Even after they’re gone, their financial legacies live on and the stars continue to live in our hearts for eternity. From historic icons like Marilyn Monroe to recent losses like Michael Jackson, Top 10 List has compiled a list of dead celebrities that are still earning the big bucks and profiting big time.
1. Elizabeth Taylor:
Glamour will never be the same again, not after Elizabeth Taylor died in 2011. But for her heirs, she’s still spiritually and monetarily with us. Her perfume line has brought in a hefty $12 million to herinvestors. Her belongings will be auctioned off, with proceeds estimated to be around $30 million. And we’re not even talking about her image license. In 2012, she was rumoured to have been worth $210 million.
2. Michael Jackson
Michael Jackson died on June 25, 2009 of propofol intoxication . He suffered a cardiac arrest at his home in California. His physician, Conrad Murray, said he had found Jackson in his room, not breathing and that he administered CPR on his bed but with no success.
In August of 2009, the Los Angeles County Coroner ruled Jackson’s death a homicide. Shortly before his death, Jackson had been administered propofol and two anti-anxiety benzodiazepines – lorazepam and midazolam in his home, which needed to have been done in a hospital by a licensed doctor/ Murray was convicted in November 2011 of involuntary manslaughter and is now serving a 4 year sentence for his role in Michael Jackson’s death.
Jackson’s estate has a number of steady revenue streams. Not only does it earn from sales of Jackson’s own music, Jackson owned 50% of Sony’s ATV catalog stocks,; this includes artists like The Beatles and Lady Gaga. His estate also derives its success from the successful Cirque Du Soleil show The Immortal Tour. He is now worth a total of $145 million as of 2012.
He’s held the top spot since his death in 2009, only to be beaten in 2012 by his best friend, Elizabeth Taylor. I am sure they are drinking it up in heaven and having a blast knowing they are still earning the big bucks down here.
3. Elvis Presley
The King of Rock ‘n’ Roll died in 1977 of a heart attack.
Although he can no sing and dance the way he used and hasn not done it for more than three decades, Elvis Presley is still earning money and according to Forbes Magazine, he remains one of the top earning dead celebrity.
According to news sources, the “King of Rock n’ Roll” pulled in $55 million dollars in 2012, which is not bad for a dead celebrity for 36 years This figure did increase substantially as more visitors came to Graceland to commemorate the 30th anniversary of his death and publicity was also generated by new ventures such as the Elvis Sirius Satellite Radio show.
4. Charles M. Schulz
This cartoonist created Peanuts and died in the year 2000, aged 77 of colon cancer. He earns about 35 million dollars ever year because the cartoon is still published in over 2,100 newspapers all over the world. Most of the money comes from the merchandise that is created and sold to the ever-doting public year after year.
5. John Lennon
John Lennon was a part of the celebrated rock band, The Beatles. He died in 1980 when Mark David Chapman shot him four times outside his apartment. The Beatles still sell more than a million records a year, despite splitting up in 1970. Lennon’s solo work also makes sales in the hundreds of thousands of copies each year. In addition, widow Yoko Ono filed a $10 million lawsuit against record company EMI so she can earn back royalties and master recordings, boosting Lennon’s bank account as a result.
Nelson Mandela born in 1918 has to be one of the most influential and charismatic figures of the 20th century. He was the son of a tribal chieftain who was extremely weel educated and who turned his considerable talents to righting the wrongs of the Apartheid system in South Africa. Imprisoned for his politics in 1962 after the Sharpeville massacre, he languished on the notorious Robbins’s Island prison until he was finally released in 1990. He went on to become South Africa’s first black President and instead of seeking revenge, preached reconciliation.
Moham Das Karam Chand Gandhi better known as Mahatma Gandhi, was born in 1869, and until his assassination practised non-violent resistance to the British rule in the Indian subcontinent. He was a gentle, humble man who helped to shape the subcontinent as it is today. He was the inspiration for those who believed in peaceful protest.
Ernesto Che Guevara was the antithesis of Gandhi, although he had trained as a doctor and had worked with lepers, he believed that armed struggle was the only way to right the wrongs the poor endured. He was a communist and fighter who joined in what he saw as the struggles of the poor against the wealthy oppressors in South America and Cuba. He was born in Argentina, is best remembered for his fight in Cuba with Fidel Castro and his wild hair and beret can still be seen on posters, mugs and other paraphernalia. He was executed in Bolivia.
Mother Teresa was born Agnes Gonxha Bojaxhiu in Albania in 1910, and died in Calcutta in 1997. She is best known for her work in the slums of Calcutta. One of her mast famous sayings was “Yesterday has gone, tomorrow has not yet come. We have only today. Let us begin.” She won the Nobel Prize for peace in 1979 and was beatified by the Roman Catholic Church after her death. This was so that people in Calcutta where she had worked so tirelessly to improve the lives of the poor could worship her if they chose without incurring the wrath of the Church.
Hers was a fairy tale marriage according to the media, although she was lady Diana Spencer, so not a commoner. Her marriage ended and she died tragically, but she won the hearts of many in Britain and around the world. She was the member of the British royal family who showed compassion for those suffering from HIV/AIDS and she worked to stop mines being used in areas of war. Her face still adorns mugs and other items and she lives on in the hearts of many.
Dame Freya Stark was the first Westerner to travel through some regions of the Middle East and was the first Western woman to do so. She was fluent in Arabic and Turkish and mastered many other languages and dialects. She liked to be thought of as the female Lawrence of Arabia, but did other work too. She worked as a nurse in Italy during the First World War and during the Second World War worked for the British Ministry of Information, founding the Brotherhood of Freedom in Cairo which was a democratic anti-fascist organization. She wrote many enjoyable, immensely readable books about her travels which are well-worth reading.
Like Freya Stark , Edith Durham as she was better known, spent time in the Balkans, where she won the respect of the fierce tribes peoples in High Albania. She wrote for “The Times” of London and worked to gather information in The Balkans, which was and is a highly sensitive area, and one of importance to the West. Her books are very readable, and although when she died she had lost the respect of some of her fellow-country people, the Albanians remembered her as she would have wished.
Lucrezia Borgia was the daughter of Pope Alexander VI and sister of Cesare, with whom it is said she had an incestuous relationship. Cesare was the epitome of Machiavelli’s “The Prince” and Lucrezia went down in history as a ruthless poisoner, adulteress and schemer, who involved herself with the politics of Renaissance Italy. She became the Duchess of Ferrara on her marriage, which had been arranged by her brother to further the power and influence of the Borgia family. She is one of the women in history who played a very different role to other women of her time.
Amelia Earhart was an intrepid adventurer and aviator whose motto could have been “Adventure is worthwhile in itself.” She was given her first flight by Frank Hawks in 1920 and went on to become only the 16th woman to be granted a pilots licence. Her plane was lost in 1937 and she was legally presumed dead in 1939. In December 2010 some bones were found on a pacific Island which may have been hers, and if they prove to be, the mystery surrounding her demise might be solved.
Mary Ann Evans used George Eliot as her pen name because she wanted people to read her books, and in the 19th century, women were not supposed to be good authors. Undeterred she went on to write some of the best books in English Literature, notably, “Middlemarch”, “The Mill on the Floss” and others. Critics have said that she did not portray male characters realistically, but given the mores of the time this is perhaps understandable and forgivable.
He rules our hearts with his music. However, controversies followed him as much as his popular music did. He has been accused of child sexual abuse more than once, during his career. It was believed that he has bleached his skin to gain a fair complexion. His huge fan list of 18,497,798 fans on Facebook is still increasing. He died with no confirm reason revealed of his death.
Lady Gaga is more popular for her fashion style then her music. Her music is also outrageous and depicts bare daring acts from Lady Gaga. She does not keep bisexuality a secret from people. In fact, she is very famous in gay community. With 15,634,240 fans following on Facebook, Lady Gaga is one of the most popular celebrities on Facebook.
With his popularity in football game, Cristiano has been famous for his mysterious relationships and women. He is a father to a baby boy. However, the name of the mother is still not public yet. His relationships have been in news as much as his game is. However, he still rules his fans hearts with 10 million figure on Facebook!
Britney has been synonymous to controversies. She married a childhood friend, Jason Alexander in 2004 and divorced him within 55 hours. Later, she gave a statement that she just wanted to know what it feels like to be married. Britney was married to Kevin Federline in September, 2004. She gave birth to two children and filed for a divorce in 2006. On one occasion, she was seen driving with her eldest son on her lap, while she was holding the steering with one hand only. She was also sent to rehabilitation centre due to her drug abuse and behavior. Her fan list still remains one of the best, with 4,034,680 fans on Facebook.
Usher started his music career in 90’s. He has given us several popular singles. However, her relationships are the always surrounded with controversies. He filed for a divorce in 2009 from his wife, saying that they were living separately for almost a year, while their relative claimed that it was a lie. His former girlfriend, who broke up with him in 2003, claimed after that breakup that Usher cheated on her during their relationship. Usher’s huge fans list comprises of 2,698,924 fans. He is controversial, but he is also very popular for his music and innovation among his fans.
The talk show hostess who started her show in 1986, has the last season is due in 2011. The actor is also a producer and a philanthropist. She is known for her philanthropy which is not just limited to the show. She has her own magazine known as the O magazine. She has been considered as one of ‘The Most Important People of the Century,’ by Time.com. She tops the list with earnings of approximately $ 315 million last year.
The show Judge Judy is a rage with the audience. This American court show features the former family court judge Judith Sheindlin. The show started off in the year 1996 and has been extended till 2013, the seventeenth season of this show. Judge Judy is known for being blunt, truthful and outspoken judge in America. She sits second on the list with earnings of $45 million.
The host of the ‘The Late Show of David Letterman,’ David Letterman, started his career as a weatherman. He started with his show in 1992. He has won several Emmy’s and other awards. He has had interviewed several eminent guests in his tenure. He sits third on this list with annual earnings of $28 million.
Ryan Seacrest is an American radio personality, television host, network producer and voice actor. He is also the host of E! News and American Idol. He started his career as the host of Radical Outdoor Challenge in 1993. He started hosting the American Idol with Brian Dunkleman in 2002. Since season two of American idol in 2003, he has been the lone host for the show. He is also the executive producer of several shows including, Keeping Up with the Kardashians, Denise Richards: It’s Complicated and Jamie Oliver’s Food Revolution. He sits fourth on this list with annual earnings of almost $15 million.
She shot to limelight with the show ‘Keeping Up with the Kardashians’ along with her family. Now she also stars in another reality show called ‘Kourtney & Kim Take New York’ alongside her sister Kourtney. She also earns handsomely with her endorsements deals Skechers sneakers, Kotex tampons and skin care brands Quick Trim with her sisters. The 30 year old has earned $6 million in 2010 alone and she charges $75,000 for an appearance.
Their’s was a sad breakup, after nearly 14 years of marriage. According to popular sources, their marriage ‘wasn’t working out’. They had supported each other through important events in each other’s life. Both Hollywood actors, they have 2 children together.
King is a Talk show host, while Southwick is an actress. They have 2 children together. In his divorce filing, the TV host is seeking shared custody of their two sons. Rumours surfaced that the reason for the couple`s split was an alleged affair between King and his wife`s sister.
Considered among Hollywood’s happiest couples, Jim Carrey and Jenny’s breakup came as a surprise to most people. In their 5 years together they shared a special bond, with each other and their respective children.
The on-again, off-again pair, Ryan Phillippe and Abbey Cornish — who were seeing each other when Phillippe split from Reese Witherspoon, 31, last October still have a ton of chemistry. Cornish, 25, has been bonding with Phillippe’s kids. The actress, Abbey Cornish, was spotted removing her belongings from the house she shared with actor Phillippe. The split follows months of paparazzi speculation that Phillippe had been regularly hitting the nightclubs and being linked to other women.
Vincent is playing the lead role of `Phineas` on Disney`s new hit animated series, ‘Phineas and Ferb’, and is now Emmy nominated. He is shooting the fourth season of ‘Everybody Hates Chris’.
The easiest way to become famous today is by becoming a part of a reality television show. All you need to do is audition for a mind-numbingly senseless show, make some noise or act completely adorable and the next thing you know, you are famous! You don’t need talent or good looks- all you need is some single-minded determination.
If you happen to be at the right place at the right time, there is no way that you will not gain instant fame and recognition. For example- if you save a man from drowning or pick a child up from some railway tracks, the press will find you almost instantly. Jay Leno may contact you personally as well!
If you have unusually long hair, nails or maybe, eyelashes, you can be sure to become famous in no time. Everybody is fascinated by photographs in the Guinness Book of World Records and who knows, if you play your cards right, you may end up featuring in the next one!
If this particular method appeals to you, all you need to do is pick up a song or a book that is not all that famous and copy it. If you deny the allegations till you are six feet under, you will be remembered for years to come!
If you give up a lot of money in the name of charity, several newspapers will be knocking at your door and will want to interview you. Let’s put it this way- your conscience will be happy with you and you can look into cameras and smile with great modesty and charm.
We first saw Lindsay Lohan in the movie, “Parent Trap”, when she was not even 10 years old. The role proved to be difficult as she played two people at the same time. She played twin sisters, Haillie and Annie, who were separated at birth, and tried to bring their parents back together. Lohan’s movie career went on a sky high throughout the years, when she starred in movies such as “Freaky Friday” and “Mean Girls”. She also tried out a music career, as well as debuted her own fashion line, 6126, which mainly focuses on women’s clothing.
Michael Jackson is the most successful artist of all time. But he proved that success comes at a very high price. Jackson began his career at age 5, when he began performing with his brothers. Their act was known as “Jackson 5”. His career began evolving even more when he began his solo career. His 1984 album, “Thriller”, is considered to be the most successful album of all time to this very day.
Britney Spears began performing when she was part of The Mickey Mouse Club, along with Justin Timberlake, Christina Aguilera, and Ryan Gosling. She then re-emerged when she released her hit single, “Hit Me Baby One More Time”. Spears became very popular with the young tweens and teens age groups. She released her debut album of the same name in 1998, as well as several others throughout the years.
Dana Plato was a particularly well known actress for her role in the hit series, “Diff’rent Strokes”. Plato played Kimberly, the teenage daughter of Phillip Drummond, a widower who adopts two African American boys after their parents died. The series aired from 1978 to 1986. Plato was cast at the beginning of its run, but her appearances ended in 1984, when she became pregnant. The producers of the show felt that a pregnancy would not fit the concept of the show. She appeared again between 1985 and 1986.
Angelina Jolie is world-renowned for her pouty smile and slightly rebellious nature. She is romantically involved with actor, Brad Pitt and has six children with him. This gorgeous actress makes about 20 million dollars per year and is among the highest rated female celebrities all over the world. A Mighty Heart and Gia are some of the movies she is celebrated for.
This Disney star became a superstar overnight, all thanks to her show Hannah Montana. At 17, she is almost a billionaire and endorses almost every product under the sun. Apart from singing, she is also interesting in acting and recently played the lead role in The Last Song.
Emma Watson is the youngest billionaire in the industry today. Best known for her role as Hermione Granger in the massive popular Harry Potter series, she is also the new face of Chanel. Watson also models for Burberry and is worth about 5.7 billion dollars.
Kidman was married to Tom Cruise for about 10 years after which the two went their own separate ways. This stunning actress was the highest paid in the industry a few years back and is as remarkable on the ramp as well. If that wasn’t enough, she can also sing!
People will always think of this dazzling actress as Rachel Greene- the character she played for 10 years in Friends, the popular NBC sitcom. Even when the show was at its peak, she made sure that she kept her film career alive as well and was a part of movies like The Object of my Affection and The Good Girl.
