The words that death is not the end were confirmed by Forbes magazine by publishing its list of celebrities who continue to earn millions of dollars after their death. When a star dies, its popularity does not disappear. All films, albums, books and images remain forever, preserving the memory of the star and providing a piece of bread with a thick layer of butter to its heirs and successors.
Here they are, rich and dead, who have entered into top 10 highest paid deceased celebrities of 2016.
10. Betty Page
Annual revenue is $ 11 million.
A charming pin-up model died in 2008, and her name still brings millions of dollars a year, mostly from the sale of Bettie Page clothing, including 50s-style dresses, swimwear and underwear.
9. Albert Einstein
Annual revenue is $ 11.5 million.
The only scientist from the list of the richest deceased celebrities. Albert Einstein lived from 1879 to 1955. In 2015, his income, the rights to which belong to the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, amounted to over 11 million from the sale of goods, including mugs, posters and dolls.
8. John Lennon
The annual income is 12 million dollars.
35 years have passed since the cult member of The Beatles was killed by four bullets in the back, but his songs still sound and bring significant profit to copyright holders.
7. Theodore Geisel, aka Dr. Seuss
Annual revenue is $ 20 million.
This children's writer from the USA, who died in 1991, presented the world with books such as Green Eggs and Ham, Cat in the Hat and Places to Go. They are very popular with young Americans.
6. Bob Marley
Annual revenue is $ 21 million.
Bob Marley's dying words reportedly sounded like: "money cannot buy life." But they can be earned even after death thanks to deductions from the sale of music and income from the "family estate" of the reggae king. It is located near the city of Ocho Rios (Jamaica). Cannabis plantations are located near the estate, where tourists can arrange a paid excursion.
5. Prince
Annual revenue is $ 25 million.
The possession of Prince (as well as his recording studio) Paisley Park recently opened its doors to the public. Those who want to see where the famous singer and composer lived and recorded their songs must pay from 38.50 to 100 dollars for the tour. And his albums will be popular for a long time among lovers of rhythm and blues, rock and avant-garde.
4. Elvis Presley
Annual revenue is $ 27 million.
Elvis left the building in 1977 at the age of 42, but is still rowing money with a shovel, as fans of the “king” flock to his former home and Graceland's vacation spot and buy albums.
3. Arnold Palmer
Annual income - 40 million dollars.
The legendary golfer, who died in 2016 at the age of 87, is included in the ranking of the richest deceased stars at number three, although it is obvious that most of his 40 millionth fortune was obtained while Palmer was still alive.
2. Charles Schulz
Annual revenue is $ 48 million.
Best known as the creator of the comic book Peanuts. This daily comic was released from 1950 to 2000 (until the death of the author) and has 17,897 issues. Even if you are not familiar with this comic, you may have seen images of the cute dog Snoopy - one of the heroes of Peanuts.
1. Michael Jackson
Annual income - $ 825 million.
Despite the fact that nine years have passed since the death of the king of pop, his name continues to be profitable. His heirs sold the Japanese corporation Sony a 50% stake in the music publishing company Sony / ATV Music Publishing. He owns the rights to thousands of musical compositions, including The Beatles songs. The deal cost Sony $ 750 million. Jackson acquired the rights to the music of the Liverpool Four back in 1984 for $ 47.5 million, and then sold 50 percent to Sony in 1995 for $ 115 million.
