Milburn Stone Net Worth: Career & Earnings Overview

Milburn Stone, best known for his portrayal of Dr. Galen “Doc” Adams on the long-running television series “Gunsmoke,” was a distinguished actor whose career spanned several decades.

His journey in the entertainment industry not only earned him critical acclaim, including an Emmy Award in 1968 for Outstanding Performance by an Actor in a Supporting Role in a Drama, but also financial success.

At the time of his passing in 1980, Stone’s net worth was estimated to be around $600,000, which would be approximately $1.8 million today when adjusted for inflation .This wealth was primarily accumulated through his extensive work in film and television, with “Gunsmoke” being a significant contributor to his earnings.

Milburn Stone Profile Summary

Category	Details
Full Name	Hugh Milburn Stone
Birth Date	July 5, 1904
Birthplace	Burrton, Kansas, USA
Death Date	June 12, 1980
Age at Death	75 years old
Cause of Death	Heart attack
Height	5 feet 8 inches (1.73 meters)
Spouse	Jane Garrison
Children	Shirley Stone Gleason
Famous Role	Doc Adams on Gunsmoke
Career Span	1920s – 1980
Awards	Emmy Award (1968)
Net Worth	Estimated $600,000 at the time of death (~$1.8M today)
Notable Works	Gunsmoke, Prison Mutiny, The Master Key
Legacy	Inducted into the Western Performers Hall of Fame (1981)

Early Life and Career Beginnings

Milburn Stone was born on July 5, 1904, in Burrton, Kansas.He grew up in a family passionate about performing arts. His uncle, Fred Stone, was a well-known Broadway comedian. This family connection inspired Milburn’s interest in acting. During high school, he was active in the drama club and sang in a barbershop quartet. He also played basketball, showcasing his diverse talents.

After graduating, Milburn received an offer to attend the U.S. Naval Academy. However, he chose to follow his passion for acting. He joined a traveling theater group, performing in various plays across the Midwest. In the 1930s, he moved to Hollywood. There, he began his film career, appearing in numerous movies before achieving fame on television.

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Breakthrough Role as Doc Adams on “Gunsmoke

Milburn Stone became famous for playing Doc Adams on Gunsmoke. The show started in 1955 and became one of the longest-running TV series. Stone’s role as the town doctor made him a household name. His character was kind, wise, and tough when needed. He played this role for 20 seasons, from 1955 to 1975. His performance was loved by fans and critics.

Stone won an Emmy Award in 1968 for his outstanding acting. Gunsmoke gave him steady income and fame. His dedication to the role kept him on the show for two decades. After the series ended, he retired from acting. His work as Doc Adams remains legendary, making him an important part of television history.

Earnings from “Gunsmoke” and Financial Impact

Milburn Stone earned most of his money from playing Doc Adams on “Gunsmoke.” The show ran for 20 seasons from 1955 to 1975. Stone was one of the longest-running cast members. He reportedly earned around $20,000 per episode in the later seasons. Over the years, this added up to a large sum. His role on “Gunsmoke” made him financially stable. He also received an Emmy Award in 1968, increasing his value as an actor.

Stone’s earnings helped him live a comfortable life. He invested in real estate and other ventures. At the time of his death in 1980, his net worth was around $600,000 (about $1.8 million today). His success on “Gunsmoke” gave him financial security and a lasting legacy.

Film Appearances and Other Acting Ventures

Milburn Stone acted in many films before he became famous on “Gunsmoke.” He started his career in the 1930s and worked in over 150 movies. Some of his early films include “Federal Bullets” (1937) and “The Great Alaskan Mystery” (1944). He often played supporting roles in Westerns, crime dramas, and adventure films. Stone worked with many well-known actors of his time. His experience in movies helped him become a skilled actor.

Besides movies, he also appeared in radio shows and stage plays. These roles gave him more opportunities to improve his acting. His biggest success came with “Gunsmoke,” but his earlier work built his career. His dedication to acting made him a respected name in Hollywood.

Awards and Recognitions

Milburn Stone won an Emmy Award in 1968 for his role as Doc Adams in Gunsmoke. This was a major achievement in his career. The award was for Outstanding Performance by an Actor in a Supporting Role in a Drama. His work on the show made him a respected actor in Hollywood.

In 1975, he was honored by the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum. He was inducted into the Western Performers Hall of Fame. This recognized his contributions to Western television. His dedication to Gunsmoke for over 20 years made him a legend. Many actors and fans admire his work. His awards show his lasting impact on the entertainment industry.

Financial Milestones and Investments

Milburn Stone earned most of his wealth from acting. His biggest financial success came from “Gunsmoke,” where he played Doc Adams for over 20 years. This long-running role provided him with a steady income. He also acted in many films before and during his time on “Gunsmoke.” These roles added to his financial growth. Stone received an Emmy Award in 1968, which increased his value in the industry.

Stone made smart financial decisions. He invested in real estate and other assets to secure his wealth. His steady income allowed him to live comfortably. At the time of his death in 1980, his net worth was around $600,000 (about $1.8 million today). His smart choices ensured a stable financial future.

Personal Life and Financial Legacy

Milburn Stone married Jane Garrison in 1939. They had a long and happy marriage. Stone loved spending time with his family when he was not acting. He enjoyed painting and reading. He lived a quiet life away from Hollywood. His work on Gunsmoke made him a respected figure in the industry.

Stone’s financial legacy was strong. He earned a good income from Gunsmoke and other projects. His net worth was around $600,000 at the time of his death in 1980. Today, that equals about $1.8 million with inflation. His estate continued to benefit his family. He left behind a legacy of hard work and dedication. Fans and actors still respect his contribution to television history.

Post-“Gunsmoke” Career and Retirement

After Gunsmoke ended in 1975, Milburn Stone retired from acting. He had played Dr. Galen “Doc” Adams for 20 years. His long career on the show made him a well-known and respected actor. He decided to enjoy his life away from Hollywood. Stone focused on his personal interests and family.

He spent his later years in Rancho Santa Fe, California. He enjoyed a quiet life with his wife, Jane Garrison. His hard work on Gunsmoke gave him financial security. He did not return to acting after retirement. On June 12, 1980, Milburn Stone passed away at 75 due to a heart attack. His legacy as Doc Adams remains strong in television history.

Net Worth at the Time of Death

Milburn Stone had a successful acting career. His most famous role was Doc Adams on “Gunsmoke.” He played this role for over 20 years. His hard work made him a well-known and respected actor. Over the years, he earned a steady income from television and films. His earnings helped him build a comfortable life.

At the time of his death in 1980, his net worth was around $600,000. In today’s money, that would be about $1.8 million. Most of his wealth came from “Gunsmoke.” He also earned money from other film and TV projects. Milburn Stone’s legacy lives on. His contribution to television history remains strong. Many fans still remember and admire his work.

Legacy and Influence in the Entertainment Industry

Milburn Stone left a lasting legacy in the entertainment industry. His role as Doc Adams on Gunsmoke made him a household name. He played the character for 20 years, shaping how TV doctors were portrayed. His dedication to the role earned him an Emmy Award in 1968. Many actors still respect his work today.

His influence goes beyond acting. Gunsmoke inspired many future TV dramas. His performance set a high standard for character depth and consistency. Fans still watch Gunsmoke today, keeping his memory alive. In 1981, he was honored in the Western Performers Hall of Fame. His work helped shape the golden era of television, making him a legend in classic TV history.

FAQs

What was Milburn Stone’s net worth?

Milburn Stone’s net worth was estimated to be around $600,000 at the time of his death, which is about $1.8 million today when adjusted for inflation.

Who was Milburn Stone’s wife?

Milburn Stone was married to Jane Garrison.

Did Milburn Stone have children?

Yes, he had a daughter named Shirley Stone Gleason.

How tall was Milburn Stone?

Milburn Stone was 5 feet 8 inches (1.73 meters) tall.

When did Milburn Stone die?

Milburn Stone passed away on June 12, 1980.

Why did Milburn Stone leave Gunsmoke?

He temporarily left the show due to health issues but returned after heart surgery.

What movies and TV shows did Milburn Stone appear in?

He was best known for Gunsmoke but also appeared in dozens of films and TV shows, including Prison Mutiny and The Master Key.

How old was Milburn Stone when he died?

He was 75 years old when he passed away.

What was the cause of Milburn Stone’s death?

He died of a heart attack.

Was Milburn Stone in Gone with the Wind?

No, Milburn Stone was not in Gone with the Wind.

Conclusion

Milburn Stone was a talented actor best known for his role as Doc Adams on Gunsmoke. His dedication to acting, long career, and contributions to television made him a respected figure in Hollywood. Even after his passing, his legacy lives on, with fans still enjoying his work. His influence on TV dramas and Westerns remains strong, proving his lasting impact on the entertainment industry.