I think the more accurate common denominator is "entertainer". Some of those were pretty damn popular when they died.

The issue is that drugs tend to be available and encouraged for rockers and actors.

Heroin, in particular, seems to have an unnatural appeal to guitarists and rockers and has claimed way more than it's fair share of them.

I really wish we would legalize some of these drugs even if we still keep them behind a prescription. Legalizing the drugs would certainly help as then the dosages would be controlled.

I don’t think this is a fair statement. Many of those listed were people suffering from physical injuries or mental health issues, making them more vulnerable. Prince started on opioids because of performance related injuries.

Agreed. Not that many drugs aren't inherently risky, but stress/despair/loss of purpose cuts across lines (pun intended) of wealth and is a guarantor of increased addiction potential.