Richest dead celebrities
Michael Jackson
Michael Jackson's estate is still raking in the bucks, and his music is more popular than ever. He died on June 25, 2009, but the King of Pop still reigns in revenue. He topped the list last year. Here are other celebrities who earned big bucks after death.
Elvis Presley
Elvis Presley
The King's earnings after death topped what he made while alive by 1988. How much did he earn last year? His estate continues to provide for his widow and daughter, and his music is timeless.
Yves Saint Laurent
Yves Saint Laurent
Date of death: June 1, 2008
In 2009, the estate of the late designer was valued at more than Michael Jackson's. That might have been due to a massive estate sale.
Richard Rodgers and Oscar Hammerstein
Richard Rodgers and Oscar Hammerstein
Rodgers' date of death: Dec. 30, 1979
Hammerstein's Date of Death: Aug. 23, 1960
It pays to write. This duo wrote many outstanding musicals, won 15 Oscars, three Tony Awards and many other awards.
John Lennon
John Lennon
Date of death: Dec. 8, 1980
As the first Beatle to pass away, his estate is worth a few million and his music never seems to go out of fashion.
J.R.R. Tolkien
J.R.R. Tolkien
Date of death: Sept. 2, 1973
The creator of hobbits and Middle-Earth is still raking it in. His estate continues to have substantial earnings, and the movies made from his books continue to be quite popular.
Charles Schulz
Charles Schulz
Date of death: Feb. 12, 2000
The estate of the late "Peanuts" creator is anything but peanuts. Who would have thought Lucy, Charlie Brown and Snoopy would continue to be so popular?
Dr. Seuss
Dr. Seuss
Date of death: Sept. 24, 1991
The man who created the Cat in the Hat is worth some cash, imagine that! It probably didn't come from selling Thneeds, as in this famous book.
Albert Einstein
Albert Einstein
Date of death: April 18, 1955
Was he the smartest man ever? He's one of the richest dead celebrities. Fast food, bobbleheads, baby products and hybrid cars are among the items associating themselves with the crazy-haired genius.
Jimi Hendrix
Jimi Hendrix
Date of death: Sept. 18, 1970
He left us more than 40 years ago, but his music has never been more popular. His estate continues to rake in the money, putting him among the top 10 richest dead celebrities.
