Bob Ruth

Robert Norman Ross (English: Robert Norman Ross, October 29, 1942 - July 4, 1995), whose stage name was Bob Ross, was an American painter, entrepreneur (co-founder of the Bob Ross Company), art director and television host. Ruth was a master sergeant in the U.S. Air Force who served in the military for about 20 years. While stationed in Alaska, he was inspired to create by the local mountains and snow scenery. After retiring, he continued to engage in painting and host painting programs. Characterized by his calm painting attitude and patience, he served as an impromptu teaching painter and host in his famous TV program "The Joy of Painting". The Joy of Painting was broadcast on PBS in the United States for 12 years. In 1985, he and his second wife Jane Lee Zanardelli Ros, Walter Kowalski, Anteney Kowalski and others jointly established Bob Ross Company; this also made "Bob Ross" a successful commercial brand, mainly engaged in the sale of art books and related supplies. Ruth became a public celebrity on television in the 1980s and 1990s, and became an Internet celebrity in the 21st century after her death in 1995, popular with fans on YouTube and many other websites.