If Elvis was still alive, he’d probably celebrate by shooting a big hole in his TV and then eating a deep-fried chocolate cake the size of a minivan.
Forbes Magazine has just published it’s list of the top-earning dead celebrities. And at the top of the list stands Elvis Presley – last year his earnings stood at $45 million. A dead man who croaked while he was doing a big poo has made more money in a year than you will ever see in your life. How does that make you feel?
28 years after he died, Elvis Presley (CDs) is still raking in more cash than any other dead celebrity. His $45 million paycheck was mostly made up of cash from the sale of the bulk of his estate to Robert Sillerman of CKX in December, and the Elvis By The Presleys documentary, book and CD that followed.
Here’s the full rundown of the Forbes top-earning dead celebrity list:
1. Elvis Presley – Died in 1977 – Earnings: $45 million. Fat singer
2. Charles M. Schulz – Died in 2000 – Earnings: $35 million. Unfunny cartoonist
3. John Lennon – Died in 1980 – Earnings: $22 million. Still being fought over by Paul & Yoko
4. Andy Warhol – Died in 1987 – Earnings: $16 million. Drew pictures and filmed haircuts
5. Theodore "Dr. Seuss" Geisel – Died in 1991 – Earning: $10 million. Ultimately responsible for the dreadful Cat In The Hat movie
6. Marlon Brando – Died in 2004 – Earnings: $9 million. Superman’s Dad
7. Marilyn Monroe – Died in 1962 – Earnings: $8 million. Everyone has seen her knickers
8. J.R.R. Tolkien – Died in 1973 – Earnings: $8 million. Ultimately responsible for Orlando Bloom’s career
9. George Harrison – Died in 2001 – Earnings: $7 million. The second-richest dead Beatle
10. Johnny Cash – Died in 2003 – Earnings: $7 million. Dead cowboy
11. Irving Berlin – Died in 1989 – Earnings: $7 million. Ask your Nan
12. Bob Marley – Died in 1981 – Earnings: $6 million. The only person on the list liked by Greek hotel resorts and whiny students
13. Ray Charles – Died in 2004 – Earnings: $6 million. How much would he have earned if that film hadn’t been made?
Read more:
Top-Earning Dead Celebrities – Forbes
[story by Stuart Heritage]
Brian Quinn says
Elvis will still be topping this Poll for many years to come. He was unique and there will never be another like him.
Quite simply ‘The Greatest Entertainer Of All-Time’.
burlington says
This should be entitled ‘Who is the most overrated dead celebrity?’ I’m sure Elvis would make first place then, along with Marilyn and Sinatra.
I cannot understand the hype. Dreadful whiny singing, a face that’s been put through a smoothie maker and zero personality to boot. Give me Suzy Quatro any day.
Jim Burrows says
The problem with people who do not understnd the power of Elvis Presley is that most will go on to never understand it. They are, a minority for sure, so the majority could care less if they never do.
Coop says
I just came across this article and Stuart Heritage is a fuckin’ moron. Keep talking, you idiot, to show your ignorance regarding the legacy of Elvis Presley. For those who criticize his talent you should keep your traps shut, too. Why does any artist make and/or top this list? Supply and demand, you stupid dumb motherfuckers.