Born in Burrton, Kansas, on July 5, 1904, Milburn Stone would have been 121 years old in 2025 if he were still living. His portrayal of Dr. Galen “Doc” Adams on the television western Gunsmoke, which ran for 20 years and became the longest-running dramatic program in network history, brought him widespread recognition. Before securing his famous TV role in 1955, Stone started his acting career in the 1930s in vaudeville and motion pictures, making appearances in more than 150 films. He received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in recognition of his role in Gunsmoke, for which he received an Emmy Award.
Due in great part to his significant work in television and cinema, particularly Gunsmoke, Milburn stone net worth at the time of his death in 1980 was $600,000, or about $1.8 million in today’s currency. He maintained a discreet family life with his wife, Jane Garrison. Following the conclusion of the series in 1975, Stone retired, and he died of a heart attack in 1980.
Quick Bio
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Hugh Milburn Stone |
| Date of Birth | July 5, 1904 |
| Place of Birth | Burrton, Kansas, U.S. |
| Date of Death | June 12, 1980 |
| Age at Death | 75 |
| Place of Death | La Jolla, California, U.S. |
| Occupation | Actor |
| Years Active | 1919–1975 |
| Famous Role | Dr. Galen “Doc” Adams on Gunsmoke (CBS Western) |
| Major Awards | Emmy Award for Outstanding Supporting Actor (1968) |
| Family | Married twice; had one child |
| Notable Relatives | Fred Stone (uncle, Broadway comedian), Joe Stone (brother, Gunsmoke writer) |
| Education | Graduated from Burrton High School; declined Naval Academy appointment |
| Early Career | Vaudeville performer (Stone and Strain duo), Broadway credits (Jayhawker, Around the Corner) |
| Hollywood Debut | 1930s; featured in Monogram Pictures “Tailspin Tommy” series |
| Net Worth | Approx. $1.8 million |
| Honors | Star on Hollywood Walk of Fame (6801 Hollywood Blvd), inducted posthumously into Western Performers Hall of Fame (1981) |
| Legacy | Milburn Stone Theatre in North East, Maryland named in his honor |
Milburn Stone Net Worth in 2025
Milburn Stone, who would have turned 121 in 2025, was born in Burrton, Kansas, on July 5, 1904. His most well-known performance was in the television western Gunsmoke, where he played Dr. Galen “Doc” Adams from 1955 until the show’s cancellation in 1975. Stone had a successful career, starring in about 168 movies, and won an Emmy for his supporting performance in Gunsmoke in 1968. Milburn Stone’s estimated net worth at the time of his death from a heart attack on June 12, 1980, was $600,000. That amounts to around $1.8 million in today’s currency.
His vast career in television and cinema, particularly his lengthy tenure on Gunsmoke, was the main source of his fortune. Stone and his spouse, Jane Garrison, maintained a discreet family life. He received an honorary doctorate from St. Mary of the Plains College in Dodge City, Kansas, after retiring and living on a ranch.
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Business Ventures and Income Sources
Milburn Stone’s long-running role as Dr. Galen “Doc” Adams on the television western Gunsmoke, which ran from 1955 until 1975, was his main source of income. According to reports, Stone’s early series pay ranged from $500 to $750 each episode, which was typical for supporting cast compensation at the time. Although specifics of Stone’s subsequent pay rises are less well-documented, the show’s popularity led to a significant boost in the compensation of its main players, with some, like James Arness, earning up to $20,000 each episode. Before the series, Stone had a successful career that included roles in more than 150 movies in addition to Gunsmoke, which increased his total income.
There is no known public record of Milburn Stone pursuing major commercial endeavors outside of acting; his acting career and related royalties provided the majority of his income. Additionally, he was recognized with accolades including an Emmy Award in 1968 and an honorary degree, which highlighted his influence on the field rather than his varied business revenue.
Real State Ownership and Properties
Details regarding Milburn Stone’s real estate holdings and ownership are not readily available to the public. Although he moved to a ranch setting and lived in California, particularly at La Jolla, where he died in 1980, no documents or reports show that he acquired any substantial real estate or real estate investments. Rather than business endeavors or real estate holdings, his legacy and income were mostly linked to his lengthy career in movies and television, particularly his two-decade appearance on Gunsmoke and associated royalties. No credible sources list any significant real estate holdings in Stone’s name, and he kept a large portion of his private life private.
Who Was Milburn Stone? A Career Overview
American actor Milburn Stone was born in Burrton, Kansas, on July 5, 1904. His upbringing in Kansas, in the American heartland, had a significant impact on his Western identity. Stone pursued acting despite being appointed by Congress to the U.S. Naval Academy, beginning his career in the 1930s in stage plays, vaudeville, and early Hollywood motion pictures.
Stone began his acting career with parts in serials and B-movies like The Master Key and Tailspin Tommy. By 1955, he had secured his iconic part as “Doc” Galen Adams in Gunsmoke, taking Howard McNear’s place in the radio adaptation with a more rugged and grounded portrayal of the small-town physician. Milburn Stone was not a genuine doctor, in contrast to his role, but his portrayal was so convincing that on-set cast members occasionally asked him for medical advice.
Personal Life and Family
Shirley Stone Gleason was the daughter of Milburn Stone’s first marriage to Ellen Morrison. In 2002, Jane Garrison, his second wife, who he had married, divorced, and remarried, died. Stone rarely combined his personal and professional lives, which gives his legacy a feeling of respect and decency.
His family was also involved in the arts; he was the uncle of character actress Madge Blake and the nephew of Broadway performer Fred Stone. On and off film, Stone’s sincerity and dependability were bolstered by his private character.
Physical Measurements
- Height: 5 feet 8 inches (1.73 meters)
- Weight: Not publicly available
- Other Measurements: Not publicly available
Struggles with Mental Health, Addiction & Homelessness
There is no proof or reliable information that Milburn Stone experienced homelessness, addiction, or mental health problems. According to the records that are currently available, Milburn Stone’s heart attack in 1971 presented a significant health problem that resulted in open heart surgery and a brief hiatus from Gunsmoke. His perspective on life was drastically altered by this health emergency, which made him more tolerant and grateful. He said that after his recuperation, life had become “more precious.” He had no history of addiction or homelessness, and his personal and professional lives were stable until his death from heart failure in 1980.
Current Status
Milburn Stone died of a heart attack in La Jolla, California, on June 12, 1980, at the age of 75. He has remained a renowned figure in American television history ever since, most famously for his iconic portrayal of Dr. Galen “Doc” Adams on the 20-year-long series Gunsmoke. Following the conclusion of the series in 1975, Stone completely retired to his ranch and led a quiet life until his passing. He was honored posthumously with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, an honorary doctorate from St. Mary of the Plains College, and induction into the Western Performers Hall of Fame in 1981. The Milburn Stone Theatre in Maryland and his continued renown in Western entertainment history are testaments to his legacy.
Public Perception & Media Coverage
How the public views Milburn Stone is still regarded favorably, especially for his portrayal of Dr. Galen “Doc” Adams in the seminal and trailblazing television western Gunsmoke. Because Stone molded Doc Adams’ past to reflect his Midwestern heritage and personal ideals, the part became genuine and sympathetic, and audiences responded strongly to his performance, seeing him almost as an alter ego. By tackling weighty social issues like racism, religion, and violence, Gunsmoke itself is commended for taking the Western genre above the level of simple entertainment and adding to its enduring legacy. Together with his co-stars, Stone is hailed as a founding character in TV western history, and he continues to be recognized in popular culture through inductions into Western heritage halls and memorabilia displays.
Today’s media frequently emphasizes Stone’s influence on television and the character’s timeless appeal. Highlighting his consistent and reliable presence on Gunsmoke over the course of two decades. As evidence of the widespread public and media support for Stone’s work. The show’s enormous fan base and industry recognition helped network decisions to keep Gunsmoke airing despite threats of cancelation. Retrospectives about the performer and the show continue to highlight his charismatic personality. Which was enhanced by his genuine Kansas upbringing and cowboy manner. All things considered, Milburn Stone is seen by the public as a well-liked and esteemed actor whose enduring work helped shape a period of American television.
FAQs
What was Milburn Stone’s net worth?
Although exact numbers are unknown, Stone accumulated a substantial fortune over more than 40 years via acting roles in Gunsmoke and other projects. His net worth is approximately $1.8 million as of 2025.
Was Milburn Stone a real doctor?
No, he wasn’t a professional doctor; instead, he modeled his role in part on a young Kansas town doctor.
How tall was Milburn Stone?
About five feet nine inches.
What did Milburn Stone die of?
In 1980, a heart attack claimed his life.
Did Milburn Stone have any children?
Yes, Shirley Stone Gleason is one of her daughters.
What was James Arness’ net worth when he died?
Although exact figures vary, James Arness’s lead part contributed to his much higher net worth.
Conclusion
Milburn Stone led a comfortable life thanks to his financial success with Gunsmoke, but his real contribution was to the development of Western television’s golden period. In addition to being admired for its authenticity, his performance of Doc Adams became a pillar of American popular culture because of the tenderness and gravity he added to the film. Milburn Stone is still a symbol of enduring brilliance in television history and continues to enthrall audiences decades after his death.
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