If you're into arts and pop culture, you know Bob Ross — the soft-spoken painter whose calming presence and "happy little trees" captured millions of hearts worldwide. His acclaimed television show, The Joy of Painting, transformed how everyday people approached art, making it accessible to everyone.
But what happened to Bob Ross? Let's explore the fascinating story behind this cultural icon and beloved artist.
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The Truth About Bob Ross
Bob Ross's death sparked controversy and speculation that continues to this day. The 2021 Netflix documentary Bob Ross: Happy Accidents, Betrayal & Greed revealed previously unknown aspects of his life and the battle over his legacy.
The documentary exposed tensions between Ross and the Kowalskis (his business partners) regarding control of his name and image after his passing. Many insiders believe his likeness and teaching methods aren't being used according to his wishes.
Reports indicate the Kowalskis attempted to keep his funeral private, preventing many friends and colleagues from attending — a move that contradicted Ross's community-centered approach to art and teaching. [1]
How Did Bob Ross Die?
Bob Ross died from complications of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, a form of cancer, on July 4, 1995, at just 52 years old. He kept his diagnosis largely private, continuing to film episodes of The Joy of Painting even as his health deteriorated.
His career, though relatively short at 11 years on television, produced approximately 30,000 paintings and 403 episodes that continue to inspire new generations of artists. Viewership of his content has surged in recent years across various streaming platforms, including Twitch, and social media.
What Happened To All Of Bob Ross's Paintings?
Despite creating thousands of landscape paintings, Bob Ross's original works were never sold during his lifetime. Today, his paintings are considered highly valuable collectibles, though they remain surprisingly difficult to obtain.
The majority of his works are split between two locations:
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A collection at the Smithsonian's National Museum of American History
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The Virginia headquarters of Bob Ross Inc., where approximately 1,165 original Ross paintings are stored but not displayed publicly [2].
Art enthusiasts can view some original Ross paintings at the Bob Ross Experience in Muncie, Indiana, housed in the same studio where he filmed The Joy of Painting, and at the Bob Ross Art Workshop in New Smyrna, Florida.
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What Happened After Bob Ross Died?
In the months leading up to his death, Ross found himself embroiled in a legal dispute with the Kowalskis over the future of Bob Ross Inc. The Kowalskis asked him to sign a memorial agreement that would give them control of his name and likeness, but Ross refused.
Despite his refusal, the structure of their partnership corporation meant that after Ross's death, control of the business and his intellectual property transferred to the Kowalskis. This arrangement continues today, with the company still using Ross's name and image for various products and services.
What The Netflix Documentary Revealed
Dying Wish
The documentary highlighted that Ross's final wish was to transfer the rights to his name, image, and company to his son, Steve Ross, and half-brother, Jimmie Cox. Unfortunately, due to the legal structure of Bob Ross Inc., his attempts were unsuccessful.
When Annette and Walt Kowalski attempted to secure his signature on documents giving them full control, Ross refused despite his declining health. His son Steve later attempted legal action to regain control of his father's estate but was ultimately unsuccessful.
Controversies
Legacy Issues
The primary controversy surrounds the control of Bob Ross Inc. and the use of Ross's image and teaching techniques. The Netflix documentary suggests that the company's direction after Ross's death may not align with his mission of making art accessible to everyone.
According to the documentary, the battle for control went to court, with Ross's son eventually settling for limited rights to use his father's techniques but not his name or image for commercial purposes. Joan Kowalski, current president of Bob Ross Inc., has issued statements defending the company's approach to commercialization.
Rumored Affair
The documentary addressed long-standing rumors about Ross's relationships, including speculation about an affair with Annette Kowalski. Steve Ross confirmed tensions existed between his father and stepmother over these rumors.
However, the Kowalskis have consistently denied these allegations, maintaining their relationship with Ross was strictly professional. Joan Kowalski has publicly dismissed these claims.
The Gentle Artist Persona
Bob Ross's public image — the soft-spoken teacher with perfect perm curls and a soothing voice — made him instantly recognizable and appealing to a wide audience.
His distinctive teaching style, characterized by phrases like "happy accidents," created an intimate connection with viewers that made them feel as though they were receiving personal instruction. This connection helps explain why his popularity continues to grow even 30 years after his death.
FAQs
What happened to Bob Ross's son?
Bob Ross's son tried to win the case and battle for his father's trust and business agreement but failed to do so in 2019.
He also revealed and cleared some issues surrounding his father’s name to settle some long-known controversies once and for all.
How old was Bob Ross when he died?
Bob Ross was 52 years old when he died due to lymphoma. Despite having an illness, he kept working and filming his TV series.
He was very passionate about painting and created a lot of artwork for the duration of his career. His career may be shortlived, but his legacy will live on forever.
Final Say
Bob Ross's influence extends far beyond art instruction. As a beloved television artist and iconic American painter, his gentle philosophy of embracing "happy accidents" and finding joy in creation continues to resonate with millions worldwide. Despite the controversies surrounding his legacy, his genuine passion for making art accessible to everyone remains undisputed.
In recent years, there's been a renewed interest in Ross's work, highlighting his lasting impact on popular culture.
For fans looking to celebrate this cultural icon, Toynk offers a curated collection of officially licensed Bob Ross merch that captures his unique spirit and artistic vision.
References:
- https://www.washingtonpost.com/arts-entertainment/2021/08/27/bob-ross-netflix-documentary/
- https://time.com/5625470/what-happened-to-bob-ross-paintings/
