The entertainment industry can be very fickle, but there are some celebrities who leave lasting imprints on the world. Even after death, there are some stars whose legacies continue to thrive, and some who even release new material after they’ve passed. Ironically, for some celebrities, their deaths have even been beneficial to their finances. Many big celebrities who pass away before their time or during their peak, often rake in millions of dollars in sales long after they’ve passed. Although they’re no longer around to benefit from the money, the heirs of their estate are well taken care of. You’ll never believe how much some of these stars are still bringing in. Here are 20 dead celebrities who made the most money last year.
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Tupac $ 1 million
During his career, Tupac was one of the most revolutionary rappers to ever touch the microphone. However, his talents didn’t just stop there. Tupac was also a well-known poet, and had even begun an acting career. After his murder in 96, Tupac’s legacy was immortalized and he became a larger than life figure for many hip-hop fans. Even now, almost a decade since he’s been gone, Tupac is still making money from his music and movie ventures.
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Richard Rodgers $ 6 million
You may not know Richard Rodgers by name, but throughout his lifetime – he was definitely a celebrity in his own right. If you’ve ever heard of Rodgers and Hammerstein, he was the Rodgers half. An extremely talented song writer, Rogers composed more than 900 songs used in more than 40 Broadway musicals.
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George Harrison $6 million
As lead guitarist of The Beatles, George Harrison was part of one of the most influential music groups of all-time. However, aside from playing the guitar, Harrison was also a very talented songwriter. Although John Lennon and Paul McCartney wrote most of the band’s songs. Harrison actually penned a few hits including “While My Guitar Gently Weeps,” and “Something.”
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Whitney Houston $6 million
When Whitney Houston suddenly passed away in 2012, people all over the world were stunned and saddened. Although it was no secret that she had been dealing with substance abuse issues for years, her death was still a very tragic surprise. Throughout her career, Houston was one of the most well-known and successful artists of her generation. As a result, her music is still widely listened to and purchased. However, unlike in the case of other dead musicians, Houston’s estate doesn’t actually get all of the money that from the sale of her music due to a large multi-million dollar record contract she signed during her life time which stated that the money would be paid up front.
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Jenni Rivera $7 million
Jenni Rivera may not have been a household name, but the multi-talented singer/songwriter/actress/business woman had definitely made her mark on several industries. When Rivera passed away in 2012 as the result of a plane crash, people all over the world mourned the loss, but her legacy continues to live on, and it will be interesting to see how much she continues to earn as the years pass.
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Jimi Hendrix $ 7 million
Jimi Hendrix was one of the most talented musicians to ever hit the stage. Over the years, many have cited him as an inspiration, and his style has been borrow several times over the years. Aside from playing the guitar and singing, Hendrix was also a song writer. Since his death, Hendrix’s name likeness has been used to sell merchandise all over the world.
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James Dean $7 million
Although both his life and his career were relatively short, James Dean has become a pop culture icon. Even though he has been dead for just shy of 60 years, Dean’s lasting impression continues to live on. Many of the films Dean appeared in are now classics, and his striking good looks have still been used for posters and other merchandise.
(Photo by Paul Marotta/Getty Images)
Bettie Page $9 million
Also known as the “Queen of Pinups” Bettie Page was way ahead of her time when she began her career during the 40s. At a time when women showing skin was highly frowned upon, Page was fearless. She appeared in several provocative photo shoots, including a centerfold for Playboy. Although you may have never heard of her, she has left a lasting impression, and been an inspiration for many who came behind her. After her passing in 2008, Page’s estate continues to earn money in large part due to Vegas shows.
(image via https://twitter.com/baileyjursik)
Steve McQueen $9 million
Often referred to as “The King of Cool” Steve McQueen was just that. Throughout the 60s and 70s, he appeared as the anti-hero is several films. Although he passed away in 1980, McQueen’s image has been an inspiration to many and even after his death it’s helping him make money. One of his best streams of income comes from a fashion line created by the car company Porsche.
(image via https://twitter.com/HWoodRetrospect)
Bruce Lee $9 million
When martial artist/actor, Bruce Lee, passed away in 1973, he probably never imagined that people would still be talking about him decades after his death. He also probably never imagined that would be featured in several video games, but both of those things are the reality. Lee continues to earn money from several sources, including a new UFC video game.
(Photo by Vivien Killilea/Getty Images for Madame Tussauds)
Theodor Geisel $9 million
If you’re wondering why you’ve never heard the name Theodor Geisel, it’s probably because you know him as Dr. Suess. Under his pen name, Geisel penned some of the most popular children’s books of all-time, so it should be no surprise that even after death he’s still making a fortune. Geisel’s books have inspired several TV shows and films, and are read widely by children (and adults) all over the world.
(image via https://twitter.com/jd2b1999)
Albert Einstein $11 million
Albert Einstein’s genius has immortalized him. His work has influenced generations of people who came behind him, and his name is now commonly used as a noun to describe someone who is ridiculously smart. Even though the average person can’t wrap their head around the theory of relativity, everyone understands that it’s a pretty important equation. His likeness has been used on t-shirts and other merchandise, and as a result he’s still making a ton of money.
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John Lennon $12 million
John Lennon is arguably the most famous Beatle. When he was tragically stabbed be a deranged fan in 1980, his death was felt all over the world. People often wonder what Lennon could have accomplished had he lived longer, and unfortunately, the world may never know. However, what he did accomplish during his lifetime continues to be appreciated.
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Marilyn Monroe $17 million
Marilyn Monroe passed away more than 50 years ago, she continues to be one of the biggest pop culture icons. Although she was often seen as a provocative figure, Monroe was never afraid to be herself and shine like the star she was. The rights to Monroe’s image were purchased by the Authentic Brand Group, and since then they have been helping to continue building her brand.
(Photo by Dan Kitwood/Getty Images)
Bob Marley $20 million
Bob Marley was one of the most influential reggae artists to ever hit the stage, and even more than 30 years after his death, you can still see him everywhere. Marley’s earning has actually risen over the last few years and his estate continues to embark on business ventures to help ensure that his brand will continue to thrive for years to come.
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Elizabeth Taylor $25 million
One of the greatest actresses to ever hit the silver screen, Elizabeth Taylor hit her prime at a time when Hollywood was also making history. Throughout her lifetime, Taylor became popular not only for her on-screen work, but for her private life as well. As someone who loved the spotlight, she would probably be proud to know that her perfume is still a best seller, and her estate has plans to grow her fortune in the future.
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Charles Schulz $40 million
Charles Schulz is responsible for one of the most popular comic strips of all time: the Peanuts. Charlie Brown and the gang have since gone on to star in TV shows and movies, and they’re among the most popular and recognizable cartoon characters. His characters continue to live on, and many cartoonist have cited Schulz as an inspiration and a trailblazer.
(image via https://twitter.com/hollers_l)
Elvis Presley $55 million
Commonly called, “The King of Rock and Roll.” Elvis Presley is one of the most famous musicians to ever exist. Presley rose to prominence during the 50s, and continued to rise throughout the 60s. Throughout his career, he became well-known for songs like “Hound Dog,” and “Heartbreak Hotel.” Unfortunately, he passed away 1977 after years of substance abused damaged his heart. However, despite decades passing since his death, he continues to bring in some serious cash.
(Photo by Michael Loccisano/Getty Images)
Michael Jackson $140 million
In the opinions of many, Michael Jackson is the greatest entertainer to ever touch the stage. His career as a both a member of the Jackson 5 and a solo artist were extremely successful, and there’s no surprise that he tops our list. Every year since his death, Jackson has pulled in at least $100 million, and that trend doesn’t seem to be slowing down. Aside from his album sales, Jackson is also making money from several tours and shows.
(Photo by Gareth Cattermole/Getty Images)
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