Copyright law and money well invested during their lifetime permit celebrities who have made a significant contribution to the world's popular culture to earn on their legacy even after their death. Forbes published on its pages the ranking of the richest famous people of the XX-XXI centuries, whose descendants continue to receive income even after the death of their great relatives.

In the first place of the rating is the author of the “Lord of the Rings” trilogy, John R. R. Tolkien. Since his death in 1973, the professor, as he is often referred to by art fans, has made 500 million USD selling rights to use Tolkien's works in films, video games, and other merchandise to Middle-Earth Enterprises.

In second place is American basketball player Kobe Bryant, who made 400 million USD selling his stake in sports drink company BodyArmor Coca-Cola.

British and world rock star David Bowie came in third with 250 million USD.

Elvis Presley (110 million USD), American pop singer James Brown (100 million USD), Michael Jackson (75 million), singer-songwriter Leonard Cohen (55 million), John Lennon (16 million) and George Harrison (12 million) are also included in the top of the richest dead.