Bob Ross, the iconic painter known for his soothing voice and signature hairstyle, became a household name through his PBS show “The Joy of Painting,” which aired from 1983 to 1994.
His gentle demeanor and encouraging teaching style inspired countless viewers to explore their creativity through painting.
Despite his popularity, Ross’s life was cut short when he passed away from lymphoma in 1995 at the age of 52.
His legacy continues to live on, influencing new generations of artists and enthusiasts through his art and philosophy that “there are no mistakes, only happy accidents.”
Bob Ross passed away on July 4, 1995, due to complications from lymphoma, just over a year after his beloved show “The Joy of Painting” ended.
The series ran for 403 episodes, during which Ross became renowned for his calming voice and his unique approach to teaching art.
He encouraged viewers to embrace mistakes as “happy little accidents,” making painting accessible and enjoyable for everyone.
His legacy endures as he continues to inspire aspiring artists around the world with his positive philosophy and amazing landscapes.
Death Cause
Bob Ross passed away at the age of 52 from complications related to lymphoma. His diagnosis came just weeks after the death of his second wife, Jane, who succumbed to cancer in 1992.
Ross had been a lifelong smoker, which may have contributed to his health issues.
In the Netflix documentary Bob Ross: Happy Accidents, Betrayal & Greed, a friend suggested that prolonged exposure to paint thinner could have played a role in his illness, although Ross never publicly discussed his health concerns.
Despite his early passing, his legacy as a beloved artist and educator remains strong, continuing to inspire fans and aspiring painters alike.