Milburn Stone, the iconic character actor, best known for his portrayal of "Doc Adams" in the long-running western classic Gunsmoke, was born on July 5, 1904, in Kansas. As the nephew of renowned Broadway comedian Fred Stone, Milburn's affinity for acting was evident from a young age. He left home as a teenager to pursue his passion, joining touring repertory troupes and later appearing in vaudeville as part of the song-and-dance team "Stone and Strain".
After a minor appearance on Broadway in "The Jayhawkers", Milburn moved to Los Angeles in 1935 to try his luck in films. For years, he worked in mostly unbilled parts for 'poverty row' Monogram Pictures and major studios, honing his craft in various background roles. These early roles showcased his versatility, as he played both benign characters, such as clerks and reporters, and more sinister ones, like convicts and henchmen.
Occasionally, Milburn would land a heroic film lead, as seen in films like "Federal Bullets" (1937) and "The Judge" (1949),or appear in serial thrillers like "The Great Alaskan Mystery" (1944) and "The Master Key" (1945). However, he would often return to unbilled status in his next role. One notable exception was his featured part as debater Stephen A. Douglass in John Ford's "Young Mr. Lincoln" (1939).
Milburn also played a regular support role as pal/co-pilot "Skeeter Milligan" in the "Tommy Tailspin" airborne film quickies "Mystery Plane" (1939),"Sky Patrol" (1939),and "Danger Flight" (1939). He went on to appear in higher-profile films like "Colorado" (1940),"Captive Wild Woman" (1943),"The Frozen Ghost" (1945),"Roadblock" (1951),"Black Tuesday" (1954),and "Smoke Signal" (1955).
Milburn's breakout role came in 1955 when he landed the role of "Doc Adams" in Gunsmoke, a part he would play for 20 years, earning an Emmy Award for "supporting actor" alongside James Arness. Although he was temporarily replaced by Pat Hingle due to a heart attack in 1971, Stone returned to the show and remained a part of the cast until its conclusion.
In 1975, Milburn retired to his ranch and was later awarded an honorary doctorate from St. Mary of the Plains College in Dodge City, Kansas. He passed away on June 12, 1980, at the age of 75, due to a heart attack, leaving behind his wife Jane Garrison, who would pass away in 2002.
