The Unexpected Real-Life of Bob Ross

Bob Ross was a prolific painter who created and starred in the popular PBS television show The Joy of Painting, where he taught viewers how to create landscapes using the wet-on-wet technique. While he was well-known as an optimistic, soft-spoken artist - the Mr. Rogers of painting, really - there is quite a bit of amazing Bob Ross information out there that the public may not know. For example, what did he do before he started painting? How many "happy trees" did he actually paint? And exactly how did he feel about his infamous perm?

#bobross #joyofpainting #weirdhistory

[WeirdHistory]

What is the most interesting thing you learned about Bob Ross?

[elsenororale]

My grandmother actually painted many of the works that he did on TV. I still have some to this day. Not Ross originals, but they have the spirit of him and my late grandmother.

[margochristensen]

I worked with Bob for 13 years. He was an interesting man. He was more comfortable with an audience than one one conversations. When I told him a friend would put his show on to nap, he replied "I don't care why they put it on, as long as it's on". His calming voice was his magic. Hypnotic. After all my interactions with him, I have nothing negative to say about him. He always knew his paintings "would never hang in the Louvre" but it was never why he painted. He lived modestly, and his neighborhood friends would bring him any animals that they found injured. He took them all. I also met pea pod when he was tiny. But he bit so Bob wouldn't let me try to pat him. Pea pod loved Bob and he did live in his shirt pocket.. Bob was really a celebrity among his fans...painters or not, and he never hesitated to talk with them for as long as they wanted. He was very special in many ways...

[leglessrestsyndrome]

I like the "poor" quality of the camera in the show. It gives me the feeling of security and timelessness.

[nisamlelo]

I can't believe how underrated this channel is

[tipsysmichigander]

90% of the audience did not paint, Most of his audience now does.

[etherghost]

"We're gonna jump out of this here friendly little plane. On your way down, you're gonna pass some happy little clouds and try not to hit any adorable little trees when you land"

Bob Ross in the military

[sludgefactory]

Yeah Bob Ross was an absolute saint. I personally knew most of these factoids about this wonderful person, but you get a thumbs up from me for presenting it with your signature wit and dry humor. Thanks

[MichaelTheStuart]

This world never deserved Bob Ross. He is the best of us all.

[TheEpicGypsy]

Imagine having Bob Ross as your drill sergeant only to discover him on TV 20 years later by complete accident.

[raidenmk]

I remember his show coming on before Reading Rainbow when I was a kid long time ago.

[Mister_non]

That thing about him writing his fans after he hadn’t heard from them in a while seriously made me tear up a little... I mean, who does that?!

[NPC_-mfdw]

When I first discovered him completely on accident, zapping through late night TV, I was immediately fascinated and hooked. I never was and still am not really interested in painting, but watching him paint actually made me cry. It was just so beautiful and you could tell right away "this guy is just great!".
He died too soon...

[ajayaday]

He was just a super chill dude. RIP to a legend man!

[SK]

I was in the Navy and I got tired of having to yell at people all the time. It wears on you, I feel what Bob was saying.

[jinglemin]

why is no one talking about bob ross looking like a snacc when he was young

[benjaminbowman]

I'm drunk and crying about why in the world would 14 people dislike this, he's such an inspiration and there's nothing technically wrong with the video. why

[originalchristianvogt]

He lost his Finger in a *Happy little Accident*

[carolroberts]

Amazing bit of history you provided. Who would have guessed! I love Bob Ross still. His quiet, gentle demeanor is an inspiration, as well as his encouragement to aspiring artists. Would that we all could have his quiet, gentle persona!

[mswantknowitall]

I enjoyed Bob Ross because he was so soft spoken. I would imagine being taught how to paint by Bob. And his soft spoken voice would encourage me through whatever mistakes I made. The show was very relaxing and soothing.