At 57, Bob Ross’s Son Finally Reveals The TRAGIC Truth About Him | HO

From brushstrokes that turned mistakes into happy accidents and a voice that lulled insomniacs into soothing sleep, the artist was phenomenal, and yet, beyond the happy hippie persona on TV, Ross’s life faced a tragedy that caused uproars in the hearts of his fans. Today, we delve into the life story of Bob Ross, from his peaceful episodes to the battles he dealt with privately.

Bob Ross, known worldwide as the soft-spoken painter who encouraged millions to embrace “happy little accidents,” left an indelible mark on the world through his art and compassionate teaching style. His show, The Joy of Painting, is iconic, but behind the happy clouds and tranquil mountains was a man who endured deep personal struggles and left a complex legacy that his son, Steve Ross, has only recently been able to share.

Robert Norman Ross was born on October 29, 1942, in Daytona Beach, Florida. Growing up in a humble home, young Bob was known for his love of animals, often caring for injured creatures from squirrels to alligators. He eventually dropped out of high school to work with his father, losing part of his left index finger in a carpentry accident. But this didn’t deter him from pursuing art later in life.

At 18, he joined the U.S. Air Force, a decision that would shape his life profoundly. Though he grew into a disciplined master sergeant, Ross found himself in a role he despised—enforcing strict military order. He was known as “Bust ‘Em Up Bobby,” a tough persona he deeply disliked, fueling a vow to be a kinder person once he left the military.

While stationed in Alaska, Bob encountered the mesmerizing landscapes that would later inspire his art. His journey into painting truly began in the early 1960s through a local art class. Later, inspired by artist William Alexander, Ross adopted the “wet-on-wet” technique that allowed him to complete paintings in a single sitting. He painted continuously, often selling his work on gold-panning tins to supplement his military income. His art grew, and he eventually retired from the military after 20 years to pursue a painting career full-time.

Ross’s big break came when he met Annette and Walt Kowalski, who were so taken with his talent that they partnered with him to launch The Joy of Painting on PBS in 1983. The Kowalskis saw the commercial potential in Ross’s unique, accessible style. The show was a success, running for 11 years and bringing in millions of viewers. Ross’s persona—a gentle, denim-wearing, afro-topped hippie—became instantly recognizable.

Yet, the warm-hearted Bob Ross that viewers adored wasn’t always reflected in his personal life. He married three times, and his relationship with his son, Steve, was often fraught. Steve, who shared his father’s artistic talent, occasionally appeared on the show but struggled under the pressure of following in his father’s footsteps. A falling-out kept them estranged for years, only reconnecting after Bob’s lymphoma diagnosis in the early 1990s.

Tragedy struck in 1992 when Ross’s second wife, Jane, passed away from cancer. The loss was not only devastating but also complicated his relationship with the Kowalskis. Their original contract stipulated that upon a partner’s death, their shares would be divided among the remaining partners. Jane’s passing turned Ross into a minority shareholder in Bob Ross Inc. (BRI), a company built entirely on his image and talent but now controlled largely by the Kowalskis. Despite being the face of the company, Ross increasingly found himself sidelined in major business decisions.

As his health declined, the Kowalskis allegedly pressured Ross to sign over the rights to his name, knowing that his passing would threaten their ability to capitalize on his brand. Ross resisted, intent on preserving his legacy for his family. Steve Ross, now 57, has shared that his father felt trapped, betrayed by friends-turned-business partners who prioritized profits over his well-being. The Kowalskis’ desire for control led to mounting tensions, and they reportedly isolated Ross during his illness, preventing him from making certain personal and professional decisions.

Ross continued to film episodes of The Joy of Painting up until he could no longer physically do so. Despite his illness, he maintained his signature positivity on camera, never letting on to viewers the pain he endured. He recorded extra episodes in his last days, ensuring fans would have more to enjoy after he was gone. His final episode, which aired in 1994, included parting words that hinted at his awareness of the end.

Ross passed away in 1995, leaving behind not just paintings but a philosophy of embracing creativity without fear of judgment. Yet his death sparked a long-running battle over his legacy. The Kowalskis claimed ownership of BRI, including rights to his image, which resulted in them profiting immensely from Bob Ross-branded products. Steve Ross and other family members have since spoken out against what they see as exploitation, with Steve describing his father’s last years as “the loneliest and most painful period of his life.”

In recent years, Steve has opened up about his father’s final wishes and the complexities of the Bob Ross brand. He expressed regret for not following in his father’s footsteps sooner and revealed that his father had wanted him to carry on the legacy of The Joy of Painting. Yet, Steve resisted taking over the show or brand, partly due to the legal entanglements with the Kowalskis, who hold the rights to BRI and all its assets.

In 2021, the Netflix documentary Bob Ross: Happy Accidents, Betrayal & Greed explored these issues, sparking a resurgence of interest in Ross’s life and legacy. Steve and other family members hope that the world can now see the sacrifices and challenges Ross endured behind his tranquil on-screen presence. They want fans to know that while Ross may have painted in serene landscapes, his off-camera life was filled with personal battles and a final fight to protect his legacy.

Today, Bob Ross remains a beloved figure, and his influence on art and pop culture is undeniable. His gentle teaching style made painting accessible to millions, and his message of finding joy in mistakes resonates deeply with people worldwide. Ross’s legacy endures not only in his paintings but also in the lasting impact he’s had on generations of artists. His son Steve, now carrying the torch of his father’s memory, continues to share his story, hoping that future generations will appreciate not just the happy little trees but the incredible resilience of the man behind them.