A behind-the-scenes look at the beloved public television personality's journey from humble beginnings to an American pop-culture icon. "The Happy Painter" reveals the public and private sides of Bob Ross through loving accounts from close friends and family, childhood photographs and rare archival footage. Interviewees recount his gentle, mild-mannered demeanor and unwavering dedication to wildlife, and disclose little-known facts about his hair, his fascination with fast cars and more. Film clips feature Bob Ross with mentor William Alexander and the rough-cut of the first "Joy of Painting" episode from 1982. Famous Bob Ross enthusiasts, including talk-show pioneer Phil Donahue, film stars Jane Seymour and Terrence Howard, chef Duff Goldman and country music favorites Brad Paisley and Jerrod Niemann, provide fascinating insights into the man, the artist and his legacy.
Editing
Rare 1982 rough-cut Joy of Painting footage hits different.
Production
Childhood photos and military past reveal the real Bob.
Sound
That voice. That legendary soothing voice.
Director
Sherry Spradlin
Trivia, insights & behind the scenes
Bob Ross filmed every Joy of Painting episode for free, earning money only from his art supply business. He literally gave us calm for nothing.
The documentary reveals Bob's hair was naturally straight brown; he permed it to match his mentor William Alexander's style and got stuck with it when it became iconic.
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