CBS News The enduring popularity of artist Bob Ross "We don't make mistakes; we have happy accidents," he told his audience. It was like watching a magician reveal the secret of his trade. "Look at that. Isn't that a nice little tree?" But at the height of his fame, at only 52, Bob Ross died of lymphoma. That was 26 years ago. And yet, the "happy little painter" is perhaps more relevant now than ever. "We've been in a time when things have been so frantic, and people have been so stressed, and Bob Ross is the King of Chill," said Jessica Jenkins.