Bob Ross: See Photos Of The Beloved American Painter

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August 24, 2021 11:25PM EDT

Bob Ross guided viewers with painting tips and meaningful life advance with his PBS series ‘The Joy of Painting’ up until his death in 1995. The famed painter died at the age of 52 from lymphoma, but his legacy still very much lives on. Swipe for photos of the beloved artist.

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Photos Of Painter Bob Ross

Photos Of Painter Bob Ross
©Netflix/Courtesy Everett Colle

American painter Bob Ross became a household name with his long-running PBS TV show The Joy of Painting, an instructional series that offered viewers tips on becoming an artist while also sharing meaningful life advice. The series ran for 31 seasons between 1983 and 1994, reaching a new generation of audiences years after its final episode thanks to syndication and streaming. Today, Bob’s signature perm and demin jean outfit of choice — coupled with his passion for painting “happy little trees” — makes him one of the most recognized painters in popular culture.

The revered TV personality died in 1995 at the age of 52 after a battle with lymphoma, a cancer of the lymphatic system. His legacy still very much lives on, becoming the subject of a new Netflix documentary, Bob Ross: Happy Accidents, Betrayal & Greed. Swipe through for photos of the famed American painter.

August 24, 2021, 5:30PM
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Bob Ross Behind A Canvas

Bob Ross Behind A Canvas
©Netflix/Courtesy Everett Colle

Bob Ross smiles and poses from behind a canvas in this image from the 1990s. 

August 24, 2021, 5:30PM
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Bob Ross Goofy At A Park

Bob Ross Goofy At A Park
©Netflix/Courtesy Everett Colle

Bob Ross is all smiles as he gets goofy at a park in this snapshot from the 1980s. 

August 24, 2021, 5:30PM
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Bob Ross With His Son Steve & Artist Dana Jester

Bob Ross With His Son Steve & Artist Dana Jester
©Netflix/Courtesy Everett Colle

Bob Ross with his son Steve (left) and fellow artist Dana Jester (right) in the Joy of Painting studio during the 1980s.

August 24, 2021, 5:30PM
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Bob Ross With Some Paintings

Bob Ross With Some Paintings
©Netflix/Courtesy Everett Colle

Bob Ross poses among canvas paintings and admirers during the 1980s.

August 24, 2021, 5:30PM
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Bob Ross Behind The Camera

Bob Ross Behind The Camera
©Netflix/Courtesy Everett Colle

Bob Ross flashes a smile from behind the camera during the 1980s.

August 24, 2021, 5:30PM