Celebrities earn big money during their lifetime and most of them keep on doing that even after they die. Yes, there are many dead celebrities who are still making millions of dollars from their grave and will keep on doing that for many years in the future too. Here is a list to help you find out the top five richest dead celebrities:
- Yves Saint Laurent ($350 million)
Yves Saint Laurent was a famous French fashion designer who left a legacy in the world of fashion and even after his death in 2008, he is still at the top of this list of richest dead celebrities. This year the sale of two art pieces belonging to Saint Laurent’s estate earned him $443 million dollars. Although the money will go directly to two charity foundations as instructed by Saint Laurent’s will, but this whopping sum of money makes him the richest dead celebrity of the world. Moreover, it has been reported that the auction amount for Saint Laurent’s estate has almost reached half a billion dollars up until now.
- Rodgers & Hammerstein ($235million)
The famous musical composers of yesteryear, Rodgers and Hammerstein died back in the 70s but their music is still earning them almost $200 million per year. However, with the Imagem Music Group buying the Rodgers and Hammerstein Organization, their income went up to $235 million this year.
- Michael Jackson ($90 million)
Soon after his death in 2009, Michael Jackson earned millions of dollars through album sales, music video marathons and radio airplay posthumously. With his net worth as $90 million currently, the legendary ‘King of Pop’ will posthumously earn more money in the future with publishing rights and other merchandising deals.
- Elvis Presley ($55 million)
Even after his death in 1977, the ‘King of Rock and Roll’ has been earning big bucks through various merchandising deals, licensing his immense portfolio and Graceland admission. Moreover, the late singer’s earning has been predicted to go further up in the coming event of 75th anniversary of Graceland and also in the upcoming show of Elvis Presley Cirque du Soleil in Las Vegas.
- J.R.R. Tolkein ($50 million)
J.R.R. Tolkein was an English writer, poet and University professor and was best known for his internationally famous ‘The Lord of the Rings’ which still continues to earn him big money and new fans every day. After filming the trilogy of The Lord of the Rings by Peter Jackson, Tolkein’s posthumous income began to increase and it is expected to further go up in the future.