Top 10 highest-earning dead celebrities 2012

$210 million
Actress
Died: March 23, 2011
Age: 79
Cause: Heart failure

$145 million
Singer
Died: June 25, 2009
Age: 50
Cause: Overdose/homicide

$55 million
Singer, actor
Died: August 16, 1977
Age: 42
Cause: Heart attack

$37 million
Cartoonist
Died: February 12, 2000
Age: 77
Cause: Colon cancer

$17 million
Singer
Died: May 11, 1981
Age: 36
Cause: Cancer

$12 million
Singer
Died: December 8, 1980
Age: 40
Cause: Murder

$10 million
Actress
Died: August 5, 1962
Age: 36
Cause: Overdose

$10 million
Scientist
Died: April 18, 1955
Age: 76
Cause: Natural causes

$9 million
Author
Died: September, 24, 1991
Age: 87
Cause: Natural causes

$8 million
Actor
Died: November 30, 1980
Age: 50
Cause: Complication from surgery