The Professor is moving up in the world, at least financially. JRR Tolkien is the third wealthiest dead celebrity in Forbes Magazine’s yearly poll, up from fifth place last year.
The Oxford philology professor and occasional fantasy author came in behind Elvis Presley and Michael Jackson, with 2010 earnings for his estate of an estimated US$50 million.
New to this year’s list: The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo author Stieg Larson at number six ($15 million), and newly-deceased New York Yankees owner George Steinbrenner at number nine ($8 million).
More info: The 13 Top-Earning Dead Celebs via Forbes.
This is the most ironic post yet! It just goes to show what happens when you can’t take it with you and/or you die before you get any of the moolah. Not to mention all that critical aclaim going to waste because Mr. Famous Person is resting in the boneyard and is unable to stand up and take a bow. By the by, have a cheerful Halloween.