Steve Ross, an acclaimed American painting instructor and television personality, is renowned for his connection to the legendary artist Bob Ross, his father. Bob Ross was an internationally recognized painter with a vast global following. Steve Ross has played a pivotal role in reviving and perpetuating his father’s esteemed painting traditions.
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During the 1980s, the name Bob Ross was virtually synonymous with the art world, thanks to his popular show, “The Joy of Painting.” Carrying forward his father’s artistic legacy, Steve Ross has become a noteworthy figure in his own right. This is the comprehensive story of Steve Ross.
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Personal Information
| Category | Information |
|---|---|
| Full name | Robert Stephen Ross |
| Also known as | Steve Ross |
| Gender | Male |
| Date of birth | 1 August 1966 |
| Age | 56 years (as of May 2023) |
| Zodiac sign | Leo |
| Nationality | American |
| Ethnicity | Cherokee Indian-American |
| Religion | Christianity |
| Sexuality | Straight |
| Height | 6′ 5″ (196 centimetres) |
| Hair colour | Brown |
| Eye colour | Brown |
| Mother | Vivian Patricia Ridge |
| Father | Bob Ross |
| Marital status | Married |
| Profession | Painting instructor, TV personality |
Early Life
Steve Ross was born to Bob Ross and his first wife, Vivian Patricia Ridge. His father, Robert Norman Ross, was a prominent American painter, art instructor, and television personality, renowned for his self-produced PBS television show, “The Joy of Painting.”
Tragically, the esteemed American painter passed away on July 4, 1995, at the age of 52 due to complications from lymphoma.
As of May 2023, Steve Ross is currently 56 years old, celebrating his birthday on August 1st under the zodiac sign of Leo.
Steve Ross’s Physical Measurements: Height and Weight
Steve inherited his father’s remarkable height, towering at approximately 6 feet. His striking features include beautiful, warm brown eyes and a lustrous mane of brown hair. Steve’s weight is around 133 pounds, completing his distinctive appearance.
Are There Siblings of Steve Ross
Numerous individuals are curious about Bob Ross’ family life, particularly regarding his children. Despite having been married three times, Bob Ross had only one child, his son Robert Stephen.
Professional Career
On the iconic show “The Joy of Painting,” Bob Ross frequently spoke fondly of his son, Steve, while creating his art. He took pleasure in discussing his son’s impressive painting skills. Moreover, Steve himself made appearances in 13 episodes of the show.
During Season 29, Episode 6 of “The Joy of Painting,” Bob Ross described his son as a dedicated teacher who had been a passionate painter throughout his adult life. He also mentioned that Steve’s journey as a painter began during his childhood, noting that his son sold his first painting at the tender age of 12.
In that particular episode, Steve shared that he worked as a painting instructor in California, relishing the opportunity to teach classes while creating his own artwork. The young artist also expressed his deep love for the creative process with each new piece, with a particular fondness for depicting mountains in his works.
The Journey of Bob Ross’s Son
Following his father’s passing, Steve took a hiatus from his role as a painting instructor. He temporarily stepped away from the world of art.
In an interview with The Daily Beast, Steve opened up about the profound depression he experienced after his father’s death, stating, “I didn’t realize that people missed me or wanted to have me do this again. I always knew, but what I mean is, maybe I didn’t want to know. Maybe I reserved the right to remain ignorant.”
However, he eventually overcame his depression and returned to his passion for painting and teaching. Steve dedicated his life to the world of art, largely staying out of the public eye. After Bob Ross’s passing, Bob Ross, Inc. (BRI) acquired the intellectual property rights related to the painter’s work.
Notably, Steve did not receive any financial compensation as a result of this acquisition. In response, he filed a lawsuit, contending that his father had never intended to relinquish all control and referring to a clause in Bob Ross’s will, added shortly before his death. This clause granted Bob’s half-brother Jimmie Cox and Steve the rights to his name, likeness, and recorded work.
Their assertion was that Bob Ross had allocated art-related rights to the Kowalskis, including the creation of a line of paints or licensed training courses worldwide using Ross’s technique. Furthermore, they argued that Steve was the sole owner of more significant assets, including the episodes.
Unfortunately, Steve lost the legal battle. Nevertheless, this setback served as a catalyst for him to forge ahead and establish a business under his own name.
Today, Steve Ross hosts various workshops and demonstrations in partnership with Dana Jester. In 2021, he garnered widespread attention following the release of the documentary titled “Bob Ross: Happy Accidents, Betrayal, and Greed,” which shed light on the life and career of the renowned painter.
The Marriage and Spouse of Steve Ross
Steve Ross is a married individual, known for maintaining a strong sense of privacy regarding his personal life. Despite his reserved nature, he has earned a notable following as a respected figure on Tumblr, which speaks to the happiness he finds in his marriage.
Did Bob Ross’s Son Receive an Inheritance?
Bob established the Bob Ross Trust, allocating 51% of the intellectual property interest to his brother, Jimmie Cox, and 49% to his son, Steve Ross. At the time of his passing, his estate was appraised at $1.3 million, with half of this value representing his stake in the Bob Ross Trust.
Net Worth
Steve Ross is reported to possess a net worth estimated at $10 million, primarily accumulated through his career, which includes the sale of his paintings and participation in art exhibitions.
Despite the legal disputes that have cast a shadow over Bob Ross’s legacy, Steve Ross has admirably continued his father’s artistic legacy and character. He remains dedicated to the world of art, upholding his father’s passion, and endeavors to impart it to others.
