6) Marilyn Monroe ($17 million)

Died: August 5, 1962, Age: 36, Cause: Overdose

Marilyn Monroe was one of the most popular sex symbols of the 1950s. She died of barbiturates overdose on August 5 1962. She continues to be an international icon more than five decades after her death. Authentic Brand Group bought the rights to her brand in 2011. Marilyn Monroe’s name continues to make money decades after her death.

5) Elizabeth Taylor ($20 million)

Died: March 23, 2011, Age: 79 Cause: Heart failure

British-American actress Elizabeth Taylor died of heart failure on March 23 2011. She was also savvy businesswoman. Liz launched her House of Taylor fragrance line when celebrity perfumes did not exist. One of her scents, the White Diamonds, is still one of the top selling celebrity fragrances. It has generated more than $1 billion in its more than two decades of history.