Prescription pills - Jacko, Heath Ledger and now Brittany Murphy

By David Raven

It sounds like a tasteless joke.

But what do Michael Jackson, Heath Ledger and Brittany Murphy all have in common?

For a start they were all influencial legends of the 21st century whose work inspired millions.

However they also shared a darker side.

They abused dangerous prescription drugs which they took to escape personal issues that ultimately resulted in their deaths.

It is well documented that Jacko suffered abuse as a child and Heath Ledger was an alleged insomniac.

And Brittany Murphy also had issues with bi-polar disorder and depression.

All three were found to be taking powerful drugs that are used to combat depression and anxiety.

The jury is still out on whether the stars needed the drugs that ultimately resulted in their deaths.

In the glossy celebrity obsessed culture we live in - it is just a harsh reminder that celebrities are people too.

People that behind the glamorous lifestyle, have a huge workload that they struggle to cope with.

Jacko has been touring and moonwalking on our TV screens for nearly 40 years.

Heath Ledger appeared in 19 hit films and was also a music video director and producer.

And Brittany starred in seven box office hits and had both a successful music and modelling career.

It would be fair to say it was their admirable work rate and ambition which made them famous.

But that ultimately also resulted in their deaths.