Making Money After Life - Forbes Quiz Top-Earning Dead Celebs

What are you going to be worth when you're dead? A great number of people have spent a great deal of human and financial resources calculating the composition of, prior to the decomposition of, and the worth, or worthlessness of, the human body.

When we total the monetary value of the elements in our bodies and the value of the average person's skin, we arrive at a net worth of $4.50! (www.coolquiz.com/trivia)

The U.S. Bureau of Chemistry and Soils invested many a hard-earned tax dollar in calculating the chemical and mineral composition of the human body, which breaks down as follows:

65% Oxygen

18% Carbon

10% Hydrogen

3% Nitrogen

1.5% Calcium

1% Phosphorous

0.35% Potassium

0.25% Sulfur

0.15% Sodium

0.15% Chlorine

0.05% Magnesium

0.0004% Iro

0.00004% Iodine

Additionally, it was discovered that our bodies contain trace quantities of fluorine, silicon, manganese, zinc, copper, aluminum, and arsenic. Together, all of the above amounts to less than one dollar!

Our most valuable asset is our skin, which the Japanese invested their time and money in measuring. Cut and dried, the average person is the proud owner of fourteen to eighteen square feet of skin, with the variables in this figure being height, weight, and breast size. Basing the skin's value on the selling price of cowhide, which is approximately $.25 per square foot, the value of an average person's skin is about $3.50.

This doesn't sound like a lot of money. However, some people are worth more dead than living. And many of these folks keep right on earning and earning. This is not a theme about the sad reality of a person's body. Instead, it is a report on top earning dead celebrities.

Forbes reported Michael Jackson's sudden death marked not only began a pouring out of grief around the world, but also caused fans to open their wallets to make him this year's top-earning dead celebrity with $275 million.(Lacey Rose and Dorothy Pomerantz, "Top-Earning Dead Celebrities," Forbes, October 25 2010)

Not only did Jackson make more money than all the other dead celebrities last year, but he also out-earned every person not named Oprah Winfrey on the Forbes Celebrity 100, which tallies the incomes of living entertainers. Jackson also brought in more than the year's highest-grossing music acts, U2 and AC/DC, put together. (Daniel Kreps, "Michael Jackson Named Top-Earning Dead Celebrity," Rolling Stone, October 26 2010)

"The cash flow on an annual basis is tremendous," estate lawyer Donald David told Forbes. "Sure, it's going to decline eventually, but it's going to be a huge amount in the foreseeable future. [Jackson's] kids are going to have grandkids before that money's gone."

Jackson was ranked third on last year's list with $90 million.But, during his lifetime, Jackson never even made it onto Forbes' Celebrity 100 list.

Of course, by now, everyone knows that Jackson died in his Los Angeles home on June 25 last year, shortly before a planned series of comeback concerts in London. The singer left behind three children and a debt of $500 million.

This year list makers needed to earn at least $5 million between Oct. 1, 2009, and Oct. 1, 2010. For the most part, earnings come from things like music royalties, book sales or the licensing of one’s image and likeness. To compile the list, Forbes spoke to agents, lawyers and other sources to estimate a star’s gross earnings (before taxes, management fees and other costs). (Lacey Rose and Dorothy Pomerantz, "Top-Earning Dead Celebrities," Forbes, October 25 2010)

Many dead celebrities make the bulk of their posthumous fortunes on licensing deals. Unlike their living counterparts, who can suddenly fall into a heap of trouble (such as Lindsay Lohan), dead celebrities have images--be they glamorous, rebellious or tough--that are unlikely to change.

Elvis Presley came in second, earning $60 million from admissions to his former home, Graceland, which is now a museum and tourist attraction in Memphis, Tennessee, a Cirque de Soleil show and more than 200 licensing and merchandise deals.

That leaves 11 positions open on the list. See if you can name any (all) of them without looking first. I will warn you in advance, the answers are not all easy. Report how many rich dead people you got correct. Don't worry about the exact order. This task is challenging enough. Answers are provided at the bottom of the page.

Answers:

J.R.R. Tolkien - $50 million

Charles Schulz - $33 million

John Lennon - $17 million

Stieg Larsson - $18 million

Dr. Seuss (Theodor Geisel) - 11 million
Albert Einstein - $10 million

George Steinbrenner - $8 million

Richard Rodgers - $7 million

Jimi Hendrix and Steve McQueen - tied $6 million 

Aaron Spelling - $5 million

Michael Jackson and the Coroner's Report

Finally, a partial coroner's report on Michael Jackson has been released. Amid speculation that the entertainer's death was the result of a drug overdose, the question, of course, turned to "How did this happen?" The following information is now public. Many stones are left unturned. "The office of the Los Angeles County coroner confirmed Friday that it had ruled Michael Jackson’s death a homicide. It said the cause was a mixture of the powerful anesthetic propofol and the anti-anxiety drug lorazepam, both of which, previously disclosed court documents say, Mr. Jackson’s doctor has acknowledged administering to him the day he died." (Solomon Moore, "Jackson's Death Ruled a Homicide," The New York Times, August 28 2009) Who may have killed Michael Jackson? The last physician to treat Mr. Jackson, Dr. Conrad Murray, a cardiologist who was acting as the entertainer’s personal physician at the time. Dr. Murray has denied any responsibility for Mr. Jackson’s death. Los Angeles Times Staff Writers Richard Winton, Harriet Ryan and Andrew Blankstein report Dr. Murray administered the sedatives Valium, lorazepam and midazolam -- five times over six hours because Jackson pleaded for the powerful anesthetic before his death. But none of the sedatives put Jackson to sleep and he continued to demand his "milk," the word the doctor said the pop star used for propofol. (August 28 2009) Murray said he finally relented and at 10:40 a.m. added the drug to Jackson's intravenous drip, according to the records. On June 25, the day of the homicide, he briefly left the bedroom of the star’s home (10 minutes to use the restroom) and returned to find him unconscious. Dr. Murray, however, has not been named by authorities as a suspect. Dr. Murray's lawyer is demanding that the coroner's office release the full autopsy report. Edward Chernoff said he needs to know the exact levels of the various drugs in Jackson's system and said the refusal to release the report suggests "gamesmanship." Dr Murray told investigators he was not the first doctor to administer propofol to the star. According to Murray, he was concerned that the singer was becoming addicted to the drug and had been trying to wean him off, using alternative drugs. (BBC News, August 29 2009) The L.A. Times report also states Jackson had specifically asked concert promoter AEG Live to hire Murray as his $150,000-a-month physician to travel with him to London, where he was scheduled to perform 50 concerts. The heat is also being turned up on Jackson's longtime friend and dermatologist Arnold Klein, who investigators believe facilitated the singers' years-long drug abuse. Law enforcement sources told FOXNews.com that a recent search of the Beverly Hills pharmacy yielded records of Klein prescribing controlled substances to himself. The Washington Post reports that the coroner has subpoenaed medical records from general practitioner Allan Metzger, anesthesiologists David Adams and Randy Rosen, and holistic nurse practitioner Cherilyn Lee, who has said that Jackson unsuccessfully requested propofol from her, telling her he would "pay a doctor anything" for the drug. (Ashley Surdin, "Coroner Confirms Death of Jackson Was Homicide," August 29 2009) California Attorney General Jerry Brown announced that at the request of the LAPD, his office would launch an independent investigation into several doctors who may have treated Jackson in recent months. What killed Michael Jackson? A surgical anesthetic combined with other medication created a cocktail that killed him. According to the L.A. Times, officials listed the cause of Jackson's June 25 death as "acute propofol intoxication" with the additional factor of "benzodiazepine effect." (Richard Winton and Harriet Ryan, August 29 2009) Propofol, normally used with instruments that measure oxygen levels, blood pressure and heart rate, to anesthetize patients for surgery is believed to be one of the drugs responsible although Jackson had several other drugs in his system, including midazolam, an anti-anxiety medication; diazepam, or Valium; lidocaine, a local anesthetic; and ephedrine, a stimulant and decongestant. CNN reports, "The drugs said to have contributed to Jackson's death are routinely used in hospital settings, but should never be combined at home, medical professionals say." (Elizabeth Landau, August 28 2009) The effects of Propofol can be compounded when there are other drugs in the system, especially those like lorazepam, a member of a class of medications called benzodiazepines. Benzodiazepines also slow breathing, and Mr. Jackson was given three different benzodiazepines in the six hours before receiving propofol, according to court documents. What is the background of the killer drugs? CNN further reports, Propofol has generated controversy in the anesthesiology community because of reports of its abuse by health care workers. A 2007 study by the International Anesthesia Research Society found that "about 18 percent of the 126 academic anesthesia programs in the United States had at least one reported instance of propofol abuse within the previous 10 years." There is not adequate accounting of propofol in hospitals, said Dr. Paul Wischmeyer, professor of anesthesiology at the University of Colorado, lead author of the study. The drug is often abused by risk-taking people who may have had trauma earlier in life. Because propofol is not a controlled substance, doctors other than Anesthesiologists can get it, even if they are not trained in using it, and that's where they can get in trouble. Propofol can cause patients to stop breathing, but in the operating room, anesthesiologists are equipped to resuscitate them. Why was Michael Jackson killed? In the six weeks before Jackson died (including June 25, the day of Jackson's death) Dr. Murray administered propofol intravenously to Jackson nightly to help him sleep. Some sources say the toxicology reports have led investigators to suspect that Murray gave Jackson more propofol than he told police. Dr. Eugene Viscusi, anesthesiologist and director of pain management at Thomas Jefferson University Hospital in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania states, "The use of propofol in a nonmonitored setting is 'ludicrous,' The Food and Drug Administration has not approved propofol for use as a sleep aid." (Elizabeth Landau, CNN, August 28 2009) Where Was Michael Jackson killed? The L.A. coroner's office confirms that Jackson died in his rented Westwood mansion on June 25. What does the charge of homicide mean? The coroner's classification of homicide -- the killing of one person by another -- does not always translate into criminal charges, and those close to the investigation have said Jackson's history of drug use and health problems could complicate any prosecution. The coroner's report did not cite the nature of the homicide finding or whether the coroner's office concluded that a crime took place. The Washington Post reports, "The ruling means Jackson died at the hands of another, but whether criminal activity is involved -- such as gross negligence or intent to harm -- remains undetermined." (Ashley Surdin, "Coroner Confirms Death of Jackson Was Homicide," August 29 2009) MTV News legal expert Peter T. Haven says unless Murray is proved to have had full knowledge that the dosage he gave Jackson would be fatal but continued anyway, a criminal charge will be hard to pursue. However, it's worth noting that a medical malpractice charge may be pursued if it's determined Murray acted below the standard care expected of a physician. (Jayson Rodriguez, mtvnews.com, August 28 2009) Murray could face involuntary manslaughter charges as a result of the coroner's report. But, reports say the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration states it has no record of Dr. Murray ordering, purchasing or obtaining propofol. (Voice of America News, AP and Reuters, August 28 2009) A Final Word At the request of the Los Angeles County District Attorney and the Los Angeles Police Department, "the final Coroner's report, including the complete toxicology report will remain on Security Hold" until their investigations are complete, the coroner's statement said.

What Is Your Legacy?

Considering the attention drawn to the legacy of Michael Jackson, I find the controversy both interesting and, quite frankly, absurd. Notably, Jackson is a pop icon famous for his music-- writing, singing, dancing, and performance. Quite deservedly, he will take his place for innovation in the field of pop. On the other hand, Jackson is a figure of documented infamy and abnormal behavior. The "changes" in his actions, character, and appearance over his lifetime will remain as shadows defaming his status as a positive role model. Some claim he is a criminal and a child molester, more monster than king. In the wake of the publicity and grief over Michael Jackson's death, even the Congress is considering a rare honor. According to recent news sources, Representative Sheila Jackson-Lee, D-Texas, is calling on Congress to recognize Jackson with a resolution as a "global humanitarian and a noted leader in the fight against worldwide hunger and medical crises" and celebrate the King of Pop as "an accomplished contributor to the worlds of arts and entertainment, scientific advances in the treatment of HIV/AIDS, and global food security." So, what will be the final legacy of Michael Jackson-- entertainer, humanitarian, world leader? I tend to think Jackson is, sadly, just another musical artist alongside the lost highway. Regardless of his incredible fame, he has joined the ranks of those before him ravaged by personal demons: Hank Williams, Elvis Presley, Jimi Hendrix, James Brown. Anything other than his music will be remembered with a certain sadness and reservation. Will the entertainer status overcome obstacles to his personal image? The word legacy seems to evoke positive images of greatness, yet a legacy is simply "something transmitted by or received from a predecessor." Other than money or personal property, most people leave, at best, a simple legacy quite undefined. Few consider building a legacy during their lifetime unless fame or fortune gives them access to incredible power and popularity. Even determined legacy builders must patch holes in their public image to maintain consistency of transmission. With the power created by the bold image and loud sound bite, few meek individuals will share their legacies with the masses. A question to consider is then, "What worth does society place on a person's legacy?" I guess biography and history books may help answer the question for those few who gain fame or notoriety. Yet, almost all people will not be read or remembered with detail two generations after their death. Their legacy decays with time until all traces of their goodness or wickedness disappears. Broad legacies are reduced to phrases, then to words, then to mere speculation, and finally to names on a piece of rock. Most people hope to leave their most admirable and valuable legacies to others that love them best: maybe some pleasant, loving memories for all people whose lives they have touched. Also desirable, people hope to be remembered by other casual acquaintances as basically good friends. And, finally, caring people desire to be thought of as Samaritans who help their fellow man. Unfortunately, like Michael Jackson, many struggle with image control in their personal lives. Clouded perspectives often create problems and turmoil for our relationships in the real world. Others see and hear what they prefer, not necessarily what is intended to be displayed. Interpretation and misinterpretation cause conflict and unrest while outright mistakes take their unavoidable toll. Soon, people learn to narrow their views and live with their own judgments of others out of personal pride and principle. In turn, any hopes of a decent legacy is diminished, so the subject sees little value in consistent behavior. In reality, I expect my legacy to my immediate family to be reduced to almost nothing. Certainly in terms of money or property, I leave virtually zero. Having reached no great accomplishments in life, I hand over no umbrellas of fame or popularity. My relationships have been shallow at best, and my mood swings have dictated rigid control or complete lack of it. As I lose friendships and trust, I find hatred has become entrenched deeply in the memory of others. I accept the blame; however, I cannot continue to accept all the consequences time has delivered, and will forever deliver to others. A bad husband, a bad father-- I may be. No, I don't think a great legacy is the worth of an individual. The judgments involved in the value of what is transmitted and the stature it brings to the deceased person calls for almost total clarity in evaluation of character. I, for one, cannot read the hearts and souls of others. To the living, legacy is hope and trust that others are going to respond in true kindness. Legacy is a dead man's game played by live people for their own self gratification.