Even several years after their death, some celebrities still represent a significant financial windfall. This is particularly the case of Dr. Seuss, a children’s author adored across the Atlantic The Grinch creator’s estate nearly doubled in 2020, earning an estimated $33 million. This is thanks to a new strategy from the team at Dr. Seuss Enterprises, which has turned the beloved author’s 60-plus-year-old children’s books into a multimedia universe.
- The first adaptation: Is Green Eggs and Ham by Netflix. The streaming giant turned the 50-word book into an animated series reportedly costing $65 million. Voice actors include Michael Douglas, Keegan-Michael Key, and Diane Keaton. Dr. Seuss Enterprises also signed a three-film deal with Warner Bros., focusing on characters Bidule One and Bidule Deux, the Cat in the Hat, and the world of the book Oh, the Places You’ll Go!
Netflix’s animated adaptation of Dr. Seuss’s Green Eggs and Ham cost $65 million and featured renowned voice actors. Dr. Seuss Enterprises expanded its reach with a three-film deal with Warner Bros., bringing beloved characters to the big screen.
- Marilyn Monroe died on August 4, 1962, of a drug overdose. While the suicide theory is widely accepted, recent testimony suggests it may have been an assassination ordered by John F. Kennedy’s brother, Robert, or a concealed medical error.
Marilyn Monroe’s death, officially ruled as a drug overdose, sparked speculation of foul play due to her association with John F. Kennedy’s brother, Robert. Recent testimony has raised questions about the circumstances surrounding her demise.
- Forty years after John Lennon’s murder, his music continues to generate substantial revenue. The Beatles’ timeless songs and Lennon’s co-writing credits ensure a steady income stream from television and movie placements.
John Lennon’s legacy remains strong four decades after his tragic death, with the Beatles’ music generating significant revenue. Lennon’s co-writing credits also contribute to his posthumous earnings from music placements.
- Bob Marley’s musical income soared with over a billion streams worldwide. His brand, House of Marley, and merchandise sales contributed over $3 million to his earnings this year.
Bob Marley’s musical legacy thrives with over a billion streams globally. Additionally, his brand, House of Marley, and merchandise sales contribute significantly to his posthumous earnings.
- Rapper Juice WRLD saw a surge in stream numbers following his death in December 2019. His posthumous album, Legends Never Die, topped the Billboard charts, solidifying his impact on the music industry.
Juice WRLD’s untimely death led to a surge in stream numbers, with his posthumous album reaching the top of the charts. His legacy continues to resonate with fans worldwide.
- Kobe Bryant’s tragic passing in a helicopter crash led to a surge in demand for his merchandise and autobiography. Nike sold out of all Kobe-related inventory, and his autobiography sold over 300,000 copies.
Following Kobe Bryant’s tragic death, demand for his merchandise and autobiography skyrocketed. Nike sold out of all Kobe-related inventory, while his autobiography became a bestseller.
- Elvis Presley’s empire faced challenges due to the pandemic, with his former home, Graceland, experiencing closures and reduced capacity. Nevertheless, his music and brand continue to captivate audiences worldwide.
The pandemic posed challenges for Elvis Presley’s empire, with Graceland experiencing closures. However, his music and brand remain influential, attracting audiences globally.
- Arnold Palmer’s brand partnerships, including deals with Arizona Beverages and MasterCard, continue to generate millions in revenue. Despite the shortened golf season, his legacy remains strong.
Arnold Palmer’s brand partnerships and products continue to thrive, generating millions in revenue. Despite challenges posed by the pandemic, his legacy remains resilient.
- Charles Schultz’s estate saw significant income from various sources, including a new series on Apple TV+ and classic specials. Snoopy and the Peanuts gang continue to charm audiences worldwide.
Charles Schultz’s estate enjoyed substantial income from new and classic Peanuts content. The beloved characters, including Snoopy, remain timeless favorites for audiences of all ages.
- Dr. Seuss’s empire remains profitable with lucrative television and film deals. Book sales also contribute substantially to his earnings, with millions of copies sold annually.
Dr. Seuss’s empire continues to thrive with television and film adaptations. Book sales remain a significant source of revenue, solidifying his enduring popularity.
- Despite controversies, Michael Jackson’s music label and long-term contract with Sony contribute to the majority of his revenue. The release of Leaving Neverland did not diminish his posthumous earnings.
Michael Jackson’s music label and contract with Sony remain lucrative, accounting for the majority of his posthumous earnings. Despite controversies, his legacy remains strong.
Methodology
Our annual ranking of the highest-grossing deceased celebrities measures pre-tax earnings between October 1, 2019, and October 1, 2020. Data sources include MRC Data, IMDbPro, NPD BookScan, and industry interviews. Fees for agents, managers, and attorneys are not deducted.