Older generations are often brushed off by those younger, an issue we’re putting a stop to here and now. Those older than us have a lived experience some can only dream of, and more often than not, they’re more than willing to offer a nugget of wisdom when needed.

For Milburn Stone, his grandfather wasn’t just someone to look up to; he also served as the model for Stone’s popular Gunsmoke character.

For years, Stone made a name for himself as Doc Adams on the popular Western series, but it never would have been possible without his grandfather.

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During an interview, the actor confessed that when developing the character, he looked back on memories of his grandfather.

“Doc’s character, that was my grandfather,” said Stone during an interview with the Daily Times-Advocate. “He had this way of absently pulling at his ear; Doc did, too. He always walked as if his feet hurt, like Doc walked. He had a habit of rubbing his hand across his mouth and chin, the way Doc did when he was thinking or was just about to say something. He was my Doc.”

Stone’s grandfather didn’t just serve as his model at the beginning of the series. Those memories helped the actor get into character throughout his many years on television.

“I’d always arrive at the studio a half-hour or so before make-up call,” said Stone, “walk back into the wardrobe and think, get the feel of Doc, think about my grandfather, think about sore feet...”