Celebrities are rich and famous. Some celebrities, like the King of Pop Michael Jackson, who are not with us anymore, were so talented and popular that they continue to earn even after their death!
Here are the 10 top-earning dead celebrities as of 2017
1: Michael Jackson ($115 million)
Died: June 25, 2009, Age: 50, Cause: Overdose/homicide
He may be dead, but that doesn’t mean he’s not making money. The pop legend Michael Jackson died on June 25 2009 due to acute propofol and benzodiazepine intoxication. Since his death, his estate has earned more than $1 billion pretax; more than enough to pay off his debt. His earnings came from Vegas Cirque du Soleil show “Michael Jackson One,” the Mijac Music catalogue, record sales and the Sony/ATV publishing empire.
2. Charles Schulz ($40 million)
Died: February 12, 2000, Cause: Colon cancer, Age: 77
Schulz, the creator of famous comic strip Peanuts, died of colon cancer on February 12 2000. Sparky (Schulz’s nickname) is widely regarded as one of the most influential cartoonists of all time. He continues to earn licensing revenue from the popular comic. The Peanuts Movie will be in theaters in November 2015.
3) Elvis Presley ($55 million)
Died: August 16, 1977, Age: 42, Cause: Heart attack
Music icon Elvis Presley died on August 16 1977 of heart attack. The King of Rock n’ Roll makes more money than many living celebrities. This is largely due to Graceland ticket sales. In August he earned his fifty-third top 40 album on the Billboard 200 chart with Elvis Presley Forever, a compilation released by the USPS.
4: Prince
Prince earned $25 million.
5: Bob Marley
Died: May 11, 1981, Age: 36, Cause: Cancer
Marley died of cancer on May 11 1981. His distinctive songwriting and vocal style earned him fans all over the world. Even though this singer, songwriter, musician and guitarist was not a capitalist icon in life, he is becoming quite rich after death. The House of Marley, the Marley Beverage Company and his music is earning him millions each year.