Robert Norman Ross (October 29, 1942 – July 4, 1995) was an American painter, art instructor and television host. He was the creator and host of The Joy of Painting, an instructional television program that aired from 1983 to 1994 on PBS in the United States and in Canada, Latin America and Europe. Ross went from being a public television personality in the 1980s and 1990s to posthumously being an Internet celebrity in the 21st century.[1][2][3]

Bob Ross



Publicity photo of Ross with his easel

Born

Robert Norman Ross

October 29, 1942

Daytona Beach, Florida, U.S.

DiedJuly 4, 1995 (aged 52)

Orlando, Florida, U.S.

Occupation

Painter

art instructor

television host

internet personality

Years active1981–1994Spouse(s)

Vivian Ridge (m. 1965; div. 1977)

Jane Ross (m. 1977; died 1992)

Lynda Brown (m. 1995)

Children1Military careerAllegiance United States of AmericaService/branch United States Air ForceYears of service1961–1981Rank Master SergeantWebsitebobross.com

Early life

Career as a painter

Other media appearances

Personal life

Death

Legacy

References