Finding Bob Ross's Son: What Steve Ross Is Doing Now

Prof. Carlo McCullough MD 16 Jul 2025

Many people remember the calming voice and gentle encouragement of Bob Ross, the beloved host of "The Joy of Painting." He taught millions how to create happy little trees and mighty mountains with just a few brushstrokes. But what about his son? Folks often wonder about the life and current activities of Bob Ross's son, Steve Ross, who sometimes appeared alongside his famous father on the show.

For those who grew up watching the show, seeing a younger Steve Ross painting right there with his dad was always a treat. He was, you know, a familiar face, learning the ropes from a true master. People are naturally curious about what became of him, especially since his father's passing.

The story of Steve Ross is, in a way, just as interesting as his father's. It involves shared passion, a quiet period, and a return to the canvas. We'll explore his journey, his connection to his father's famous art, and what he's doing these days, as a matter of fact.

Steve Ross: A Life in Paint
Personal Details and Bio Data
A Shared Love for Art
On "The Joy of Painting"
The Time Away from the Public Eye
The Netflix Documentary and Renewed Interest
Steve Ross Today
Frequently Asked Questions About Steve Ross

Steve Ross: A Life in Paint

Steve Ross, whose full name is Robert Stephen Ross, came into the world on August 1, 1966. He was born to Bob Ross and his first wife, Vivian Ridge. From an early age, it seems, he was destined to be around art, given his father's growing fame. He was, you know, the only son of the legendary painter.

It's interesting to consider that Steve, like his dad, developed a real knack for painting. People who were close to Bob Ross have even said that Steve is, in some respects, a better landscape painter than his father. That's quite a statement, considering Bob Ross's iconic status, but it speaks volumes about Steve's own skill.

Their shared passion for painting was, you know, a clear bond between father and son. This connection wasn't just private; it was something the public got to see on television. Steve would often join his father on the set of "The Joy of Painting," making him a familiar face to many viewers across the country.

Personal Details and Bio Data

Full Name	Robert Stephen Ross
Known As	Steve Ross
Born	August 1, 1966
Parents	Bob Ross (father), Vivian Ridge (mother)
Occupation	Painting Instructor, TV Personality, Artist
Claim to Fame	Son of Bob Ross, frequent guest on "The Joy of Painting"
Current Status	Continues to teach painting workshops

A Shared Love for Art

Bob Ross and his son, Steve Ross, truly shared a deep love for painting. This wasn't just a hobby for them; it was, you know, a way of life. The late American painter and PBS star, Bob Ross, welcomed Steve with his first wife, Vivian Ridge, in 1966, and that artistic spark seems to have been there from the start.

Steve inherited his father’s gentle way and artistic ability. Just like his famous father, Steve also went on to become a professional artist. It's really quite something how that talent passed down. He became a painting instructor and, yes, a TV personality in his own right, rising to fame as the son of the renowned painter.

The connection between them was so strong that Bob Ross, before he passed away in 1995, after more than a decade of hosting "The Joy of Painting," wanted his son, Robert Stephen Ross, to continue his artistic legacy. He hoped Steve would carry on the work, which, you know, shows a lot of trust and belief in Steve's abilities.

On "The Joy of Painting"

Bob Ross's son, Steve Ross, was a frequent guest on the hit TV show "The Joy of Painting." Many viewers remember him from those appearances. He wasn't just a background presence; he was, you know, part of the show's charm, learning and sometimes even painting alongside his dad.

According to information from twoinchbrush.com, Steve appeared in thirteen episodes of "The Joy of Painting." That's quite a number of times for a guest. This included the very final episode of the show, which is pretty special. During that last episode, he was there, reading viewers' questions to his father as Bob painted, which, you know, really brought things full circle.

Steve has, in a way, spoken about his time on the show. He once said, "You may remember me, Steve Ross, from painting with my father, Bob Ross, on his TV show." He also shared that his father was an amazing man who taught him a lot about life and gave him many chances. It's clear there was a strong bond and a lot of respect between them, you know, from what he said.

The Time Away from the Public Eye

After his father’s death in 1995, something happened that many people noticed: Steve vanished. He was not seen in public for years, which, you know, left many fans wondering what became of him. It was a long break from the spotlight for someone who had been so visible.

It turns out that when his dad passed away, Steve went through a very difficult time. He fell into a depression, and during this period, he actually gave up his love of painting. It's a sad thing to consider, that the very thing that connected him so strongly to his father became something he couldn't do for a while. This was, you know, a tough period for him.

This period of absence and struggle is something that the Netflix documentary "Bob Ross, Happy Accidents, Betrayal & Greed" touched upon. The film, which has director Joshua Rofe looking into Bob’s life and work, includes people closest to him talking about Bob’s influence. The documentary, you know, probably brought a lot of these questions to the surface for many viewers.

The Netflix Documentary and Renewed Interest

If you've seen Netflix’s recent documentary, "Bob Ross, Happy Accidents, Betrayal & Greed," you might have found yourself wondering about Bob Ross's son, Steve Ross, and what he's doing now. The film, in a way, really brought renewed attention to Bob's life and, by extension, to Steve's story. It made a lot of people curious, you know, about what happened after the show ended.

The documentary helped to shed some light on the quiet years Steve spent away from public view. It showed, more or less, the challenges he faced after his father's passing. This renewed public interest has, you know, led many to seek out more information about him, wanting to know if he ever picked up a brush again.

For those who were wondering what became of Bob Ross's son, the fact is that he is, in some respects, following in his father's footsteps once more. The film, you know, certainly played a part in bringing his story back into the public conversation and making people aware of his return to painting.

Steve Ross Today

After his father’s death, Steve vanished and was not seen in public for years. But he did eventually fight his way back. He now lives his life as an artist and instructor, which, you know, is a wonderful thing to hear for fans of his father.

Steve Ross is, today, an American painting instructor and TV personality. He is a talented painter and instructor, best known, of course, as the son of the legendary Bob Ross, the iconic host of “The Joy of Painting” television show. Following in his father’s footsteps, Steve is, you know, carrying on the tradition.

Bob Ross’s son is, in a way, reviving his artistic legacy as he returns to painting workshops after a long break. He holds classes, teaching others the joy of painting, much like his father did. This return to teaching is, you know, a very meaningful step for him and for those who admire his family's artistic heritage.

Many painting enthusiasts are quite happy to learn that Steve is back to sharing his skills. He is, you know, proof that talent and passion can endure, even after difficult times. His workshops offer a chance for new generations to learn the "wet-on-wet" technique that his father made famous.

So, for anyone who has been wondering where Bob Ross’s son is today, he is indeed continuing to paint and teach. He is, in a way, keeping the happy little trees alive for all of us. You can find out more about his life and current activities, you know, by looking up his workshop schedules and public appearances online.

Steve Ross, the only son of Bob Ross, has, in fact, followed in his father's footsteps to become a painter. He is, you know, a talented artist who some say might even be better than the original. His story is one of perseverance and a deep connection to his family's artistic spirit. For more details on his journey, you might want to look at information about Steve Ross on the official Bob Ross website.

He is, you know, a living link to the magic of "The Joy of Painting." And it's really something to see him share his gifts with the world, just like his father did. Learn more about painting techniques on our site, too it's almost like learning from the master himself.

Frequently Asked Questions About Steve Ross

Is Bob Ross’s son a painter?

Yes, Bob Ross’s son, Steve Ross, is a painter and a painting instructor. He followed in his father's footsteps and shares a passion for art. According to those close to him, some even believe he is a better landscape painter than his famous father, which, you know, is quite a compliment.

Was Steve Ross on "The Joy of Painting"?

Yes, Steve Ross was a frequent guest on his father's hit TV show, "The Joy of Painting." He appeared in thirteen episodes, including the very last one. During his appearances, he often painted alongside his father or helped by reading viewer questions, which, you know, made him a familiar face to many fans.

Where is Bob Ross’s son today?

Today, Steve Ross is an American painting instructor and TV personality. After a period away from the public eye following his father's death, he has returned to teaching painting workshops. He is, you know, continuing his father's artistic legacy by sharing his skills with new students.

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