Bob Ross

Robert Norman "Bob" Ross (October 29, 1942 – July 4, 1995) was an American painter, art instructor and television host. Ross is probably best known for hosting and creating the television show, The Joy of Painting. He was also in a kids' show called The Adventures of Elmer and Friends, although he died before he could create any more than one episode.

Bob Ross
Born	Robert Norman Ross (1942-10-29)October 29, 1942 Daytona Beach, Florida, U.S.
Died	July 4, 1995(1995-07-04) (aged 52) New Smyrna Beach, Florida, U.S.
Resting place	Woodlawn Memorial Park, Gotha, Florida, U.S.
Occupation(s)	Painter, art instructor, television host
Years active	1983–1994
Spouse(s)	Lynda Brown (?–1981; divorced) Jane Ross (1980s–1993; her death)
Children	3
Allegiance	United States of America
Service/branch	United States Air Force
Years of service	1961–1981
Rank	Master Sergeant
Website	bobross.com

Ross was born in Daytona Beach, Florida, and was raised in Orlando, Florida. At the age of 18, Ross enlisted in the U.S. Air Force. Snow and mountains became a recurring theme in his artwork when the Air Force transferred him to Eielson AFB (in Alaska) and he first saw them. He developed his quick-painting technique in order to be able to create art for sale in short daily work breaks. He discovered that he was able to earn more from selling his work than from his Air Force position and later left the Air Force. After that, he began studying with Bill Alexander before Ross became famous worldwide with his television program, The Joy of Painting.

Personal Life

In 1965, Bob Ross married Vivian Ridge, and together they had a son, Steven. Like his father, Steven is a skilled painter and occasionally appeared on The Joy of Painting. He was also a Ross-certified instructor. Bob and Vivian divorced in 1977, and later that year, he married Jane Lee Zanardelli. The couple did not have any children. Jane passed away from cancer in 1992. In 1995, just two months before his passing, Bob married Lynda Brown.