How Late Painter Bob Ross’s Son Is Continuing His Father’s Legacy

Robert Norman Ross, known as Bob Ross, was famous for hosting PBS’ The Joy of Painting, where he would show off his artistic skills while teaching viewers to hone theirs. He was on the show for 11 years until 1994, after which he died of Lymphoma the following year.

Bob had two children during his lifetime, Jimmie and Steve. The latter now carries on his legacy as a skillful painter. Steve, who sometimes appeared on Bob’s show, is picking up his paintbrushes again after leaving them behind for years.

Meet Bob Ross’s son, Steve, who is continuing his late father’s legacy

Bob had Steve from his marriage to Vivian Ridge, who died of cancer in 1992. Growing up with painters for parents, it was only right that Steve knew how to work a paintbrush. Steve recalled falling into depression after losing his parents, noting that his love for art helped him cope.

The 58-year-old toured countries to offer painting workshops in the ‘80s and ‘90s, after which he took a hiatus to deal with personal issues. Steve is now back to hosting these sessions alongside a business partner, Dana Jester. His painting style reminds fans of Bob, who believed in learning from “happy accidents” at work.

Steve Ross fought for his father’s legacy

Following Bob’s passing, Steve got into a legal battle with his father’s longtime partners, The Kowalskis, who wanted all the late artist’s intellectual rights—his name, voice, image, and works. Steve sued the family, noting that he owned rights to Bob’s interests and intellectual property via a trust; however, he lost the case.

The documentary Bob Ross: Happy Accidents, Betrayal & Greed explored the fight for Bob’s legacy and called for a boycott of his branded products as the Kowalskis profited off them. Thanks to his father’s name, Steve makes money from his workshop tours, which he returned to in 2021.