Celebrity Legacies

As the charismatic lead singer of The Doors, Jim Morrison died at the young age of 27 but his music will live on for decades. He left all his possessions to his girlfriend but she passed away soon after he did, causing a battle within the families.

As Tony Soprano on "The Sopranos," James Gandolfini became a household name but after his untimely death at the age of 51, his last will and testament caused a media frenzy that will be battled over for years to come.

Anna Nicole Smith was known for many things including being a Marilyn Monroe look-alike and a former Playboy Playmate, but her addictions and lavish lifestyle caught up with her and she died from an accidental overdose at the age of 39.

As one of the most popular and best-selling female pop artists of all-time, Whitney Houston died suddenly at the age of 48 and left behind a legacy that her family is still trying to clean up.

As the founding member of The Beatles and one of the greatest singer/songwriters of all time, John Lennon's life ended too soon when he was shot dead by a fan. John left a fortune to his wife, Yoko Ono but his son Julian still wants a piece of it.

As one of the most well-known rock 'n roll icons of all-time as well as being generous with his fortune almost to a fault, Elvis Presley's legacy continues.

New York socialite and the famous son of President Kennedy, John F. Kennedy Jr. lead a charmed life. But when his plane crashed and killed him, his wife and her sister, the Bessette family seeks retribution.

Famous television producer Aaron Spelling was best known for shows like "Charlie's Angels," "The Love Boat," and "Dynasty." But with all this fame came fortune and when he died, a family fight of epic proportions ensued.

Front man, guitarist and primary songwriter for the extremely popular grunge band, Nirvana, Kurt Cobain was found dead at the young age of 27, leaving behind a daughter and stunned fans.

One of the most famous reggae musicians, Bob Marley, changed the world with his positive music but after he died at age 36 and left no will, Bob Marley left behind a fortune that has done nothing but grow and cause bitterness.

Ray Charles revolutionized American music and was credited with virtually inventing soul music, but when he died, he left a messy estate that had loved ones dragging his name through the courts for years.

Australian actor Heath Ledger headed to the U.S. in the late 1990s to pursue a career and, in just a few short years, he became an Academy Award winner, but he passed away at the age of 28, leaving behind a small fortune and a child.

The famed '90s rapper was a prolific talent and a triple threat as he acted, sang and got in trouble with the law.

Elizabeth Taylor won two Academy Awards and later in life devoted more to the philanthropic work that truly captured her heart.

George Harrison helped reinvent rock and roll and became one of the biggest rock stars of all time.

Perhaps the finest screen actor of the twentieth century, Marlon Brando changed the face of Hollywood and took a stand against racism; when he died he was a recluse who left behind a troubled legacy.

With his deep voice, strong jaw and all-American values, John Wayne came to define not just the Hollywood hero but America itself.

Best known as a pinup girl from 1970s series "Charlie's Angels," Farrah Fawcett left the series at the height of its popularity only to reinvent herself as a serious actress, leaving a memorable legacy.

When guitar player Jimi Hendrix died at age 27, he left a mountain of debt, no will and a legacy.

Norma Jeane Mortenson, aka Marilyn Monroe, was a talented actress, singer and model who sadly became a victim of her addictions and loneliness.

Actor James Dean's early death made him a bigger star than he had been while alive.

Blues artist Marvin Gaye was killed by his father, leaving millions of dollars in debt behind.

After announcing his impending death, Dennis Hopper filed for divorce and began an ugly battle that continued after he died.

The hardest working man in show-business, James Brown was arguably more essential to the development of modern music than any other man, but he was also a hard man to love.