Recently, old photos of the renowned painter and television host, Bob Ross, have reappeared, leaving fans astonished by his changed appearance, especially his hair.
Bob Ross, who passed away in 1995, is best recognized for his soothing voice, distinctive perm, beard, and his influence in encouraging many to explore painting with ease and joy. His mantra was that art should be approachable for everyone, regardless of their skill level.
In 1983, the first episode of his acclaimed TV program, The Joy of Painting, was broadcast from Falls Creek, Virginia. Shortly after the show’s debut, Ross’s first painting was sold to support the local PBS station financially.
Each episode featured Ross completing a 30-minute painting, showcasing landscapes like mountain vistas, ocean views, and serene forests, and of course, his famous “happy little trees.”
The show continued until 1994, and sadly, Ross passed away the following year.
Even decades posthumously, Bob Ross continues to inspire millions worldwide. He remains a cultural icon for budding artists and is especially beloved by a new generation fond of ASMR content.
His positive outlook and distinctive style have made him a beloved figure on the internet, celebrated in memes and merchandise. Ross’s belief that “anyone can paint” and that errors were simply “happy little accidents” resonates deeply with many.
However, before he became a television sensation, Ross sported a very different look.
Recently unearthed black-and-white photos reveal Ross with straight hair and a clean-shaven face, quite different from his later, more famous image.
The perm, part of his iconic look, was initially a cost-saving measure as he was establishing his career and wanted to cut down on hairdressing expenses.
In 2016, Annette Kowalski, Ross’s longtime business partner, explained his decision to get a perm.
“He got this bright idea that he could save money on haircuts,” Kowalski shared with NPR. “So he let his hair grow, he got a perm, and decided he would never need a haircut again.”
Ironically, despite his new curly hair becoming a signature aspect of his appearance, Ross wasn’t entirely fond of it.
“He could never, ever, ever change his hair, and he was so mad about that,” Kowalski added. “He got tired of that curly hair.”
The photos show Ross with his natural straight hair, dressed in a plain white T-shirt. In another image, he gazes directly into the camera, sporting a quiff with his straight hair.