Bob Ross Net Worth - Pulptastic

Publish date: 2024-06-22

What Was Bob Ross’ Net Worth?

Bob Ross, the American painter, art instructor, and television host, had a net worth of $1 million at the time of his death in 1995. However, the rights to his name and likeness would later prove to be worth many millions of dollars. He created and hosted the PBS television series “The Joy of Painting,” which was viewed by millions of people each week and aired in multiple countries.

During the show’s peak, he essentially appeared on the show for free but used the platform to promote his book and painting kits. In his lifetime, he sold $15-20 million worth of books, video tapes, and art kits. Ross became an internet celebrity in the 21st century and is very popular on YouTube, known for his wet-on-wet oil painting technique and catchphrases such as “happy little trees.”

Bob Ross retired after being diagnosed with lymphoma and passed away in July 1995 at the age of 52. His intellectual property is controlled through the holding company Bob Ross Inc., which has licensed his image for use on various products, including t-shirts, Chia Pets, costumes, and puzzles. Additionally, there is a robust market for his original paintings, some of which have sold for as much as $10,000.

Unfortunately, Ross’s estate has been fought over bitterly in the last decade, but his legacy as a beloved painter and television personality lives on.

Bob Ross: Early Life and Military Career

Bob Ross was born in Daytona Beach, Florida, in 1942. His mother was a waitress, and his father was a carpenter. Ross grew up in Orlando and took care of injured animals during his youth. He dropped out of school in ninth grade and began working with his father. Ross lost part of the index finger on his left hand in a “freak saw accident” while working as a carpenter.

Ross enlisted in the U.S. Air Force in 1961 and eventually became a master sergeant. He developed his quick wet-on-wet painting technique during his time in the military. Ross was known for being tough on his subordinates, but after leaving the military in 1981, he vowed to no longer raise his voice.

Bob Ross: From Air Force Career to Painting Legend

Bob Ross, a former Air Force member, discovered German painter Bill Alexander’s television show “The Magic of Oil Painting” while working part-time as a bartender. He learned alla prima, a wet-on-wet painting style, and began painting Alaskan landscapes on novelty gold-mining pans. He eventually made more money from his art than from his Air Force career.

Bob studied with Alexander and became a tutor and traveling salesman for the Alexander Magic Art Supplies Company. He, along with Annette Kowalski and his wife, Jane, created Bob Ross Inc. “The Joy of Painting” premiered in 1983 and aired 403 episodes over 31 seasons.

Bob created an estimated 30,000 paintings before his death at age 52. Today, the Bob Ross Workshop and Gallery in Florida offers classes on his famous technique for fans who want to become Certified Ross Instructors, and Bob Ross Inc. offers painting classes in cities all over the U.S. There are more than 1500 Bob Ross Teachers who hold local workshops every day, including actor David Arquette, a well-known Certified Ross Instructor.

Bob Ross’ Personal Life

Bob Ross married Vivian Ridge in 1965 and had a son named Steve before divorcing in 1977. Steve occasionally appeared on his father’s show and is a Certified Ross Instructor. Bob married his second wife, Jane, in 1977, and they remained married until Jane’s death in 1992. Bob then married Lynda Brown in 1995, three months before his death. Bob was also known for his love of pet squirrels, including Bobette, Peapod, and Peapod Jr., several of which appeared on “The Joy of Painting.”

Bob Ross’ Legacy

Bob Ross passed away in 1995 due to complications from lymphoma. His plaque at Woodlawn Memorial Park reads “Bob Ross, Television Artist.” After his death, Annette and Walt Kowalski gained sole ownership of Bob Ross Inc., as per the terms of the company’s incorporation. However, they were cut out of Ross’ will, which left his estate and rights to his art, name, likeness, voice, and recorded work to his son Steve and half-brother Jimmie Cox. The Kowalskis filed lawsuits to gain possession of Ross’ art and supplies, but ultimately settled in their favor in 1997.

Despite his passing, Ross’ image and work continue to be celebrated and recognized. In 2015, Twitch hosted a nine-day marathon of “The Joy of Painting,” which was viewed by 5.6 million people. Netflix also began streaming “Beauty Is Everywhere,” a collection of episodes from seasons 20-22 of “The Joy of Painting.” The Kowalskis launched a Bob Ross YouTube channel, which now has over 4.9 million subscribers. In 2019, the Smithsonian National Museum of American History acquired some of Ross’ paintings, a stepladder used on the show, and two notebooks from the early years of the series.

Bob Ross’ legacy has also been parodied in various films, TV shows, and web series, including “Family Guy,” “Deadpool,” and “Epic Rap Battles of History.” He was honored with a Google Doodle on what would have been his 70th birthday, and his likeness is featured in the board game “Bob Ross: The Art of Chill.” In 2020, “Magic: The Gathering” released a set of cards featuring Ross’ paintings. However, in August 2021, the release of the Netflix documentary “Bob Ross: Happy Accidents, Betrayal & Greed” was met with controversy, with Bob Ross Inc. issuing a statement calling the documentary “inaccurate and heavily slanted.”