At 57, Bob Ross's Son Finally Reveals The TRAGIC Truth About Him

At 57, Bob Ross' Son Finally Reveals The TRAGIC Truth About Him
Did you know that Bob Ross could film an entire season of his show ‘The Joy of Painting’ in just two days?
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.

[@barkeyes8592]

Bob Ross is loved by millions of people all over the world!🎉

[@CorbinMusso88]

Thank you for using “Is.” Because the love has never ended for Bob.

[@LLjean-qz7sb]

Bob Ross was the Mr. Rogers of the painting world!!!😊❤ RIP Bob!🙏

[@mimis105dobbins3]

You are absolutely right,I couldn’t agree more,God bless

[@atticusfinch3931]

I’ll go with that , well done mate .

[@puffinsmurf3749]

And RIP Mr Roger’s

[@theriddlerUSA]

Excellent comparison!! ❤

[@teressarenslow5992]

I second that statement!

[@dannytimmons7801]

A wonderful but sad story about a man that deserved better.

[@franksfiddle9031]

exactly right

[@brodriguez11000]

That's why IP is so important to an artist.

[@katguyot6351]

The Kowalskis will face Karma, and their own demons one day. Prayers for the entire Ross family. RIP Bob.

[@johnzywko5885]

Well said

[@RuminatingWizard]

If you're not Hindu, you dont even understand Karma.

[@boopah4365]

That was 30 years ago, I've gotta imagine they're gone by now too...?

[@shoheiimamura4067]

The surname says it all.

[@sharpeipink123]

Deep state Rotten children..money grabbers......boy was BOB their target from the start! SHAME ON THEM!!!

[@cathrynsmith3479]

I have watched Bob Ross many years and have learned so much. He was a sort of mentor for me. He was a special person.

[@paulynevandersloot5677]

So sad. Will never buy another Bob Ross product again because his family gets nothing from it. What a bunch of crude and conniving people. I hope every artist sees this.

[@bjty5615]

So agree

[@nunyanunya4147]

every artist knows this already. thats why they all work for adversting, corperations, or starve.

[@wayawolf1967]

Sad that Hobby Lobby sells the "Bob Ross" products.

[@scottydog6539]

I enjoyed so many shows of his plus I bought his products to paint.

[@scottydog6539]

I loved Bob Ross.

[@user-pc5ww8fh6d]

I am happy to say, that I have all 31 seasons and the Kowalski scumbags didn't get a cent in the process. You are missed Bob.

[@debbied9842]

Me too, and they got nothing from me too. I hate what they did to Bob, and Steve. Bob is missed by many.

[@scarygary-qq1pj]

No he's not.

[@carolbroome6559]

❤🙏🏼

[@jeremiahlarkin1134]

YAY 😃 Good 👍🏼 for you!!!!!!👍🏼👍🏼

[@MelindadelosSantos]

Word!👍🏼

[@KerryRussellRN]

Greed…….the Kowalski’s robbed one of America’s most adored artists and TV personalities. They were literal parasites during his life and vultures after his death, picking away at Bob until there was nothing left for his sons. To Steve….the Kowalski’s didn’t take your talent, your father’s legacy is one of compassion and charity. He reached those of us who were depressed and self isolated. He helped countless people around the world.

[@user-gx2yy1df6f]

AMEN!

[@susieq3854]

Not to mention, they took advantage and used a Military VETERAN

[@rdred8693]

Pure evil they are! My god, money is nothing compared to losing a loved one. What hollow people.

[@cherylcain890]

Very true. I suffered a back in in 1991, I couldn’t work anymore . I caught one of Bob’s shows one day and was immediately hooked. My husband was very concerned about me, after having eleven back surgeries my depression had gotten so bad that my husband was very concerned about me. I am so grateful, my style of painting was built on happy accidents, and it showed! Unfortunately I wasn’t able to paint well, I found just watching helped me to heal. The kowalski’s will get what they deserve, they will have to pay in the end. You can’t go through life hurting people and expect to be happy. It sounds as if there was more than enough money to go around, had they done the right thing they probably would’ve been blessed with even more success. Thank for everything Bob, RIP.♥️🙏🏻

[@ChasingRainbows67]

Absolutely ❤ I certainly agree... Because he helped me. RIP Bob, you are missed immensely.

[@dianebinns9905]

He's was a great man. It's such a shame those people did that to him. RIP Bob, you were one in a million.

[@E-BikingAdventures]

Is that all? There's 8 billion people on this planet.

[@dshepherd107]

They did it to his son too, who is still alive

[@grumpymonkey7435]

you spelt billion wrong

[@teresabusico2683]

I watched Bob Ross for as many years as he was on TV. His painting was AMAZING. His voice always soothing. I have missed him greatly. Too bad that there is always greed in the end. RIP Bob Ross❤

[@deborahbaker1171]

I LOVED watching Bob’s beautiful painting come to fruition! He was so talented and had such a soothing,kind demeanor. He is still truly missed!

[@katyshepard6402]

The Bible names a special place for the Kowalski’s. RIP Bob Ross. I grew up with you, Loved You, and Admired You!

[@MissMariQueen]

Really? The bible is a concoction of tales, which only the brain dead people believe in. There is not a shred of evidence that supports its "truths". You were given a brain, but it's crystal clear you don't know what to do with it.

[@HingleMacCringleberry]

Circle 4 greed and 8 fraud

[@SRose-vp6ew]

That’s a saying, but the truth is we all deserve a special place in Hell. No one deserves access to the goodness of God and hell is chosen eternal separation from him by rejection of God‘s plan for reconnection. Demons don’t torment in Hell, it was only made for them and their torment but to make yourself god thinking your good enough to save yourself that’s how you go there.

[@jeanhowarth1852]

Yes,me too. This is sad😢

[@dextermorgan1]

It also names a special place for Bob. 😊

[@BeverlyLundgren-ot4nj]

Born Oct 29, 1942 Died July 04, 1995 Such a great man

[@juicyjules7409]

Me too 10/29;so how old was dad n son live to be

[@juicyjules7409]

30,000 paintings

[@beachmama381]

Sickening what greed does. I loved watching Bob Ross!

[@ColleenNicholl-is7wh]

I love watching Ross paint with his soft voice and calming ways ,yes he has a lovely era about him. What a wonderful guy. Hug's ❤️❤️❤️.

[@Jake-ty4bs]

watched many episodes of him painting , amazing how fast and good he was , even after a bad day at work to watch and hear him painting would make me forget about that day and ready to move on to another day , rip MR, Ross

[@David-lo1fo]

I was watching his show in the late nineties, and then I found out the guy was already dead.That really Saddened me, still very young , only 53 !

[@tanyanewman55]

Note to self, don't buy the Bob Ross products sold at Hobby Lobby

[@jeepgurl1379]

Nor at Michael’s (although they have slowly weeded out his products). I guess I don’t need to wonder why.

[@Kno_Buddy]

Or just don’t shop at Hobby Lobby, it’s a real scummy company too.

[@pollyb.4648]

Good! And actually Hobby Lobby is anti woman. I don't ship there at all!

[@rhondahunt9888]

Maybe we should shame any company for supporting thieves like the Kowalskis!

[@fburton8455]

EXACTLY

[@dinebonte4014]

How sad! His sons should be the rightful heirs!

[@dshepherd107]

His heir was Steve

[@yvonnecharlton3034]

What a talent he was. A wonderful humanitarian and animal lover. RIP dear man. Xx

[@scopex2749]

I adored Bob's painting, sadly that voice put me to sleep so I had to record them all! To this day when I wake up and open the curtains and declare to my partner.........THAT is a 'Bob Ross sky'...... RIP to a great man.

[@David-lo1fo]

That's quite funny ; put me asleep! I always thought that he needed to have some background music just Load enough to still hear him. 53 too young to die. But cigarettes are deadly like pure herion. But we Sell them like candy.

[@jacquelineireland2273]

I do the same thing😊 Happy little clouds and Bob Ross sky.

[@prideofdurham4776]

My wife and I loved watching Bob , even though the only thing we painted was the kitchen.Who can forget than lovely soothing voice, laid back method and wonderful personality.RIP Bob.

[@RobinMarconeCassidyRN]

Lol! That's OK, most of us only had experience painting the walls too😉

[@jeepgurl1379]

😂 (painted….the kitchen)

[@maegardnermills4292]

I loved this kind man. A great teacher. Not critical. ❤

[@patriotrising6214]

Mr. Bob Ross, revived the joy of painting within me 🎨🖌️ my trees are happy an they always need a friend 🌳🌲🏔️ .Thank you Bob , an God bless you my friend 😇❣️✌️

[@lindaadelwerth8042]

I loved watching him paint when they had it on tv, He was just Amazing!

[@lindabradford9591]

It was hard to believe he could paint a beautiful painting in such a short time. I learned and loved watching him.

[@nzfalcon6578]

From what you were in the air force to becoming an artist and caring for nature Bob you certainly are a man of integrity and kindness ....we miss you and are loved by your viewers around the world ,you bring calmness to people Bob and we still love to watch your shows

[@jimnadeau1146]

I loved watching his shows growing up. I didn’t even know why I liked it. I was young. I guess it was the soothing. He was such a good storyteller. I remember him saying happy trees, the happy clouds while he was painting.

[@JoseTorres-ft4xk]

RIP Bob, Thank you so much for sharing yourself and your talent with us all. ❤

[@user-pm1oh6xg4l]

I watched him for years and miss him , this world can treat people rude and not one of us is perfect .I wish i owned one of his painting

[@ahill4642]

He’d want you to paint one for yourself, using one of his videos as a guide! ☺️

[@mikaelhedqvist3876]

I miss you Bob, you were a great human being.

[@annanajduch5201]

This man had a pure heart. So sad he was so explored.

[@somersetflower]

Did you mean exploited ?

[@McVaerk]

Exploited?

[@marionhatcher1416]

his personality and the soothing way he talked , relaxed me

[@Mom0660]

This brings back great memories of my dad and I watching Bob. He was great, and I remember seeing his squirrel. AND I HATE WHAT THEY DID TO HIM AND HIS FAMILY!

[@MustangSally7259]

BOB was a joy to watch. I also know guys in prison looked forward to watching him. His calm demeanor and awesome art ,helped a lot of them.

[@jtb357]

How do you know this?

[@healthyfreesoul]

Thank you for sharing this… a beautiful thing to know about a beautiful man

[@cindirose3390]

That is cool, look how people need to be calm, mentally engaged, looking at natures beauty, talked nicely to, and get rested...ALL of that is needed no matter where you live. People inside walls and outside walls all over the world need what Ross gave in his tv lessons..never knew that was done unpaid.

[@ahill4642]

nice!

[@danbasta3677]

Loved watching him do his paintings going from just a plain piece of paper to a beautiful picture of mountains, trees, brooks, buildings , clouds to cloudless skies, everything he did, a very ingenious man showing his intelligence through his paintings. That's what artists are good at as they see life through a different perspective than what everybody else sees life through. Bob Ross is a very good man.

[@KellyOShea6366]

There is a bar in st louis called Pin- Up Bowl. It's a cool bowling alley/ bar. They have a bunch of tvs, all set to Bob Ross. Pretty cool. RIP Bob, you're an inspiration..❤️☘️

[@milesdyson5211]

Bob Ross was bad ass, truly an American Icon!

[@zalromir]

You can't trust some business partners. I found that out the hard way. Enjoyed this video; I used to watch Bob on tv here in the UK. A Great man.

[@ArtLoverScotland]

How tragic and horrible. I loved that man. I watched almost every single show, and loved it, sometimes painting along. I so loved it when he produced the squirrel. Goen but never forgotten Bob.....RIP

[@leekasten3921]

My mother's favorite artist, Bob Ross was a great artist.

[@user-wm1js2no9x]

There will never be another BOB ROSS, He sure made it look easy😂

[@tomjonas7384]

I love Bob Ross’s paintings once in a while when I’m channel surfing I will come across him and I just have to watch him. He’s mesmerizing. I’m so sorry to hear about all the problems. He had is a lot of greedy people out there.

[@herbertorendorff6323]

I loved his show made a bad day at school for me easier to deal with at the end of the day by watching his show I will miss him dearly

[@mikeanthony3332]

B. Ross a good man, RIP Kowalskis how do you people live with yourself 's

[@myrna...1877]

Bless the Ross family...

[@ronaldannas1935]

My drafting teacher in high school was a retired green beret. He also permed his hair. He left a mark on me and many, many people also.

[@ahill4642]

aww nice. Interesting parallels!

[@jenniferestep798]

He was awesome in so many ways!!! I wish I could paint like he did….. I really miss him. Thank goodness we have his DVDs

[@ahill4642]

Bob would insist that you CAN paint like he does. Remember how encouraging he was? ☺️

[@marionoz9980]

How sad. Such a talented man.

[@laurakilmer8652]

This is so sad. I am from Muncie, where wibc is. I actually performed there when I was in the 2nd grade. It was a rhythm band. I think of that tv station whenever I watched Bob Ross s shows. That TV station has a place in my heart only b/c of Bob Ross. I feel so sad for his family. and Steve. The Kowalskis will have a day of reckoning one day. too bad.

[@susanc6828]

I loved his show, and did some of his paintings, he was a joy to watch. Karma will come for the greedy partners that did him and his family wrong.

[@cherylmyers6276]

Thank-you for sharing. He very talented. He shared his passion with all of us his son is very handsome. 🎉🎉🎉 I hope he shared with his family.

[@corinnegeddings4667]

I absolutely loved watching his shows.

[@anitathomas703]

I always looked at his show on PBS Channel 9. Enjoyed it greatly.

[@patriciadurbin8385]

Me too...in Chicago. WGN Ch.9

[@beckylipps7286]

I really loved him and his beautiful work💗

[@jc7052]

I love watching him paint.

[@vortexgen1]

I still watch the reruns when I can find them.

[@pandakicker1]

They’re all on KZbin!

[@Jay-Leigh]

Terribly sad how they treated him.

[@cliffordbowman6777]

Wasn’t an Angel, but I’ll bet he was an OK guy

[@kathy.7475]

My mom loved watching his show. He was the reason she took up painting.

[@glendaainsworth5221]

Mine too

[@rebeccaainslie4637]

I wilnever buy another Bob Ross piece of merchandise after watching this! I am so soorry for his sons and fans!

[@traceeferrell1734]

So horrible what these evil people (the Kowalski's) did. They are scum. I love Bob and Steve Ross ❤.

[@2482Diana]

My son, 10, watches Bob Ross every night and has since he was two years old. He loves him and has his favorite episodes memorized. This man was truly a beautiful human being.

[@wsk38]

Who knew. RIP Bob. Shame on some people. Greed

[@ritasplace1]

Loved his shows & paintings. Also, his love of animals.

[@kimhughes3418]

That is really sad thing to happen. I hope the Ross family finds a loop hole.

[@debbietrent3857]

I loved watching Bob Ross! This is so sad!

[@micheleboscia4969]

Boycott the Kawalskis

[@uppergulliesgirl]

Absolutely! And spread the word so they can stop making money off of him. It’s ridiculous what they have been able to do

[@jgwood10]

They are living off of the fortunes they have made over the years. Karma is a real!

[@kristinkindinger4199]

So very sad. I loved his show and his paintings.

[@kathiejohns1418]

I absolutely loved him!Looked forward to his shows

[@ruthhaught4296]

I loved Bob!!❤there will never be anyone like him.

[@alicecoppers8980]

His teacher was jealous that Bob took it to next level.

[@tranquility9325]

Exactly!

[@cliffordbowman6777]

But it is understandable, but I hope wrong

[@sheilacrabtree5993]

I used to watch him alot. So sad those greedy people were allowed to run over him like they did.

[@synchronicity1470]

the nasty Kowalskis earned special, special treatment in this life and eternity for wearing this ill man down in his most vulnerable days while cancer was ravaging him. They are vile. I call upon the Universe to promptly mete out punishment now while they have years left to contemplate the reason for their downfall and suffering. What they did to Bob and his boys is reprehensible!

[@joyceleady3691]

Bob Ross is more famous now then he was back then. As a painting enthusiast I loved watching him but others would make fun of him. I had one of his painting kits even. Sad his life was taken so soon. As for the Kowalskis goes to show how much money means in this world. I have always said money is evil. They themselves looked like they were on their deathbed but yet, money was that important to them to not care about him. Never understand where people think money will go when they die. This couple was way up there in their years. Probably didn't even get to enjoy after what they did to be so evil. 😞

[@synchronicity1470]

They should have Willed everything they took back to Bob Ross's sons.

[@jbl333able]

I was going to purchase a Bob Ross art set, but not now. Bob Ross was still the best, though.

[@synchronicity1470]

yep! BOYCOTT

[@ahill4642]

Buy the same pieces in another brand! Bob would want you to paint paint paint! ☺️

[@bbernard1981]

The Kowalskis sound like really evil people. I hope Bob's boys are doing well.

[@walterkazban1819]

Super good ...painter...Mr Ross made it appear to be easy to make painting...I enjoyed watching him

[@annrhoads6808]

I still use his technique when i paint Bob was Amazing Artist ✌️

[@MsAppassionata]

I love watching his show. It’s very calming.

[@PixieyDust]

This is incredibly sad. I have so many questions. Those people so greedy! So anything we see with Bob's name on it, nothing goes where Bob wanted it too? 8f so, I definitely won't buy it. This was well done! Thank you!

[@stephencrawford6082]

I first started watching and imitating Bob Ross’s painting style 25 years ago and I’m disgusted at how his name and legacy has been abused by the greed of his ex business partners. My grandson who’s only 7 has recently discovered the Joy of Painting and is a big fan but I have mixed feelings about buying the materials for him as I loathe to line the Kowalski’s pockets.

[@debhalld9794]

Agree! BTW 7 yrs old is old enough to explain that people who treated Bob Ross badly are using his name to make money. And, that Bob would be more honored and happy if you bought other art supplies 😉

[@debbiemartin2026]

They were old 35 years ago. Aren’t they long gone by now?

[@patriciaray143]

I have watched the Ross painting show , he was great and such a lovely personality, I loved his art work , he could make a picture machically apear. Sorry to hear about his hardships.

[@bunk822]

Always be my favorite artist 😁👍

[@starlightdreamer1999]

Rip Happy Painter 💖

[@Blueagle8u]

I did several paintings following his shows,came out great! Simple principles creating great results

[@elizabethmcaloon2402]

Awww I enjoyed watching him paint...

[@marlenaforbes-reidy9876]

Bob Ross was a beautiful Soul, I thoroughly enjoyed watching his work in TV and learnt a lot from him when I was learning Art RIP and Light . New Zealand. ❤️🌷❤️

[@davidpoppenhagen4278]

I was always surprised of the size of the brushes he uses. Some are the size you'd paint a house with .. He'd push the brissels to the canvas and make amazing trees and clouds and rocks. He seemed to do it effortlessly.( I've never painted anything so when i see him paint it looks like magic happening).

[@johnnycrash3270]

I Remember watching Bob Ross on The P B S network channel 9 here in Vancouver B C I was not an Artist (cant even draw a stick man) But there was something about Bob Ross that I Respected his talent 🤗

[@GanjaLady]

This man was a lovely man ❤ he just oozed love ❤️ I loved watching his show and would have loved to have tried 1 of his paintings ❤❤❤ Gone but not forgotten, Sir ❤❤

[@danyelhudon458]

My God, Bob Ross and sons’ had lived like hell with this business association nightmare! Fortunately, I had bought just one can of white preparation to paint wet on wet! It is just awful how much people can be greedy even for someone near of dying! It is an misery’s life which I do hope Bob had found refuge in his joy of painting with serenity and peacefully! Wow we as spectators we are buying products publicized for the famous name, but no one ca not be the artist spirit like Bob Ross was! There is no price for the creative copyright mind, fortunately! Amen! 😢❤ He was my first favorite artist that I had followed on my younger years! 😊

[@tonigreene8281]

What a beautiful man.

[@user-bx6gh2ks1v]

Truly loved watching this artist at work, such beautiful works of art! I'm Soo sorry his partners screwed him in the end! Greedy basters 😢

[@machelleshappyhobbies4977]

I loved Bob Ross. I bought some of his books years ago and went step by step to learn his style of painting. I really was able to do some decent paintings. He was so kind and I believe GOD will take care of the family that did him wrong. I truly enjoyed watching him and hope that his family can find peace after all these tragic events in their lives.😊

[@user-gi8hg3bk4j]

Loved him and still watch every time PBS airs his program.

[@yolandatrullinger5461]

I won’t watch any more of his shows any more bc it would give the Kowalskys more money!! 😮. Money they don’t deserve.

[@Yezindeed]

What a freakin shame🤨RIP Brother Bob👊🏼

[@cammieg4381]

What a sad story to such a wonderful man. Now, finally I understand why I 'felt the urge to refuse' buying any Bob Ross stuff and would always gravitate back to my familiar products. Rest in painting heaven-ly peace Bob Ross! Thank you for your love! ❤

[@elainejames5426]

Bob Ross is iconic and his shows will live on forever. Love his paintings and his love for animals. ❤

[@user-ju5py4fq8w]

This should be the end of the greed of the Kowalskis.

[@debbiemartin2026]

They looked like they were in their 70’s 35 years ago. So they should be long gone, right?

[@jenniferestep798]

Those were some mean and evil people that took advantage of the Ross family!

[@kellywolfe5930]

I was just a kid and i loved watching him paint on tv he was AMAZING 💙💛❤💚💜

[@irishgirl1753]

Loved this show he was incredible ❤️

[@terryelrod3027]

Mr. Kowalski ex CIA, say no more.

[@craigpimlott204]

You can bet they were involved in the shenanigans too .