In Memory of Milburn Stone ('Doc' from TV's 'Gunsmoke'): 44 Years After His Fatal Heart Attack

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It's been over four decades since the demise of beloved actor Milburn Stone, best known as Dr. Galen "Doc" Adams on TV's Gunsmoke (CBS, 1955-1975). The Emmy-winning Stone died of a heart attack in La Jolla, CA on June 12, 1980. This is his life story.

A Closer Look

Milburn Stone was born on July 5, 1904, in Burrton, Kansas. The nephew of Broadway comedian Fred Stone, a teenage Milburn left home to tour with acting repertory groups. He initially performed with Jay Strain in vaudeville as part of a song-and-dance team Stone and Strain.

After performing a small role on Broadway in The Jayhawkers, Milburn relocated to Los Angeles in 1935 to explore acting on the big screen.

More small parts followed in movies like Ladies Crave Excitement and The Fighting Marines (both released in 1935), They Gave Him a Gun (1937), and more.

Periodically, Stone took the lead in other films such as The Master Key (1945) and The Judge (1949). He would also be cast more visible supporting roles in additional motion pictures including Mystery Plane, Sky Patrol, and Danger Flight (all released in 1939).

The Year of the Big Western Break

Milburn Stone's screen presence continued in the same way throughout the 1940s and '50s, ending with The Long Gray Line in 1955.

That same year, he was cast as Doc Adams on Gunsmoke and remained with the series until its cancellation two decades later.

Like his Gunsmoke co-star Amanda Blake, Stone in 1961, sold his residual rights of Gunsmoke to CBS for $100,000.

He was married to Jane Garrison (who died in October 2002).

Lasting Impression

To the increasing number of Gunsmoke fans around the world, Milburn Stone will remain forever adored for his curmudgeon but adored role as Doc Adams.