We all want to make our parents proud. After all, most parents only want what's best for their children. But so rarely do our parents' desires match up with our own dreams. Sometimes, a young person can be forced to choose between what they want and what others want.

Fortunately, Milburn Stone was a man who knew exactly what he wanted. Furthermore, he certainly wasn't afraid of going after it, and that courage made all the difference in his career. Stone's acting career dates all the way back to the early 1900s. Not only was Stone a known actor on Broadway, but he also appeared in movies like The 13th Man and Youth on Parole. Of course, while Stone's film career was extensive, he is perhaps best known for the 20 years he spent on the hit Western series, Gunsmoke.

There, Stone played Doc Adams, a man who was strong and intelligent, and more than able to keep his wits about him. Adams was a good friend to Gunsmoke's lead character, Marshal Matt Dillon. The two had a warmth and familiarity that mirrored Stone's relationship with Dillon's actor, James Arness.

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Stone's portrayal was a stark contrast to the Doc Adams listeners came to know during the radio version of Gunsmoke. Radio's Doc Adams was darker and more self-serving. During an interview with The Recorder, Adams said that he chose a different approach to the character in an effort to honor his father.

"My old man wanted me to be a doctor," said Stone. "I guess that is why I wanted to make Doc Adams an honest medic."