What The Last 12 Months Of Bob Ross' Life Were Really Like

If you were alive during the ‘80s and early ‘90s, Bob Ross was likely very much a part of your upbringing. The artist and host of PBS’ The Joy of Painting was known just as much for his hair and casual style as he was for his soft-spoken direction and love of “happy little trees.”
Ross' death in 1995 came as a shock to his fans, as he had kept his lymphoma diagnosis private. But while this beloved painter was secretly battling a deadly disease, there was another war waging over the future of his legacy. Here’s what the last 12 months of Bob Ross’ life were really like.
#BobRoss #Artist #ArtShow
Shroud of secrecy | 0:00
Mystery wife | 0:59
Betrayal | 1:46
21st century icon | 2:41
Net worth | 4:03
Read Full Article: www.grunge.com/245994/this-is...

[@thisisme3238]

It's sad when families are ripped off by "business associates." They knew his son would not have the means to legally get what belonged to him as his inheritance from his dad. See this being done so much but the evil doings will cost them in the end. RIP BOB ROSS 🙏✝️♥️🇺🇸

[@margochristensen7440]

Believe what you will...I knew Bob and the Kowalskis. There was no evil there.

[@mantia39]

@@margochristensen7440 ...if they're such wonderful people, why aren't they doing the right thing? How much are they paying you?!

[@LeoWatcher7]

@@margochristensen7440 nothing wrong with corporate greed right? Steve Ross his son, said his father spent the last short time of life having screaming matches on the phone with those horrible, merciless people. Absolutely vile.

[@LiquidCandyMedia]

@@margochristensen7440 ah yes stealing every cent of money made from the legacy of a man you’re not even related too is definitely not evil you’re totally right 🤡

[@annakat3754]

@@margochristensen7440 Bullshit. Those people have NO RIGHT to Bob's legacy. It belongs to his son and if they were decent people they would turn it over to him.

[@dallaswinston4640]

He had an EXTREMELY soothing voice.

[@gerryd7027]

The Kowalski's should have been thrown in jail for what they did to that man. RIP Bob 🙏❤

[@Howwerelivingfishing]

Or the dirt

[@gerryd7027]

@@Howwerelivingfishing harsh but fair 👌

[@ElysetheEevee]

This makes me so sad. It seems like all of the nicest and most innocent celebrities and people with talent are screwed over the worst in life by other people and nature....

[@thisisme3238]

Happens more than you could imagine...but they never win in the end.

[@Howwerelivingfishing]

It’s true. There are too many humans that are leeches on society. People that will try to make money off the hard work of others while they themselves do nothing but manipulate and deserve nothing but bullets in the head. RIP BOB ROSS. The courts have basically made slavery legal, as long as you can swindle somebody through manipulation.

[@reubenbenjamin8128]

Very true statement

[@michaelchristidis8658]

Well people who are jerks tend to be ignored and easily forgotten which is why their passing is not as memorable and it doesn't affect the internet that much

[@garydunn3037]

I only discovered Bob Ross's "Joy of Painting" here in the UK in recent months. He was really talented, and so was his Son Steve. Bob talked of "Happy Clouds" and "Friendly Trees" He seemed like such a "Gentle Soul" which we just don't see on TV nowadays. r.i.p Bob. My condolences, although belated, are with you all.

[@plymouthduster225]

RIP Bob Ross. Sad to see that this happened. He was the reason I started painting.

[@newlam7958]

I am glad Steve Ross was able to continue to be able to teach his father's painting methods.

[@iloveoklahoma6592]

When my son was about 4 or 5, he discovered Bob Ross on PBS. He would sit and watch him for hours. He loved listening to him talk. He is 28 now and still loves to watch and listen to him. He also shares the same name (Ross). Thank you Bob Ross for the many wonderful hours of calming entertainment you provided for a little boy who will always remember you! ❤️❤️❤️

[@Nipplator99999999999]

I'm almost fully colorblind, but still was amazed by his casual skills for unbelievable paintings. I tried to learn from his show, but everyone said it looked like a decent painting of a bad acid trip. I had all the colors mixed up for everything.

[@noth1ng5id]

He's done a colorblind episode in greyscale for someone who wrote to him.

[@lilivonshtup3808]

Having the colors mixed up for everything sounds kinda cool. You only have to look at Picasso, Dali and Warhol to see that art is done from the artists perspective to portray the artist's vision, not anyone else's.

[@omniscientbeing4224]

if bill finger can get posthumous creative credit over batman, I think it's the internet's obligation and responsibility to try and get Bob Ross's last wish to come true. take back from the Kowalskis what doesn't belong to them.

[@terryj3162]

The PBS cartoons were over when he came on but he’s still apart of my childhood

[@chrissyc5731]

Grew up watching him. Loved how calm and soothing his voice was miss you!👍🙏♥️

[@margochristensen7440]

When I was told of bob's death, it was like a bullet to me.

[@conniewrightsman9122]

Sad to know this...he deserved better and so did his son.

[@ihave3dogs2]

I swear, this channel has the perfect sense of variety and opportune timing for interesting videos that I instantly wanna watch.

[@winky62425]

I seen the documentary available on Netflix earlier this week. And let me tell you,it broke my heart. Well worth the watch for all of you fans of "king of ASMR. Truly sad,🥺🙏🏽Such a kind and gentle soul.💔

[@rtrout57]

I was so angry at the end of that documentary! The Kowalskis are vile [un]human beings.

[@kattrakee]

@@rtrout57 I have heard about that movie that’s on Netflix and I could’ve watched it the other night, but, I just can’t bear to watch anything so sad right now, I hope it’s still available when I’m able to view it.😢😢😢😭😭😭😭

[@margochristensen7440]

@@rtrout57 sorry, I sent that too early by mistake. Without the kowalskis there would never have been a Bob ross or his show.

[@rross27]

@@margochristensen7440 Bob Ross was allready famous all over Alaska and the world long before the Kowalski's ever came across him. He painted inside gold miners pans (over 10,000 you can find on Ebay occasionally today and crafted dozens of specialty items that were sold from the early 1960's on). And he had his own shop in Alaskaland (the Disney World of Alaska) for years. You have no idea what you are talking about. He was merely exploited by the Kowalski family for profit.

[@8ballsippa]

What's the name of documentary?

[@julien2069]

Ive been watching joy of painting with Bob Ross recently I don't even paint but he has me gripped every time with his lovely cool voice it's so relaxing and the painting he does is really amazing what he did with normal paint brushes is unbelievable he made it look so easy especially his "happy little trees" it's really sad that such a talented ill man could be robbed of what he achieved is totally unacceptable those people should be ashamed of them selfs RIP BOB Thank You for your beautiful paintings ☺😷👍👏🌹🌈

[@laynesgirl3419]

R I P Bob I really enjoyed the show. Give his family there share of the money.

[@margochristensen7440]

Dear goddess, who are the family members you are referring to ?

[@rross27]

@@margochristensen7440 Put a lid on it, charlatan!

[@nicoladawson2861]

While I'm happy his name and work live on, it is truly sad that the partners and THEIR family got everything and his son got nothing! Clearly, that wasn't what he wanted and what horrible people! I will never understand how people want to profit off of death and off of things said person who DIED did or didn't wish for...

[@thisisme3238]

Easy to understand.. it's called COLD GREED to it's highest point ..it will cost them in the end.

[@rosered8234]

Evolution has made humans fight for survival turn more toxic - its a cruel relentless world out there , people will scheme , stab in the back , lie , plot & do anything to survive .. usually at the expense of others … its far and few between you will befall a kind & genuine soul . Life is cruel - people are cruel - & peoples survival instinct can turn into greed & selfishness ….

[@AaronAlert77]

That’s so sad :(. Me and my homies used to hotbox my friends garage while slapping music hella loud and we’d have bob ross playing on the tv in the background. Immaculate vibe

[@ChildofGod98765]

Thank you for making my childhood beautiful

[@larrylane9872]

RIP Bob.. I always enjoyed your painting.

[@80wolfmanrob]

Choose your partners wisely.

[@thisisme3238]

Or else have a prenup before you marry them.

[@MKF30]

Sometimes people are too nice and get taken advantage of even if youre careful. You can never predict someone you trust betraying you.

[@AaronAlert77]

@@thisisme3238 I think he meant business partners not marital

[@ajax061159]

Or make sure you hire someone to take care of your partners if something happens to you.

[@katalinas9264]

Loved Bob. His son was screwed over by those people. Sad.

[@petabulmer7345]

I am Australian. I never knew about Bob Ross until I saw people do his tutorials on KZbin a few years ago! So I'm not sure if he is well known here. But what a great loss. He was totally ripped off. And he seems like such a lovely man..

[@jacobstopper3804]

RIP Bob Ross

[@nathanex6152]

I used to watch him with my grandpa everyday

[@mareekatz]

How sad...rest peacefully dear Bob.

[@connorreutter166]

It takes a special lady to live with a crazy man. Great artist.

[@margochristensen7440]

Who are you referring to?

[@SaphiraBlu]

​​@@margochristensen7440 Bob made that comment once on his show.

[@lydialangfordjoiner765]

It’s so sad- I miss the good heart of Bob Ross, very much, but am thankful to Steve and KZbin. Thank you for sharing - maybe others will be helped in their business dealings now knowing what kind of greedy humans are out there.

[@jurgenf5771]

Habe mir immer gerne die Sendungen mit Bob Ross angeschaut . Er hatte eine sehr beruhigende Art. Darüber hinaus fand ich seine Malkunst bemerkenswert . Hat immer Spaß gemacht . Leider ist Er zu früh gegangen . Die besten gehen immer zuerst . R.I.P . Deine Bilder bleiben ewig erhalten .

[@Vivalarosa45]

I saw the documentary. The Kowalskis were nothing but money-hungry vultures that never left Bob alone to die peacefully until he signed away his rights and name away. His son got nothing despite having some of Bob's paintings in his possession. All Bob wanted to do was paint and leave a legacy for his son so he can carry on his name and The Kowalskis made sure that they own that.

[@margochristensen7440]

I worked with Bob and the Kowalskis for 13 years. Did his son (who I never met ) get what he thinks he deserved? I dont know. And you don't know the background about the situation.

[@margochristensen7440]

Do you really know what Bob wanted before you castigate the Kowalskis? I have not seen the Netflix movie / documentary but I'm looking forward to it.

[@Vivalarosa45]

@@margochristensen7440 Watch the documentary and talk to me later.

[@margochristensen6359]

@@Vivalarosa45 hi. I will watch it, but I worked with Bob and the Kowalski's for over a decade and I do believe that provides me with a certain knowledge of the situation that is not available. If it were not for the Kowalskis, there would never have been a bob. ross or s bob Ross painting show.

[@Vivalarosa45]

@@margochristensen6359 You have a point. But they left his family with nothing. Bob's son can't even profit off his dad's legacy because the Kowalski will sue the shit out of him. They legally took Bob's name and made millions that Bob never lived to see. It's just a game to them.

[@supertrucker99]

I'm sorry BOB...WE MISS YOU sooooo MUCH ..it hurts....😢😢😢😢😢

[@billmcg1676]

Always nice to know money grubbers like the Kowalskis can weasel there way in and profit from something that isn't theirs. Special place in hell for people like that. RIP Bob Ross and best wishes to his son.

[@margochristensen7440]

Hi Bill, if it had not been for the Kowalskis there would never would

[@margochristensen7440]

The Kowalskis are not money grabbers. They supported Bob. Without them you would never have even heard his name.

[@beetertruk88]

@@margochristensen7440 I don’t believe that. He would of been famous regardless. Without Bob Ross we wouldn’t of known the kowalskis and they wouldn’t of made their money off him.

[@ElysetheEevee]

@@margochristensen7440 Yeah, this is crap logic. There are always other ways. They most definitely ARE money-grubbers. Anyone who isn't willing to give a direct descendant of someone famous their lot of whatever THEIR parent left is a garbage person and a money-grubber. If you have to fight someone for what's due to you from your own father, they're a money-grubber. Sounds like you either know these people personally or have some other form of attachment.

[@margochristensen7440]

@@ElysetheEevee whatever you wish to think. Everything is relative.

[@bambina320]

Those people did him so dirty. And to think he was terminally ill and they were doing this is sick!

[@kattrakee]

I’m so sorry Things didn’t go well for Steve and such unscrupulous an opportunistic people like the Kowalski’s ruined things for people I know that There’s so much controversy between How Bob Ross came to be a painter; how William Alexander blamed him for stealing his painting technique, and other people involved like the Jennings, KATHWRYN and her husband had unsettling dealings with Bob, Details of which I am not exactly certain, but I know that there was a lot of problems that probably still exist within the Ross dynasty and his paintings. I feel terrible about it that art should be commercialized and family should be denied their Note-oriety and inheritance. My heart breaks because the whole thing is so sad😔😔😔😔😔😔😔

[@marklopez555]

The man made it look Easy, I'm fifty now and I used to watch his shows ,he could've been a great teacher ,they should show him in

[@rickquist3992]

It's good to know that I should avoid donating to the Kawalskis...

[@margochristensen7440]

Why would you donate to the kowalskis? If it had not been for them, there would never have been a bob ross.

[@margochristensen7440]

Are they asking for donations?

[@indigozen4794]

@@margochristensen7440 You don't know what would have happened with Bob Ross, had the K's not been involved but we DO know it didn't have a good ending. You simply cannot sit in an armchair and predict the future of an artist who showed promise, perhaps someone else would have come along and funded Bob. However we can safely say that had it not been for Bob Ross the Kowalski's would not have profited from Bob Ross the way they did.

[@indigozen4794]

@@margochristensen7440 You mean buying Bob Ross, Inc. products. So we won't!

[@christinesmith5706]

I remember watching him when my dad was stationed in Germany

[@m.f.richardson1602]

Thank you

[@stevengrvp]

Bob was great

[@leynarahal302]

I'm literally crying because he's my hero

[@RalonsoF1]

Sad story end. For the Ross family. RIP Bob Ross

[@sing_your_own_song_hine]

🌈Beautiful Bob Ross💯 Justice for Steven Ross... R.I.P BOB ROSS🌈🌈🌈 May his son gain full rights and ownership to Bob Ross name & Products all over the world🌼🙌🙌🙌🔥

[@entropybear5847]

BRI have done Bob and his family dirty. I'm not buying any products from them if I can help it. I hope Steve's painting career takes off like a rocket.

[@garrieleepeck8753]

Just watched .the documentary .so bad .what some people will do for money .greed . I hope things will get better for bobs family I'm a great believer in karma .it's so good that Steve painting .making people happy

[@kenyonthomas2796]

Legend!!!

[@spicy_burrito_bombs914]

4:22 right bottom corner that guy looked like the rock

[@Dreadlocks720]

WOW! It is sad that his associates are making big bank while Ross's family gets nothing. Greed makes it hard for people to see.

[@carolleib5797]

Justice needs to be done for Bob's son the Kowalskis really screwed him and Bob was not total on good mind due to the cancer and meds.

[@laurielaurie8280]

Greed has ruined many a man. These greedy people taking Bob's sons inheritance are the worst. Sad deal.

[@BLAB-it5un]

The Kowalski's should be ashamed. And they should be in jail. They have stolen from and exploited this man and his family chasing nothing but money. Greed is such a toxic scourge in society and the despicable Kowalski's will die without the slightest bit of regret or conflict or morals or restitution. Sad to think how many people are unknowingly supporting the Kowalski's thinking they are helping out Bob and his legacy. Nobody on the planet should be watching the videos or buying any of the merchandise.

[@tonil5960]

Those greedy people, really pathetic how they've monopolized Bob Ross name...practically stealing it from him, leaving Bob's son Steve with nothing.💔

[@airsoftandy9285]

I should know I collect Bob Ross items

[@SpyderRae]

This is so sad.

[@RichardM1366]

Every Fouth Of July I make a huge pot of ice tea and I deficate the painting to the man who believed in me before I believed in myself.

[@lexingtonconcord8751]

I don't want to support the Kowalskis!

[@susiesweet8003]

I watched him every day on PBS. 🥰 Something else that's not well known...he was a Vietnam Vet. His lymphoma has a questionable origin of Agent Orange, a deadly herbicide sprayed everywhere to kill plants including Laos. Many Vets were exposed, causing an early death from cancer & other conditions such as hypothyroidism & Parkinsonism. The military always denied it was the cause involved in their deaths & health conditions. 🤬 Eventually, the government gave in but refused to include navy personnel due to their location in the waters surrounding Vietnam. They claimed they weren't were exposed & it's only been recently that the government included them.

[@indigozen4794]

That happened to my dad as well

[@gregoryamer]

Wow! It’s disappointing how greedy people bamboozle talent.

[@insectwarriorjojo7780]

agree... Bob Ross had things but sometime I found voice as a kid soothing and love watch his show well not much and also... I'm not good paint , rip bob and thanks again

[@patriciane3551]

opportunist greed is one of the biggest problems in this world.His work was amazing and a friend of mine taught himself from his videos and so far has had 3 small exhibitions

[@shadowcraft666]

What's the tune playing in the background this vid? It's such a banger haha

[@cage5203]

Karma will find that couple

[@knockoutguitarist087]

Walter and Annette Kowalski...? Hmm....🤨 not surprising... this is pretty standard practice in the entertainment industry...

[@panchovilla6663]

I didn't knew he passed 🥺

[@football_legend9222]

Rip 🪦 bob ross 😔

[@amberreid6242]

The Kiwakski’s forged that shit. Bob Ross would NEVER have signed rights over

[@jerrydjones5328]

Imagine if he was still here…. He’d be on SOOO many podcasts..

[@thisisme3238]

Does anyone know how to find Bob's channel? A response would be much appreciated thank you.

[@thisisme3238]

Ty

[@nrich5127]

Bob made the fatal mistake of signing over through a lousy contract more than his 51% control of the business . BEFORE signing a contract , have your lawyer read it and advise you.

[@margochristensen7440]

I so agree with you on lawyer review. Bob had that.

[@Cohdiboi]

Not exactly. He never signed over the rights to his name. He set up a trust that was 51% owned by his brother. His brother then signed over the rights to his name after he died. If Bob was guilty of a mistake it was not updating that trust to give his son Steve the majority stake. That’s the part that really screwed Steve.

[@nrich5127]

@@Cohdiboi I stand corrected - thank you for the clarification.

[@ojonasar]

I paint because of him.

[@gfersurvived6622]

We all used to watch his show back in the day. Before everyone had cable everyone loved the show even if it had some corniness to it.

[@minnaorangewave3323]

Bob Ross is live rn...

[@crweewrc1388]

2:39 What episode is that?

[@dianarecker7441]

Shame on the Kowalski family! They shouldn't have been so greedy! I personally will never buy a product again. Plenty of other paint products out there that work well with the wet on wet technique

[@justinboswell2517]

Rip bob ross

[@caterinasalva7670]

This is so unfair for Ross family!! Didn’t know this story! Ps. Anybody coming here after the Euphoria episode?

[@Adrian-zd4cs]

Well that was depressing AF.

[@michelmadaire257]

RIP BOB

[@mringram]

He was cool

[@ilikecars5999]

U want Bob back SO DO WE

[@ailynnelizabeth9337]

how can we support?

[@Howwerelivingfishing]

Cancer has taken some wonderful people from the world. RIP Bob Ross. 💐❤️

[@dravenhawktoland1127]

That tells you. That they were and are gold diggers. They wanted the money.

[@MrShawnee1]

I will never buy his paint I'll be damned if I give them scum bags my money. I MISS BOB ROSS.

[@pvtghost95]

All should join up , put so hate on there channel it’s not right to do this.

[@nicko.baiculescu9363]

The curse of being an artist, from the dawn of mankind when creativity ate at the very bones of the artists making art, there had always been envious, incompetent beings trying to make a profit for their miserable, otherwise unmentionable lives.. Think Caravaggio, Picasso and countless others...

[@marklopez555]

In classes today.

[@MoDave82]

Rip sergeant Bob Ross

[@detroittigers5977]

Those people need to be brought to their knees, Boondock Saints style.

[@mantia39]

That is an absolute travesty of justice. Steve deserves something! There is a special place in Hell waiting on the Kowalskis.

[@davidlessa8167]

those people are scam artists

[@michelleelle4622]

That’s horrible

[@The_AmazingRoger]

I cant FUCKING BELIVE THEY THINK HE WAS A SERIAL KILLER

[@tek512]

First I am hearing about this stuff. Kinda ticks me off to think a man like him was done so dirty. A lot of people claim to be kind and/or of good moral character, but Bob Ross never did. He never had to. It showed through deeds. He was the real deal, and the world became a far poorer place when he left it.

[@starcode.roblox8611]

Bob ross

[@kennyboi8690]

sad

[@deborahpadgett2417]

There is a special place in hell for the Kowalskis. What they did to that wonderful, amazing man and his family is beyond reprehensible. Karma is a real bitch.

[@Glic2000]

It's worth noting that Bob Ross learned the painting style from William Alexander, then stabbed Will in the back by starting his own brand of painting supplies, which was a complete ripoff of Will's. It was cruel of the Kowalskis to snub Steve Ross the way they did, but the Kowalskis were also the ones who created the Bob Ross company. Bob never would've been such a huge success financially without their help.

[@margochristensen7440]

Having worked with Bob for 13 years, (not FOR bob), I found this video pretty good. Of course I could spill more beans to it, but I am not a spokesperson for either the company I worked for during that time, nor the Kowalskis and their company. I loved my job and bob and the Kowalskis always treated me well during our numerous interactions. Out of respect for all, I keep my insights and opinions to myself. There are no dirty secrets, or bad guys to talk about. Nothing negative or salacious. Walt, Anette and Joan were all very decent, hard working and committed. Bob was always a gentleman and I never heard him raise his voice. Im sorry he's gone.

[@AaronAlert77]

na they finessed him

[@indigozen4794]

And if you think I believe that, I have an island I want to sell you

[@kburd67]

Reminiscent of Burt's Bees and that whole disgusting rip-off.

[@indigozen4794]

I remember that one too

[@noahlopez5924]

Sec