It was all a lie! Beloved artist and TV personality Bob Ross’ splendidly curly hair was actually straight, his longtime business partner revealed in a new interview. Hear her story in the video above!
The iconic tree painter, who famously hosted PBS’ The Joy of Painting from 1983 to 1994, decided to grow out his naturally straight tresses in an attempt to save money after retiring from the Air Force, according to pal Annette Kowalski.
“He got this bright idea that he could save money on haircuts. So he let his hair grow, he got a perm and he decided he would never need a haircut again,” Ross’ former partner told NPR on Monday, August 29.
Once Ross’ curly afro became a part of his small-screen identity, he realized there was no going back, despite his hatred for the coiled locks.
“He could never, ever, ever change his hair, and he was so mad about that,” Kowalski continued. “He got tired of that curly hair.”
Although Ross died of lymphoma at age 52 in July 1995, his legacy lives on in the internet age. Twenty-six episodes from the legendary artist’s Beauty Is Everywhere series were added to streaming on Netflix in June 2016. The half-hour episodes, which are similar in nature to The Joy of Painting, follow Ross as he creates vivid landscapes on an easel while instructing viewers with his soft, captivating voice.
“He was wonderful,” Kowalski added. “He was really wonderful. I want Bob back.”
