Who Was Vivian Ridge? Inside the Life of Bob Ross’s First Wife
Vivian Ridge was the first wife of the famous painter Bob Ross. She was an artist herself and studied art history. Vivian played an important role in Bob Ross’s early life and career.
Many people know Bob Ross, but few know about Vivian Ridge. Her story is full of quiet strength and support. Learning about her helps us understand Bob Ross better.
Vivian was born in North Carolina and married Bob Ross in 1965. They had a son named Steve Ross. Vivian lived a private life and loved painting, gardening, and music.
Quick Bio
Vivian Ridge was born on July 24, 1946, in North Carolina, a state that would remain important to her throughout her life. She grew to be about six feet two inches tall, with brown hair and warm brown eyes. Vivian was an artist with a formal education in Art History from Wake Forest University, a place where she deepened her understanding of art beyond just painting.
In 1965, she married Bob Ross during a period when he was still in the Air Force and exploring his painting style. Their marriage lasted until 1977 and produced a son, Robert Stephen “Steve” Ross, born in 1966. Steve inherited both his parents’ artistic talents and continues the artistic tradition today. Vivian lived until May 3, 2018, passing away quietly after a private battle with cancer.
Early Life and Background
Growing up in the mid-20th century South, Vivian Ridge developed a passion for art at an early age. While the world around her often saw art as a hobby, Vivian was determined to take it seriously. She pursued this love by studying Art History at Wake Forest University, an education that gave her a deep appreciation for artistic movements and cultural significance. This background was more than academic; it shaped her artistic upbringing and helped her understand the wider world of art, from classical techniques to modern interpretations.
Her childhood influence of nature, music, and a nurturing family environment filled with classic music and gardening hobbies fueled her creative spirit. This also prepared her to provide the kind of emotional support that would become vital to Bob Ross during his early years.
Age and Life Span
Vivian Ridge was born in 1946 and lived to be approximately 71 years old, passing away in 2018. Despite the public’s fascination with Bob Ross and his career, Vivian kept her life mostly out of the public eye. She preferred a quiet existence in North Carolina after her divorce, focusing on family and her personal interests. Her years spanned a time of great change in America, and though she was often behind the scenes, her life was rich with meaning and influence.
What Vivian Ridge Looked Like
Standing tall at 6 feet 2 inches, Vivian Ridge was physically striking. Her height and gentle demeanor made her a quiet but powerful presence. Her brown hair and warm eyes reflected a calm kindness that friends and family often remembered. People described her as both strong and gentle, someone whose calm personality provided a stable foundation in a sometimes chaotic world. This quiet influence was critical in supporting Bob Ross during his formative years as an artist.
Meeting Bob Ross and Marriage
Vivian Ridge met Bob Ross in the 1960s when he was serving in the Air Force. They married in 1965, a year that marked the beginning of a partnership deeply intertwined with creativity and family. During this time, Bob was experimenting with the wet-on-wet painting technique that would later make him famous. Vivian’s understanding of art education and her own artistic talents gave Bob a unique kind of emotional support. She helped create a creative environment that allowed Bob to develop his skills and find his voice.
Their marriage was also the start of a family legacy. In 1966, their son, Steve Ross, was born. Vivian’s role as a mother was essential; she nurtured Steve’s early interest in painting and helped him appreciate the rich world of art history alongside his father’s practical instruction. This blend of knowledge and technique shaped Steve’s path as an artist and art instructor in his own right.
Who Is Bob Ross?
Before diving further into Vivian’s story, it’s important to understand who Bob Ross was. Born in 1942, Bob became an American painter and television personality known worldwide for his gentle teaching style and optimistic outlook. After serving in the Air Force, Bob pursued art full-time, pioneering the wet-on-wet painting technique which allowed him to complete entire landscapes quickly.
His TV show, The Joy of Painting, aired from the early 1980s to the mid-1990s and inspired millions to try painting. Bob’s ability to make art accessible and enjoyable, combined with his calm voice and catchphrases like “happy little trees,” made him a cultural icon. Behind this success, however, was the often unseen support of people like Vivian Ridge who helped him during his early career.
Vivian Ridge’s Artistic Journey
Though Vivian Ridge never sought fame, her own artistic journey was meaningful and impactful. She painted with a unique style, influenced by her Art History studies and personal creativity. Some accounts suggest she may have contributed to Bob Ross’s early work on The Joy of Painting, though this remains less documented.
After her divorce in 1977, Vivian shifted focus. Reports indicate she may have worked in real estate, showing her ability to adapt and find success outside of painting. Throughout, she preferred to maintain a private life, rarely stepping into the spotlight, yet continuing to paint and engage with art quietly. Her story highlights the reality of many artists who choose creativity and family over fame.
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Motherhood and Family Life
Being a mother was one of Vivian Ridge’s most important roles. She raised Steve Ross with care, blending lessons in art appreciation with everyday love and support. Steve often credits both parents for his artistic upbringing—his father taught him painting techniques, while Vivian offered a rich background in art history and encouragement.
Her nurturing family role ensured that the Ross artistic tradition did not end with Bob. Even after the divorce, Steve spent significant time with Vivian, showing the strength of their bond and the lasting impact she had on his life. This aspect of her life reflects a family legacy that continues today through Steve’s work.
Divorce and Later Life
The marriage between Vivian Ridge and Bob Ross ended in 1977 due to irreconcilable differences. Bob’s growing fame and personal challenges, including rumored infidelity, put strain on their relationship. After the divorce, Vivian moved back to North Carolina, where she focused on raising Steve away from the public spotlight.
Choosing to live a private life, Vivian did not participate in Bob Ross’s later career or television success. Her retreat from public view underscores the challenges of maintaining personal peace when a family member becomes a household name. This period also marked a shift in Vivian’s life as she explored other interests while staying connected to her passion for art.
Later Years and Passing
In her later years, Vivian Ridge continued to live quietly, focusing on family and personal pursuits. In 2018, she passed away after a private battle with cancer. Her death marked the closing of an important chapter in the story of the Ross family. Though she never sought fame, Vivian’s impact on the family and on Bob Ross’s early career remains undeniable.
Her life is a reminder that behind every famous person are strong, supportive partners who often go unnoticed. Vivian’s strength and love were quietly woven into the success and legacy of one of America’s most beloved painters.
Legacy and Influence
While the world remembers Bob Ross as an iconic American painter and television personality, the story of Vivian Ridge adds vital depth to his history. She was an artist in her own right, whose education and passion helped foster Bob’s early growth. Her nurturing of Steve Ross has ensured that the Ross family’s artistic tradition continues into the next generation.
Vivian’s story highlights the importance of quiet influence and emotional support in artistic success. Her life encourages us to appreciate the many unseen figures who help shape culture and creativity.
Vivian Ridge’s Financial Background
Though Vivian Ridge lived a life away from public attention, she maintained a modest but comfortable financial situation. Estimates suggest her net worth was around $1 million, likely a mix of assets from her marriage to Bob Ross and her own earnings. After their divorce, Vivian’s potential work in real estate may have helped provide stability.
Her financial independence supported her preference for privacy and allowed her to focus on family without the pressures of public life or fame. This middle-class lifestyle reflects the reality of many who support famous individuals but choose to live quietly.
Vivian Ridge: The Quiet Artist Behind Bob Ross’s Success
Vivian Ridge was more than just Bob Ross’s first wife; she was a talented artist with a deep love for painting and art history. Her education at Wake Forest University gave her a strong foundation that influenced her own creative work and her support for Bob’s early artistic growth.
Though she chose to live away from the spotlight, Vivian’s calm presence and understanding of art helped Bob develop his unique wet-on-wet painting technique. Her quiet encouragement created a nurturing space that allowed Bob to focus on his craft and eventually inspire millions.
The Role of Motherhood in Vivian Ridge’s Life and Legacy
Motherhood was central to Vivian Ridge’s life, shaping not only her personal journey but also the future of the Ross artistic family. She lovingly raised their son, Steve Ross, sharing her knowledge of art history and encouraging his early interest in painting.
This nurturing helped Steve become a skilled painter and art instructor, carrying forward the family’s creative tradition. Vivian’s role as a mother was a key part of the legacy behind Bob Ross’s success and the continuing influence of their art today.
Vivian Ridge’s Private Life After Divorce from Bob Ross
After divorcing Bob Ross in 1977, Vivian Ridge chose to retreat to North Carolina, living a life far from the public eye. She maintained her passion for art but preferred privacy over fame, possibly exploring other careers like real estate to support her family.
Despite living quietly, her influence continued through her son, Steve Ross, who kept the family’s artistic talents alive. Vivian’s later years showed her strength in facing personal challenges while leaving a lasting mark on the Ross family legacy.
FAQ,s
What happened to Bob Ross’s wives?
Bob Ross divorced his first wife, Vivian Ridge, in 1977 and later married Jane Ross, who remained with him until his death in 1995.
How many children did Bob Ross have?
Bob Ross had one son, Steve Ross, with his first wife, Vivian Ridge.
Who owns the rights to Bob Ross?
The rights to Bob Ross’s name and legacy are owned by Bob Ross Inc., which manages his brand and content.
What nationality was Bob Ross?
Bob Ross was American.
Conclusion
Vivian Ridge may not be a household name like Bob Ross, but her life is essential to understanding the full story of the Ross family. She was a talented artist, a loving mother, and a steady, supportive partner during a crucial period in Bob Ross’s career. Her artistic journey and nurturing presence helped create a strong family legacy that continues today.
Remembering Vivian Ridge teaches us that behind every great success are often quiet heroes whose stories deserve recognition. Her life, lived largely out of the spotlight, remains a beautiful part of the history behind one of America’s most beloved painters.
