"The Joy of Painting" host Bob Ross was known for his calm, soothing demeanor — but before he launched his painting career, he spent 20 years in the U.S. Air Force.
There, he rose to the rank of master drill sergeant and considered himself a "mean" person, even earning himself the nickname "Bust-'em-up Bobby."
But it was his disdain for his tough role and his love for the mountains surrounding his Alaskan Air Force base that led him to pursue painting.
