Milburn Stone was an American actor who is best known for his role as ‘Doc’ Adams on the classic TV series Gunsmoke, along with appearances in many films throughout his career. Born on July 5, 1904, in Burrton, Kansas, he left home as a teenager to pursue acting.
Personal and Family Life
Milburn Stone, originally named Hugh Milburn Stone, grew up in a family that encouraged his artistic endeavors, being the nephew of Broadway comedian Fred Stone. He was married three times, with his final marriage to Frances Jane Garrison lasting from 1946 until his death in 1980. They were together until his passing.
Career Highlights
Throughout his career, Milburn worked in various roles, often appearing in uncredited parts before achieving fame as ‘Doc’ on Gunsmoke. His rise to stardom began in the mid-1950s, and he became well-known for his insistence on authenticity in his character’s portrayal. Stone earned an Emmy Award for his performance and remained connected to the show for its entire run of 20 years.
Death and Legacy
Milburn Stone passed away from a heart attack on June 12, 1980, in La Jolla, California. His contributions to acting, especially on Gunsmoke, left a lasting impact on the western genre, and he was inducted into the Hall of Great Western Performers posthumously in 1981.
Filmography
| Title | Release Date | Character |
|---|---|---|
| Invaders from Mars | 1953-04-22 | Army Capt. Roth |
| Second Chance | 1953-07-18 | Edward Dawson (uncredited) |
| The Princess Comes Across | 1936-05-22 | American Reporter (uncredited) |
| Pickup on South Street | 1953-05-27 | Detective Winoki |
| Inside Job | 1946-06-14 | District Attorney Sutton |
| Black Tuesday | 1954-12-31 | Father Slocum |
| Gunsmoke | 1955-09-10 | Doc |
| The Glen Campbell Goodtime Hour | 1969-01-22 | Self |
| Climax! | 1954-10-07 | Mr. Dale |