9. Andy Warhol
Andy Warhol changed the face of art in the 1960’s. He was a true renaissance man, embracing everything from fine art to music to literature, and putting his stamp on each. His famous portraits of Marilyn Monroe, and the Campbell’s soup can took the mundane process of silk-screening and made it awesome. His paintings still sell for millions. He produced the highly influential rock band The Velvet Underground and founded Interview Magazine. He was also openly gay way before it was socially acceptable. He coined the phrase “15 minutes of fame” even though he stayed in the spotlight way longer than that.
10. Elizabeth Taylor
Just google Liz Taylor and young, and you’ll be amazed how gorgeous this actress was back in her prime. In Cleopatra in 1963 she turned many heads, showing a ton of cleavage, plus a bathtub and massage scene that made dudes drop their jaw. Then she married like a million dudes and hung out way too much with Michael Jackson. Her biggest claim to wealth, besides old movie royalties was her still popular line of White Diamonds perfume. Just go to Macy’s and give the sampler a whiff and you’ll instantly be transported to your grandma’s house.
11. James Dean
Since Rebel Without a Cause James Dean has been a dead icon. The legendary film was released after the actor’s untimely death in a car crash. He was awarded two posthumous Oscar nominations, for Giant and East of Eden,and went on to be obsessed over for years. His image still shows up on t-shirts, coffee mugs and posters across the country. His good looks, humble beginnings in Indiana, and method acting process has been dissected as well as his personal life. His macho love of car racing is highly contrasted by the rumours that the famous actor may have been gay.
12. David Bowie
Latest newcomer to the list is David Bowie who rocked until the very end. How incredibly fitting to release your final album, Black Star, and then die only days later. For David Bowie the timing was uncanny, and very profitable. Bowie was already a rich man, but after his passing, his album and iTunes sales shot through the roof. His millions of fans doubled overnight, and a younger generation of music fans were introduced to a man that influenced every facet of pop. His onstage antics and wild personas like Ziggy Stardust will never be matched. His 2016 earnings could be capable of nearing dead celeb leader, Michael Jackson.
Credits: therichest.com
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