CinemaOSMovie · 2011 · 1h 4m · G

Bob Ross: The Happy Painter

Host of television's favorite art show The Joy of Painting

72%(13)IMDbDocumentary

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.

Directed bySherry Spradlin

Status
Released
Runtime
1h 4m
Language
EN
Released
December 3, 2011
Studios
American Public TelevisionBlue Ridge PBS

Watch the

Trailers & teasers

1 video

Featuring

Cast & crew

10 credited
Starring
Bob Ross

Bob Ross

Self (archive footage)

Steve Ross

Steve Ross

Self (archive footage)

Walt Kowalski

Self

Annette Kowalski

Self

William Alexander

Self (archive footage)

Phil Donahue

Phil Donahue

Self

Jane Seymour

Jane Seymour

Self

Joan Rivers

Joan Rivers

Self (archive footage)

Terrence Howard

Terrence Howard

Self

Regis Philbin

Regis Philbin

Self (archive footage)

Creative team
Directed by
Sherry Spradlin

Keep watching

More like this

Picked for you

Recommended movies

Bob Ross: Happy Accidents, Betrayal & Greed6.6

Bob Ross: Happy Accidents, Betrayal & Greed

2021 · Film

Powaqqatsi7.2

Powaqqatsi

1988 · Film

Naqoyqatsi6.2

Naqoyqatsi

2002 · Film

Billie Eilish - Hit Me Hard and Soft: The Tour (Live in 3D)8.4

Billie Eilish - Hit Me Hard and Soft: The Tour (Live in 3D)

2026 · Film

The Year Earth Changed7.9

The Year Earth Changed

2021 · Film

Western Stars7.0

Western Stars

2019 · Film

David Lynch: The Art Life7.0

David Lynch: The Art Life

2017 · Film

Audrey7.1

Audrey

2020 · Film

Oasis: Don't Look Back in Anger6.9

Oasis: Don't Look Back in Anger

2026 · Film

All the Empty Rooms7.2

All the Empty Rooms

2025 · Film

EPiC: Elvis Presley in Concert8.2

EPiC: Elvis Presley in Concert

2026 · Film

Justin Bieber's Believe6.9

Justin Bieber's Believe

2013 · Film

Whitney7.3

Whitney

2018 · Film

Hannah Montana 20th Anniversary Special7.1

Hannah Montana 20th Anniversary Special

2026 · Film

Katy Perry: Part of Me7.1

Katy Perry: Part of Me

2012 · Film

Happier Than Ever: A Love Letter to Los Angeles7.8

Happier Than Ever: A Love Letter to Los Angeles

2021 · Film

American Teen6.4

American Teen

2008 · Film

Avatar: The Deep Dive - A Special Edition of 20/207.2

Avatar: The Deep Dive - A Special Edition of 20/20

2022 · Film

John Candy: I Like Me7.9

John Candy: I Like Me

2025 · Film

Behind the Planet of the Apes7.1

Behind the Planet of the Apes

1998 · Film