Overview
- Longtime partner Annette Kowalski recounts that Ross let his hair grow and got a perm to avoid frequent barber visits, creating the look seen on The Joy of Painting.
- Kowalski says the hairstyle became central to Bob Ross, Inc.’s branding, leaving Ross unable to change it despite his dislike of the curls.
- Resurfaced and archival photos show Ross with short, straight hair during his U.S. Air Force service, underscoring that the famous curls were not natural.
- Family recollections report he later battled lymphoma, lost his hair, and at times wore a wig to preserve his public image.
- Bob Ross, Inc. and American Public Television representatives say a November 2025 auction of his works brought roughly $600,000 to support local public media.