which became immensely successful.
-
James Dean
7 million dollars
Died : September 30, 1955
Cause : car accident
Alter: 24
Dean’s most famous film “Rebel without a Cause” is a perfect description of the life of the famous actor. Dean is the cultural icon of teenage disenchantment and social alienation, and his untimely death at age 24 following a car accident has brought him even more fame and popularity than he did during his lifetime. Dean has been doing massive business in gift shops for years. And in recent years it has also been adopted by fancier brands like Dolce and Gabbana.