Image Credits: John Flannery via Flickr (CC License: Attribution-ShareAlike)
They may no longer be breathing in this world but they probably earn more in one year than most of us will in our entire lives!
These numbers, accumulated by Forbes, show the top earning dead celebrities in 2015…
7. JOHN LENNON
Yoko Ono’s soulmate that is better known as the singer-songwriter of the Beatles – John Lennon takes the 7th spot.
With a whopping total of US$12 million (S$16.9 million) in 2015, this iconic musician continues to share the revenue of his recorded and published music. Other ventures such as the Beatles-themed Cirque du Soleil show are also earning him money even after death.
6. MARILYN MONROE
One of the famous entertainers of the 50s is the dashing Marilyn Monroe. Although she died more than 50 years ago, her legend continues as the Authentic Brand Group bought the rights to her brand. Her branding consists of a lingerie line, clothing label, perfume, and spa treatments. In 2015, these earned her US$17 million (S$23.9 million).
Image Credits: pixabay.com (License: CC0 Public Domain)
This proves that her beauty still captivates the hearts of many!
5. ELIZABETH TAYLOR
Aside from her movies, this legendary leading lady has been reigning supreme in the celebrity fragrance business. One of her top fragrance called “White Diamonds” is still continuing to sell even after 24 years.
All in all, Elizabeth Taylor earned about US$20 million (S$28.1 million) this year!
4. BOB MARLEY
Bob Marley, a reggae superstar, may not be an outright entrepreneur when he was alive but he became one in his death. This is due to three reasons namely: his Marley Beverage Company, his House Of Marley, and his music royalties.
He really does not need to worry about money as he is still earning US$21 million (S$29.6 million) after his death!
3. CHARLES SCHULZ
It is rare to see people who cannot recognize who Snoopy and Charlie Brown is! With the release of the “Peanuts Movie”, their creator named Charles Schulz who died in 2000 earned about US$40 million (S$56.42 million) this year. He is said to be earning a cut from the licensing revenue of the popular comics too.
2. ELVIS PRESLEY
The King of Rock and Roll’s magic lives on until the present day as his brand and name is still earning an impressive amount of US$55 million (S$77.5 million). This is largely due to the sales of his albums, memorabilia, and Graceland ticket sales.
Elvis, we can’t help falling in love with you!
1. MICHAEL JACKSON
Smooth as his pipes were, Michael Jackson has been bringing home the bucks gracefully since young. Consistently, he has been earning triple-digit millions every year after his death in 2009. Thought that was thrilling? How about if I told you that he earned US$115 million (S$162.1 million) this year alone?
Well, his undying talent still drives the force of his Cirque du Soleil show, his Mijac Music catalogue, and his music royalties including the half of the Sony/ATV publishing empire.
See his everlasting career here:
