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Feature film — 2011

Bob Ross: The Happy Painter (2011)

7.21h 4mDocumentary

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.

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A high-signal pick with 13 votes.

American Public Television / Blue Ridge PBS

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Director: Sherry Spradlin

On screen

Cast & crew

Bob Ross as Self (archive footage)

Bob Ross

Self (archive footage)

Steve Ross as Self (archive footage)

Steve Ross

Self (archive footage)

W

Walt Kowalski

Self

A

Annette Kowalski

Self

W

William Alexander

Self (archive footage)

Phil Donahue as Self

Phil Donahue

Self

Jane Seymour as Self

Jane Seymour

Self

Joan Rivers as Self (archive footage)

Joan Rivers

Self (archive footage)

Terrence Howard as Self

Terrence Howard

Self

Regis Philbin as Self (archive footage)

Regis Philbin

Self (archive footage)

Kathie Lee Gifford as Self (archive footage)

Kathie Lee Gifford

Self (archive footage)

Brad Paisley as Self

Brad Paisley

Self

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