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.

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.  

Category:1942 births
Category:1995 deaths
Category:Deaths from lymphoma
Category:American painters
Category:American television personalities
Category:Entertainers from Alaska
Category:Entertainers from Florida
Category:People from Daytona Beach, Florida