LIVE POLL: Death Didn’t Stop These Celebrities From Making a Buck

@Peter_pbn​ I am too and not at the same time. She has only broken the Forbes top 13 dead celebrity incomes once in the past decade @ #12 in 2019. Her estate I suspect was and maybe still is in a state of disarray, similar to the one Elvis' was after he died. Both singers spent an enormous amount of money while living, almost outspending their earnings. Both, had managers that siphoned off millions for themselves. It seems like there is potential for a turnaround, like Priscilla Presley managed for Elvis' heir, Lisa-Marie. Houston has set many music sales records since her death. But, depending on her signed deal and advance, I am unsure of how much filtered down to her estate. Plus, I suspect music sales are only a small part of Elvis' estate income, the real motherlode is in the tourist-related, merchandising and licensing rights (assuming the artist had not given those up or sold them prior to their death).

https://www.yahoo.com/now/whitney-houston-net-worth-reveals-213042188.html

@ACT_1​

I agree it doesn't seem a stretch that this will become more common. I guess it is all about how much it costs to do, how much it makes for whoever is making the movie and how much it enriches the estate.

I remember when John Wayne made his first Coors Light commercial fifteen years after he died in 1992. It was a big deal back then and a big novelty that this feat could be pulled off. Ever since, he has been regularly hawking their suds in TV commercials and elsewhere for the better part of thirty years now. 

@Pencho15​

I could see Paul McCartney being on the Forbes list in the future. Hopefully, though not for at least another one to two decades more.

I was surprised to see Charles Schulz on the list, but it makes sense as Peanuts is as popular as ever. His income probably hasn't even dropped from when he was alive, as his strips are still being reprinted today. He had such a long career (50 years), built such a large archive (17,897 strips published) and his work was so timeless, I am not even sure the newest generation realizes they are decades old and being reprinted or that I would recognize one from before. 

@Jessica​ Thanks

@riverotter​ That's cool. I like the fact that it wasn't all about making money and monetizing everything. Plus, the lesson that you don't know, unless you ask.