Top Money-Making Dead Celebrities

How do you feel when someone in your line of work makes more money than you? You feel a little put out, right? How would you feel if that person was dead? I imagine you would feel even worse! Such is the case in the field of entertainment and other well-known personages. "Forbes" has created a list of the "Top Earning Dead Celebrities." Many of these people make more money now than people such as Madonna or Justin Timberlake. Hard to believe? Read on.

1. Elvis Presley tops the list earning $52 million last year. Elvis was born in Tupelo, Mississippi on January 8, 1935. He had a twin brother who unfortunately was stillborn. He began his singing career with "Sun Records" in 1954. His charisma, sensual voice and incredible good looks led to a highly successful singing career in which he sold well over one billion records. His untimely death at his Graceland home on August 16, 1977 caused heartache worldwide.

2. Charles M. Schultz will forever be known for his famous cartoon character, Charlie Brown. He was born in Minneapolis, Minnesota. As a youngster, Schultz was given a black and white dog, Spike, who was the inspiration for Snoopy.

3. Heath Ledger was born on April 4,1979 in Perth, Australia. He will be long-remembered for his role as the Joker in The Dark Knight. His earnings from this film will earn him approximately $20 million.

4. Albert Einstein was born in Germany on March 14, 1879. In 1921, he was awarded the Nobel Prize in physics. His work not only in physics, but also in relativity and other scientific fields has left him as the genius of the last century.

5. Aaron Spelling was born in Dallas Texas on April 22, 1923 and is one of the most famous television producers of dramatic series and films. Among his most well-known television programs are Dynasty, Charlie's Angels, The Love Boat, Fantasy Island, Beverly Hills 90210 and many others. He has an outstanding list of credentials in the film industry and will remain among the more well-known producers for years to come.

The other six celebrities who are deceased yet have earned more money than many living celebrities are Dr. Seuss, John Lennon, Andy Warhol, Marilyn Monroe and Steve McQueen. They have all left their individual mark on their particular field of entertainment and will be remembered for their achievements for years to come.

Sources:
www.elvis.com
www.people.com
Forbes
www.nobelprize.org