Bob Ross: The Happy Painter (2011): cast, story & where to watch
2011 · Film · ★ 7.2
Released in 2011, Bob Ross: The Happy Painter is a documentary film directed by Sherry Spradlin, running about 64 minutes. “Host of television's favorite art show The Joy of Painting” — that tagline sets the tone.
What it’s about. 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.
Who’s in it. Bob Ross: The Happy Painter stars Bob Ross as Self (archive footage), Steve Ross as Self (archive footage), Walt Kowalski as Self and Annette Kowalski as Self, among others.
How it landed. With an audience score of 7.2/10, Bob Ross: The Happy Painter has been warmly received by audiences.
Where to watch. In US you can stream it on fuboTV and Magellan TV and rent or buy it from Amazon Video. See the full, country-by-country breakdown on our where to watch Bob Ross: The Happy Painter page.
If you liked it. Fans of Bob Ross: The Happy Painter tend to enjoy One Direction: This Is Us, Burn the Stage: The Movie, BTS World Tour: Love Yourself - Japan Edition and Senna.
Frequently asked
- Where can I watch Bob Ross: The Happy Painter (2011)?
- In US, Bob Ross: The Happy Painter is available to stream on fuboTV and Magellan TV, and rent or buy from Amazon Video. Availability varies by country — check our where-to-watch page for every region.
- Is Bob Ross: The Happy Painter worth watching?
- Bob Ross: The Happy Painter holds an audience score of 7.2 out of 10, and is a strong pick if you enjoy documentary. Most viewers rate it highly.
- Who stars in Bob Ross: The Happy Painter?
- Bob Ross: The Happy Painter stars Bob Ross, Steve Ross, Walt Kowalski, Annette Kowalski and William Alexander.
- When was Bob Ross: The Happy Painter released?
- Bob Ross: The Happy Painter was released in 2011, with a runtime of about 64 minutes.