Born in Burrton, Kansas, on July 5, 1904, Milburn Stone rose to fame when he played Dr. Galen “Doc” Adams in the enduring Western television series Gunsmoke. He acted in several films and TV series during the course of his four-decade career, winning an Emmy Award and receiving a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Stone became a beloved character in American television history because of his portrayal of the steady and wise town doctor.
Milburn Stone net worth large earnings from his long-running role on Gunsmoke, film appearances, and probably wise real estate investments contributed to his estimated of $600,000 at the time of his death in 1980, or almost $2 million in today’s currency. Stone had a somewhat modest personal life despite his public profession, but his work and family—including his daughter Shirley Stone—left a lasting legacy. Because of Gunsmoke’s ongoing syndication success, his estate continues to profit financially from his legacy.
Quick Bio
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Hugh Milburn Stone |
| Date of Birth | July 5, 1904 |
| Place of Birth | Burrton, Kansas, USA |
| Date of Death | June 12, 1980 (aged 75) |
| Occupation | Actor |
| Known For | Portrayal of Dr. Galen “Doc” Adams on Gunsmoke (TV series, 1955–1975) |
| Early Career | Touring repertory troupes, vaudeville (song-and-dance team “Stone and Strain”), Broadway roles including Jayhawker (1934) and Around the Corner (1936) |
| Film Career Start | 1930s, including Monogram Pictures’ “Tailspin Tommy” serials and films like Chasing Trouble (1940) and Colorado (1940) |
| Major Accomplishment | Emmy Award for Outstanding Performance (1968) for Gunsmoke |
| Hollywood Walk of Fame | Star located at 6801 Hollywood Boulevard |
| Family | Nephew of Broadway comedian Fred Stone; married three times; had one child |
| Legacy | Inducted posthumously into Western Performers Hall of Fame (1981); Milburn Stone Theatre in Maryland named in his honor |
Milburn Stone Net Worth at the Time of His Death
At the time of his death in 1980, Milburn Stone was thought to have a net worth of about $600,000, or between $1.8 and $2 million in today’s values after accounting for inflation. His long-running role as Dr. Galen “Doc” Adams on the television series Gunsmoke, in which he performed in more than 600 episodes between 1955 and 1975, was his main source of income.
In addition, Stone made money from TV appearances, a large number of film parts (he appeared in about 168 films), and residuals from Gunsmoke reruns. He also probably increased his wealth by making investments that were typical of actors in his time. After Gunsmoke ended, Milburn Stone, a well-respected actor who had won an Emmy and was a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, retreated to his ranch before dying of a heart attack in 1980.
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Business Ventures and Income Sources
Milburn Stone’s lengthy and steady acting career, particularly his famous role as Dr. Galen “Doc” Adams on Gunsmoke, which ran from 1955 until 1975, was the main source of his business endeavours and revenue. As a main cast member of the wildly successful CBS western series, he received a sizable salary in addition to recurring residuals that paid him until his passing in 1980. In addition to Gunsmoke, Stone had a long career in film, appearing in more than 160 motion pictures and television series in the 1930s and 1940s.
Given Stone’s passion for water sports, one noteworthy personal purchase he made with his Gunsmoke profits was a boat. This suggests that he probably spent a portion of his earnings on leisure activities rather than commercial endeavours. Stone’s involvement with noteworthy commercial endeavours outside of his acting profession is not well recorded. In addition to residuals from the syndication of Gunsmoke episodes, his stable income was mostly derived from performing gigs in films and television.
| Income Source | Details |
|---|---|
| Gunsmoke Salary | Main income; salary as a lead actor for 20 years |
| Residuals | Ongoing earnings from reruns and syndication of Gunsmoke |
| Film Roles | Supporting roles in over 160 movies and serials |
| Personal Investments | Limited public info; known purchase of a boat for leisure |
Real State Ownership and Properties
Milburn Stone did not own any noteworthy real estate holdings or make any noteworthy real estate investments, according to any specified public documents or information. The information that is now available mostly concentrates on his acting career, especially his lengthy role as Dr. Galen “Doc” Adams on Gunsmoke, and it doesn’t go into detail on any real estate holdings or business endeavours associated with property ownership. Although there are no specific records of Stone’s property ownership or references to his real estate business activities in the materials examined, he retired to California and died in La Jolla, San Diego.
Personal Life and Relationships
There were important relationships and difficulties in Milburn Stone’s personal life. He had a daughter named Shirley Stone Gleason from his previous marriage to Ellen Morrison, who lived in Costa Mesa, California. Before Ellen Morrison’s untimely death in 1937, this marriage lasted 12 years.
Jane Garrison, a native of Hutchinson, Kansas, was Stone’s subsequent spouse. After some time apart, they eventually got married again. Until her passing in 2002, Jane Garrison continued to play a significant role in Stone’s life.
Final Years and Death
Milburn Stone experienced a medical emergency in March 1971 when he had heart bypass surgery at Birmingham, Alabama’s UAB Hospital. At the age of 75, he suffered a heart attack and died at La Jolla, California, on June 12, 1980. In San Diego’s Sorrento Valley, in El Camino Memorial Park, he was laid to rest.
Stone’s Gunsmoke co-star Amanda Blake passed away from AIDS, which was exacerbated by viral hepatitis caused by ASD. Her doctor eventually confirmed that AIDS was the cause of her death in August 1989, while throat cancer was first listed as the cause.
Career Journey
After entering Hollywood in the 1930s, Milburn Stone started his career by playing small roles in B-movies and serials like “Tailspin Tommy” and features like Chasing Trouble (1940) and Colorado (1940). Before making his cinematic debut, he honed his acting abilities in vaudeville, Broadway, and travelling repertory troupes. After being contracted by Universal Pictures in 1943, he rose to fame with roles in television series and films like I’ll Remember April and The Master Key (1945).
When Stone was chosen to play Dr. Galen “Doc” Adams in the television version of the hit radio western Gunsmoke in 1955, it was a turning point in his career. He brought a tougher edge to the role that suited the TV series approach, replacing Howard McNear from the radio version. Stone’s portrayal appeared in more than 600 episodes and became synonymous with the part during the show’s 20-year run until 1975. He received significant public recognition and critical acclaim for his consistent work on Gunsmoke, receiving an Emmy Award for Outstanding Performance in 1968.
Despite missing seven episodes due to a heart attack in 1971, Stone returned to the show until leaving when it concluded in 1975. He retired and lived peacefully on his ranch until his passing in 1980. In addition, St. Mary of the Plains College in Dodge City, Kansas, awarded Stone an honorary degree, confirming his ties to the American West.
Physical Measurements
- Height: 5 feet 8 inches (1.73 meters)
- Weight: Not publicly specified or consistently documented
- Other body measurements: Not publicly available or recorded
Struggles with Mental Health, Addiction & Homelessness
There is no documentation or proof that Milburn Stone experienced homelessness, addiction, or mental health problems during his lifetime. The information that is now available shows that Stone had a heart attack in 1971, which was a major health issue. He then had open heart surgery and missed very few Gunsmoke episodes. He had a newfound appreciation for life as a result of this health concern, but it did not reveal any associated addiction or mental health issues. Stone maintained his reputation as a steady and respected individual throughout his professional and personal life; neither public nor biographical records indicate that he struggled with issues like substance misuse or homelessness.
Current Status
At the age of 75, Milburn Stone died of a heart attack at La Jolla, San Diego, California, on June 12, 1980. As of 2025, he has passed away. Stone is best known for playing Dr. Galen “Doc” Adams in the television series Gunsmoke (1955–1975). His legacy lives on thanks to accolades and distinctions like his posthumous admission into the Western Performers Hall of Fame and his star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
Public Perception & Media Coverage
How the public views Milburn Stone’s lasting depiction of Dr. Galen “Doc” Adams on the iconic television Western Gunsmoke has kept him mostly upbeat and courteous. Many people consider the series to be a pioneering adult-oriented Western that established the norm and impacted innumerable subsequent series. Both critics and viewers praised Stone’s portrayal as a stable, trustworthy, and caring character who infused the part with a feeling of reality and communal ideals. The calibre and consistency of Stone’s efforts on the show were enhanced by his reputation for professionalism and commitment about acting.
Stone’s dedication to the show and his displeasure with some creative choices—such as the addition of guest stars and modifications made to address declining ratings—are frequently highlighted in media coverage. Stone openly opposed these changes, believing they compromised the show’s fundamental character. Co-star anecdotes and behind-the-scenes stories highlight Stone’s commitment to professionalism and the sporadic arguments over behaviour on set, especially with lead actor James Arness.
Stone’s career is commemorated by a number of accolades, including his posthumous induction into the Western Performers Hall of Fame, his star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, and his 1968 Emmy Award for his supporting performance in Gunsmoke. Stone’s contributions to television Western culture remain despite Gunsmoke’s somewhat declining popularity in recent decades, particularly among Western aficionados and historians who view him as a classic “cowboy” figure in American entertainment.
FAQs
How tall was Milburn Stone?
The search results that are displayed do not contain this information.
What was Milburn Stone’s net worth?
When Milburn Stone passed away in 1980, his estimated net worth was $2 million.
Was Milburn Stone a real doctor in real life?
No, Milburn Stone was an actor who played Doc Adams on Gunsmoke and was not a legitimate doctor.
What did Milburn Stone die of?
In 1980, Milburn Stone passed away from a heart attack.
What happened to Milburn Stone’s first wife?
Ellen Morrison, Milburn Stone’s first wife, died in 1937 after a 12-year marriage.
Did Milburn Stone have a daughter?
Yes, Shirley Stone Gleason is the name of Milburn Stone’s daughter from his first marriage.
What nationality was Milburn Stone?
American Milburn Stone was born in Burrton, Kansas.
How did Amanda Blake die?
According to her physician, Amanda Blake passed away from AIDS, which was made worse by viral hepatitis.
Who was Ken Curtis’ twin brother?
Ken Curtis chose to lead a more secluded life; his twin brother’s name is not mentioned in the search results that were offered.
What is Jean Milburn’s net worth?
Information on Jean Milburn’s wealth is not relevant to this Milburn Stone page.
What are some famous Milburn Stone movies and TV shows?
The most well-known role Milburn Stone played was that of Doc Adams in the television series Gunsmoke. Although he starred in several films and TV shows, Gunsmoke is still his most well-known creation.
Conclusion
A major and everlasting influence on television history, Milburn Stone’s performance of Doc Adams on Gunsmoke cemented his status as a legendary American actor. His career, which was distinguished by his brilliance and dedication, ended with a sizeable net worth and a legacy that was honoured with honours, accolades, and the ongoing success of his work.
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