Bob Ross: The Artist, Teacher, And Icon

What Was Bob Ross's Net Worth?

Bob Ross wasn’t just an artist—he was a cultural phenomenon. Known for his calming demeanor and signature “happy little trees,” Bob was an American painter, art instructor, and television host. At the time of his passing in 1995, Bob Ross had an estimated net worth of $1 million. But that number doesn’t tell the whole story. The value of his brand, name, likeness, and artwork collection has grown exponentially over the years. Unfortunately, his legacy has also been marred by legal battles over his estate. We’ll dive deeper into that later in this piece.

Ross found fame through his PBS television series, “The Joy of Painting,” which aired from 1983 to 1994. It wasn’t just a show—it was a movement. Millions tuned in weekly, and the series aired on more than 90% of American public television networks at its peak. While Bob appeared on the show for free, he used it as a platform to promote his books and painting kits. Over his lifetime, he sold an impressive $15-20 million worth of books, videos, and art kits. His influence didn’t stop there—long after his death, Bob became an internet sensation, with millions of fans discovering his work on platforms like YouTube.

Even today, Bob Ross Inc., the holding company controlling his intellectual property, continues to thrive. The company licenses his image for everything from t-shirts and Chia Pets to puzzles, coloring books, and more. Original Bob Ross paintings have even fetched prices as high as $10,000 at auction. His legacy lives on in ways he likely couldn’t have imagined.

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Early Life

Bob Ross was born Robert Norman Ross on October 29, 1942, in Daytona Beach, Florida. His upbringing was humble, with his mother, Ollie, working as a waitress and his father, Jack, as a carpenter. Growing up in Orlando, Bob developed a passion for caring for injured animals, hinting at the gentle soul he’d later become known for. Despite dropping out of school in ninth grade to work alongside his father, Bob’s life took an unexpected turn when he joined the U.S. Air Force in 1961.

During his time in the military, Bob served as a medical records technician and eventually rose to the rank of master sergeant. While stationed at Alaska’s Eielson Air Force Base, he discovered his love for painting during his breaks. This is where he honed the wet-on-wet oil painting technique that would later make him famous. Interestingly, Bob described his military persona as the “guy who makes you scrub the latrine.” But after leaving the Air Force in 1981, he vowed never to raise his voice again—a promise he kept throughout his career.

Career

Bob’s career as an artist began unexpectedly. While bartending part-time, he stumbled upon German painter Bill Alexander’s television show, “The Magic of Oil Painting.” This show introduced him to the alla prima (or wet-on-wet) technique, allowing him to create stunning paintings in just 30 minutes. Inspired, Bob began painting Alaskan landscapes on novelty gold-mining pans, which quickly became a lucrative side hustle. By the time he returned to Florida, his art was earning him more money than his Air Force salary.

In Florida, Bob studied under Bill Alexander and became a traveling salesman for the Alexander Magic Art Supplies Company. However, Annette Kowalski, a fan of his work, believed Bob had the talent to succeed on his own. Together with Annette, Bob, and his wife Jane, they pooled their resources to create Bob Ross Inc. This marked the beginning of a new chapter in Bob’s life. On January 11, 1983, “The Joy of Painting” premiered, and it went on to air 403 episodes over 31 seasons. Bob’s impact was immense—he reportedly created around 30,000 paintings in his lifetime.

Today, the Bob Ross Workshop and Gallery in New Smyrna Beach, Florida, offers classes for fans who want to learn his iconic wet-on-wet technique. Certified Ross Instructors, including actor David Arquette, continue to spread Bob’s teachings across the country. According to the official website, over 1,500 Bob Ross Teachers hold local workshops daily, keeping his legacy alive.

Personal Life

Bob’s personal life was as colorful as his artwork. He married Vivian Ridge in 1965, and they had a son named Steve before divorcing in 1977. Steve would later become a Certified Ross Instructor and occasionally appeared on his father’s show. In 1977, Bob married his second wife, Jane, and the two remained together until her tragic death from cancer in 1992. Bob found love again in 1995 when he married Lynda Brown, just three months before his own passing.

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Animals played a big role in Bob’s life, and he was known for his beloved pet squirrels—Bobette, Peapod, and Peapod Jr. These furry friends even made appearances on “The Joy of Painting,” adding to the show’s charm and warmth.

Death and Legacy

Bob’s life was tragically cut short when he passed away on July 4, 1995, at the age of 52, due to complications from lymphoma. He was buried next to his parents at Woodlawn Memorial Park in Florida, with his plaque reading simply, “Bob Ross, Television Artist.”

The story of Bob’s legacy doesn’t end there. After his death, legal disputes arose over the rights to his estate. According to the terms of Bob Ross Inc., when a partner dies, their stock is divided among the remaining partners. Following the deaths of Bob and his second wife, Jane, Annette and Walt Kowalski gained sole ownership of the company. However, Bob had cut them out of his will, leaving his estate and intellectual property to his son Steve and half-brother Jimmie Cox. This led to multiple lawsuits, with the Kowalskis ultimately prevailing in 1997. Joan Kowalski later took over the company after her parents retired in 2012.

Bob’s influence extends far beyond his art. His likeness has been parodied in shows like “Family Guy” and “Deadpool,” and he’s been immortalized in the web series “Epic Rap Battles of History.” In 2012, Google honored him with a doodle on what would have been his 70th birthday. Board games like “Bob Ross: The Art of Chill” celebrate his legacy, and in 2015, Twitch hosted a nine-day “The Joy of Painting” marathon that attracted 5.6 million viewers. Netflix also played a role in keeping Bob relevant, streaming episodes of the show in 2016 and releasing a documentary about his life in 2021. Today, the official Bob Ross YouTube channel boasts over 4.9 million subscribers, ensuring his teachings reach a new generation.