5 Surprising Facts About Bob Ross's Death And His Unfinished 2024 Legacy

The simple, direct answer is yes: the beloved painter and host of *The Joy of Painting*, Robert "Bob" Norman Ross, passed away nearly three decades ago. His death occurred on July 4, 1995, at the age of 52, a loss that profoundly affected millions who found peace and inspiration in his gentle voice and "happy little trees."

However, the story of Bob Ross does not end there. As of December 10, 2025, his legacy is more alive and relevant than ever, generating fresh media attention, new TV series, and ongoing discussions about the private battles he faced, making the question "Is Bob Ross dead?" a complex look at a man whose influence continues to grow long after his passing.

Robert Norman Ross: A Complete Biographical Profile

Despite his public persona as a perpetually cheerful and gentle soul, Bob Ross had a fascinating and sometimes challenging life that led him to his iconic role. His biography is a testament to reinvention and the power of finding one’s true calling.

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• Full Name: Robert Norman Ross
• Born: October 29, 1942, in Daytona Beach, Florida, U.S.
• Died: July 4, 1995, in Orlando, Florida, or New Smyrna Beach, Florida (aged 52)
• Cause of Death: Complications from Lymphoma (specifically, non-Hodgkin's lymphoma)
• Parents: Jack Ross (carpenter) and Ollie Ross (waitress)
• Career Highlights:
  • Served 20 years in the U.S. Air Force, retiring as a Master Sergeant.
  • Host of *The Joy of Painting* (1983–1994), which aired on PBS.
  • Creator of the "wet-on-wet" oil painting technique (often called "alla prima").
  • Co-founder of Bob Ross Inc. (BRI).
• Spouses: Vivian Ridge (m. 1965; div. 1977), Jane Ross (m. 1977; d. 1992), Lynda Brown (m. 1995)
• Children: Steven Ross (from his first marriage)

The gentle man with the signature perm and soft voice spent two decades in the military before becoming a full-time artist. He famously had to maintain a strict, tough demeanor in the Air Force, a stark contrast to his TV persona. He vowed that once he left the service, he would never yell again, a promise he famously kept.

The True Cause of Death: Lymphoma and His Private Battle

Bob Ross’s passing was a quiet affair, shielded from the public eye by his business partners and family. The nature of his death was a stark contrast to the colorful, public life he led on television.

What Kind of Cancer Did Bob Ross Have?

Bob Ross was diagnosed with an aggressive form of cancer known as non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. Lymphoma is a cancer that originates in the lymphatic system, which is part of the body's germ-fighting network. The disease can spread quickly, and despite his fame, Ross chose to keep his health battle private.

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He died at his home in Orlando, Florida, on July 4, 1995, just over a year after the final episode of *The Joy of Painting* aired on May 17, 1994.

The Final Days and Secrecy Surrounding His Health

Ross was known for his incredible work ethic, filming multiple seasons of his show in rapid succession. However, his health began to decline in the early 1990s. The decision to keep his illness private was a deliberate choice, reflecting his desire to maintain the show’s positive atmosphere. He wanted to be remembered as the man who brought "happy little accidents" and "happy little trees" into the lives of his viewers, not as a cancer patient.

The secrecy surrounding his illness and death became a central point of discussion years later, particularly following the 2021 Netflix documentary, *Bob Ross: Happy Accidents, Betrayal & Greed*, which shed light on the legal battles and business control of Bob Ross Inc. (BRI) by the Kowalski family, his business partners.

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His Unfinished Legacy: The 2024 Resurgence and New TV Series

Decades after his death, Bob Ross is not only remembered but is actively growing his audience. His videos have found a massive new following on digital platforms like YouTube and Twitch, introducing his calming presence to a new generation.

The most compelling and freshest update to his legacy is the launch of a brand-new television series in 2024, which brings his final, unpainted ideas to life.

The Joy of Painting with Nicholas Hankins: Bob Ross' Unfinished Season

In a remarkable continuation of his work, a new series titled *The Joy of Painting with Nicholas Hankins: Bob Ross' Unfinished Season* premiered in May 2024.

This series uses the never-before-seen paintings that Bob Ross had prepared for a new season of *The Joy of Painting* just before his health declined. Nicholas Hankins, a Bob Ross Certified Instructor and Teacher Trainer, hosts the series.

The show allows viewers to paint along with Hankins as he completes the paintings that Ross had laid out, effectively giving the world a "final season" of the beloved show decades after its original run. This project is a powerful testament to the enduring nature of his art and the meticulous preparation Ross put into every episode.

The Enduring Value of His Art

Bob Ross's paintings, once dismissed by some high-art critics, are now highly sought after and command significant value. In recent years, his works have been featured in auctions, often raising hundreds of thousands of dollars for charity and public broadcasting.

The public's fascination with his paintings—which were created live on television in just 30 minutes—is a key part of his topical authority. The simplicity and accessibility of his "wet-on-wet" technique remain popular, ensuring that the materials and instructional methods developed by Bob Ross Inc. continue to thrive globally.

The Final Verdict: A Legacy That Defies Death

While the physical person of Bob Ross, Robert Norman Ross, passed away from lymphoma in 1995, his influence is arguably at its peak today. The fact that a new, officially sanctioned series is airing in 2024, based on his own preparatory work, shows that his creative life was only paused, not ended.

Bob Ross remains one of the most recognized and beloved figures in American television history. His message of positivity, creativity, and the belief that "anyone can paint" continues to resonate, making him a timeless entity whose work lives on in every happy little cloud and every happy little tree painted by his countless followers.