Once they reach stardom proportions, successful actors and singers never have to worry again about money, ever, in their lifetimes, and beyond.
Beyond meaning for their heirs, the star in question is not going to enjoy any of the cash accrued after this life, bequeathing most of his possessions, money and future earnings to his heirs and setting them up for life.
And this can probably continue for a few generations, depending on the wealth amassed and the rate of expenditure by the star’s heirs.
Some celebs continue earning even after death, and sometimes more than when they were alive. It is telling of our society when a dead person can earn more than a living one.
Here are the highest-earning dead celebrities.
George Harrison
$12 Million
George Harrison, often referred to as the “quiet Beatle,” saw financial benefits from the “Get Back” docuseries.
This was in addition to his regular earnings from his solo projects and shared Beatles royalties.
His estate, along with John Lennon's, benefits from multiple sources, enhancing their enduring financial stability.
Similarly, the estates of both Harrison and John Lennon received additional revenue from the Beatles-themed Cirque de Soleil performance
John Lennon
$16 Million
“Money can’t buy me love.”
John Lennon
In 2022, the singer known for “Imagine” earned regular royalties from both his Beatles tenure and individual projects.
Moreover, Lennon’s estate received a portion of an approximated $20 million from music rights acquired by Disney for the docuseries “Get Back.”
John Lennon, renowned for his iconic song "Imagine," also saw a regular inflow of royalties from both his individual and Beatles work.
Directed by Peter Jackson, this series delves into the renowned British band’s last notable recording sessions.
Juan Gabriel
$23 Million
Juan Gabriel, a standout Mexican composer and singer, wrote approximately 1,800 songs and sold around 60 million albums, earning him 2 Latin Grammys.
Recognized for his distinctive performance flair and sequined fashion, he was affectionately termed the “divo of Juarez,” a nod to his place of origin. In a significant move in April, Gabriel’s estate entered an agreement with Universal Music Group.
Juan Gabriel was a prominent figure in the Latin music world, with a prolific output that continues to earn posthumously.
Under this deal, post-2008 works will be assigned to Virgin Music US Latin, a Universal subsidiary, while Universal’s publishing division will manage his complete collection.
Charles Schulz
$24 Million
The Peanuts characters, including Snoopy, have consistently generated revenue, much like their recurring themes involving Charlie Brown.
However, a shift is underway. Since their debut in 1965, the beloved holiday specials “It’s The Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown,” “A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving,” and “A Charlie Brown Christmas” had been freely broadcasted on TV.
The narrative of free access shifts, closing the gates to Apple TV's subscriber haven.
Yet, Apple TV recently acquired their rights for its premium streaming platform.
While subscribers will have access, non-subscribers can view them for free on select days.
Additionally, PBS will offer streaming of these specials.
Jeff Porcaro
$25 Million
Jeff Porcaro, the drummer from the 80s rock band Toto, may not have the widespread fame of some other late celebrities, but he held significant esteem within the music industry.
Among his notable contributions, he co-wrote the hit song “Africa.”
Moreover, he was the preferred studio drummer for renowned producer Quincy Jones and played drums on Michael Jackson’s record-breaking album, “Thriller.”
Porcaro's creative drumming synchronizes with multiple legends, cementing an eternal legacy.
Porcaro’s collaborations extended to other music icons, including Steely Dan, Eric Clapton, Paul McCartney, and Bruce Springsteen.
His publishing and recording royalties were subsequently acquired by Primary Wave.
Dr. Seuss
$32 Million
“Don’t cry because it’s over, smile because it happened.”
Dr. Seuss
Dr. Seuss described the residents of Whoville as living in a realm as tiny as a dust speck, supported by Horton the elephant on a delicate dandelion.
With Netflix and merchandise, the legacy of Dr. Seuss finds a stage beyond the printed page.
These diminutive Whos, together with other enduring characters like The Cat in the Hat, The Grinch, and The Lorax, have contributed to over $16 million in book revenues since the previous November.
Additionally, they have secured a Netflix agreement and derived income from merchandise sales.
Leonard Cohen
$55 Million
The artist known for “Hallelujah” had his publishing and masters acquired by Hipgnosis, a music management and intellectual property company listed on the stock exchange.
The firm is directed by Merck Mercuriadis, who has overseen the careers of renowned artists such as Beyoncé, Elton John, Guns N’ Roses, and Morrissey.
Financial stability was not a significant concern for Cohen.
A legendary voice and poetic lyricism diversify into a portfolio as multifaceted as Cohen's artistry.
Following the misallocation of approximately $5 million by his manager in the mid-2000s, he met with investment banker David Pullman, renowned for the “Bowie Bond,” at L.A.’s Four Seasons.
Reflecting on the encounter, Pullman noted Cohen’s calm demeanor, even stating, “The guy was so Zen, it’s incredible.”
Michael Jackson
$75 Million
Following the removal of Covid restrictions, the Jackson-themed Cirque de Soleil performance in Las Vegas has resumed operations, generating revenue in tandem with Jackson’s Mijac Music catalog.
Additionally, a recent financial contributor is “MJ The Musical” on Broadway, which provides a musical narrative of Jackson’s life.
From a catalogue of classics to theatrical ventures, Jackson's influence shapeshifts into multiple revenue streams.
Sources from the Jackson estate indicate that by November, the musical is projected to have a gross income of $80 million, a notable achievement considering its debut was just nine months prior.
James Brown
$100 Million
I feel good!
James Brown
Often referred to as “The hardest working man in show business,” James Brown’s legacy continues posthumously.
Primary Wave, an independent music publisher located in New York, has acquired the music rights, property, and the name and likeness rights of the famed ‘Godfather of Soul’.
Even in the afterlife, Brown engages in altruism through academic scholarships for the underprivileged.
It’s reported that a portion of the revenues from this deal will be allocated by Brown’s estate to establish ongoing academic scholarships for underprivileged children.
Elvis Presley
$110 Million
Elvis Presley’s Graceland mansion and resort saw a significant influx of tourists, especially those eager for a post-Covid getaway.
Based on information from individuals connected to the estate, tour tickets, performances, and merchandise accounted for approximately $80 million of Presley’s revenue.
From plush toys to biopics, the aura of Elvis materializes in a kaleidoscope of commercial endeavors.
While the estate didn’t garner substantial direct profits from the successful Elvis biographical film, the movie’s popularity is anticipated to boost Presley’s income over the upcoming 18 months.
This boost is expected as both longstanding and new fans seek Elvis-related memorabilia.
Notably, even the sales of Disney’s Stitch plush toys, adorned in Elvis-style jumpsuits, have seen an increase compared to the previous year.
David Bowie
$250 Million
David Bowie, often referred to as the “Thin White Duke,” posed the question, “Is there life on Mars?” in his 1971 album, “Hunky Dory.”
While the answer remains uncertain, with figures like Elon Musk exploring the possibilities, what is certain is the significant revenue from Bowie’s publishing catalog and masters sale to Warner Chappell in January 2022.
$250 million isn't just a number; it's a tribute to Bowie's lasting influence and boundless creativity.
This transaction resulted in an impressive $250 million, aligning with Bowie’s iconic reference as the “Man Who Sold the World.”
Kobe Bryant
$400 MIllion
The renowned L.A. Lakers star, before his passing in 2020, held an interest in the BodyArmor energy drink and was a member of its board.
In November 2021, Coca-Cola finalized a deal to acquire the remaining 70% of BodyArmor, which it hadn’t previously owned, at a valuation of $8 billion, costing them $5.6 billion.
From buzzer-beaters to billion-dollar deals, Kobe's influence remains indelible.
From this transaction, Bryant’s estate is said to have secured approximately $400 million.
J.R.R. Tolkien
$500 Million
“It simply isn’t an adventure worth telling if there aren’t any dragons.”
J.R.R. Tolkien
In August 2022, Embracer, a Swedish video game firm, revealed its purchase of Middle Earth Enterprises.
While the exact acquisition cost wasn’t disclosed, they mentioned a cumulative expenditure of $788 million for six acquisitions, Tolkien’s enterprise being among them.
A source informed Forbes that the amount allocated to Middle Earth Enterprises was roughly $500 million, a figure that Embracer did not challenge.
Embracer joins the fellowship of enterprises, becoming a guardian of Tolkien's rich lore.
Following the completion of this transaction, Embracer will join several other entities, including HarperCollins, Amazon, Warner Brothers/New Line, and the Tolkien Estate, in owning various portions of Tolkien’s intellectual property.
This distribution of rights is regarded as one of the most intricate in intellectual property history.
Immortality pays well, it seems
In a world where the living hustle for every penny, our dearly departed celebs are laughing all the way to the ethereal bank.
From the “quiet Beatle” to the “Godfather of Soul,” these posthumous powerhouses prove that you can, indeed, take it with you—or at least leave a financial legacy that keeps on giving.
Ah, the sweet smell of immortal success!
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