Unveiling Bob Ross: The Man Behind The Iconic Curls

A beloved and recognizable TV icon, many Bob Ross fans may be shocked to hear that his beautiful curly hair was actually naturally straight. The recent Netflix documentary, Bob Ross: Happy Accidents, Betrayal & Greed reveals many little-known details about his career and the fight over his legacy, and it also gives viewers an insight into how he developed his signature look. Charting his journey from military serviceman to internationally renowned painter, the documentary showcases Ross' life journey and explains how he developed the large curly hair he’s known for today.

Although Bob Ross is synonymous with his curly afro, he wasn't born with big hair. For 20 years, he served in the United States Air Force, where there is plenty of photographic evidence showing him with considerably shorter hair. Images from his younger years reflect a different style entirely, showcasing a handsome young man sporting straight hair and an impressively tall quiff.

The documentary also highlights Ross's early life, including how he first took a painting lesson while serving in the Air Force, which paved the way for his second career path. Insights from this film reveal that his iconic hairstyle was a conscious decision, initiated by the desire to save money on haircuts, but ultimately became a defining characteristic of his public persona.

Bob Ross' Hair as a Young Man

From military serviceman to cultural icon, Bob Ross's hair journey is truly remarkable. While he is globally recognized for his curly locks, historical photographs depict a much different hairstyle during his time in the Air Force. These images serve as a reminder of how he transitioned from a conventional look to his famed fluffy curls.

In black and white photos, Ross appears without facial hair, providing a genuine reflection of his younger self. This transformation not only highlights Ross's changing appearance but also points to the significant impact his hairstyle had on his identity as an artist. According to sources, Ross could not undergo pilot training in the Air Force due to his height and flat feet, leading him to a desk job where he first discovered his passion for painting.

As shown in the documentary, Ross's early photographs are a shock to many fans who can’t imagine him without his signature curls. The Netflix Twitter account even shared their surprise at discovering images of Ross before he embraced the perm that would become his trademark look. This further emphasizes how his hairstyle became integral to his identity as an artist.

Why Did Bob Ross Get a Perm?

As Ross grew older, his hair seemed to take on a life of its own. A moment from the Netflix documentary captures the TV painter in a familiar setting, complete with a paintbrush and canvas, but this time showcasing a more traditional hairstyle. This visual serves as a reminder of the significant change in his appearance over the decades.

Not long before making his TV debut on The Joy of Painting, Ross opted to get a perm. His former business partner, Annette Kowalski, recounted in an interview that Ross believed he could save money on haircuts by allowing his hair to grow long and then perming it. This decision, while initially practical, later became a source of frustration for him, as he could never change his hair once it became iconic.

Kowalski noted that Ross ultimately regretted his decision, expressing his annoyance at being unable to alter his hairstyle. As time passed, he grew tired of the curls that had come to define his public image. This anecdote illustrates the complexities of Ross's relationship with his appearance and how it intertwined with his career.

Wearing a Wig for Television

Bob Ross passed away at the age of 52 on July 4, 1995, due to complications from lymphoma. In the later stages of his career, it was revealed that he wore a wig to maintain his signature look while trying to keep his illness private. This revelation sheds light on the lengths he went to maintain the beloved persona that fans adored.

His son, Steve Ross, shared emotional recollections of his father's final days, describing how frail he had become. The struggle with his health contrasted sharply with the vibrant character portrayed on television, highlighting the dedication he had to his craft and his audience. Even after his passing, Bob Ross's legacy continued through his work, including a children's television show that aired a year after his death, featuring a heartfelt tribute to him.

In the documentary, Bob Ross's contributions to art and television are immortalized, reminding viewers of the joy and inspiration he brought to countless fans. The film not only celebrates his legacy but also addresses the complexities of his personal life, offering a deeper understanding of the man behind the iconic curls. Thus, Bob Ross remains a beloved figure, and his story continues to resonate with audiences today.