Vivian Ridge was an American artist and the first wife of the beloved painter and television personality Bob Ross, best known for his long‑running show The Joy of Painting. While much of the public remembers Bob for his calming voice and iconic “happy little trees,” few know the story of Vivian the woman who stood beside him during his early years and played a significant, if quiet, role in his artistic journey. Vivian’s life reflects the creativity, dedication, and quiet strength that often go unseen behind public success.
Born into a world where art was often a hobby rather than a career, Vivian chose both her passion and privacy over fame. Her life intertwined with Bob’s during their early artistic growth, and together they shaped a loving family and home. Although she never sought the spotlight, her influence extended not only into Bob Ross’s early career but also into the artistry of their son, Steve Ross, who continues the Ross family’s creative legacy today.
- Quick Bio Vivian Ridge
- Who Was Vivian Ridge?
- Early Life and Background
- Education and Artistic Interests
- How Vivian Ridge Met Bob Ross
- Marriage to Bob Ross (1965–1977)
- Life as Bob Ross’s First Wife
- Children and Family Life
- Relationship Challenges and Divorce
- Life After Divorce
- Did Vivian Ridge Remarry?
- Connection to Bob Ross’s Legacy
- Personal Life Away from Public Attention
- Lesser‑Known Facts About Vivian Ridge
- Vivian Ridge’s Net Worth and Financial Details
- Where Is Vivian Ridge Now?
- Conclusion
- Frequently Asked Questions
Quick Bio Vivian Ridge
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Vivian Patricia Ridge |
| Also Known As | Vivian Ridge (Bob Ross’s First Wife) |
| Date of Birth | July 24, 1946 (approximate) |
| Place of Birth | Winston-Salem, North Carolina, USA |
| Date of Death | May 3, 2018 (aged ~71) |
| Age at Death | Approximately 71 years |
| Nationality | American |
| Education | Degree in Art History, Wake Forest University |
| Profession | Artist, Painter, Homemaker |
| Spouse | Bob Ross (married 1965 – divorced 1977) |
| Children | Robert Stephen “Steve” Ross (son) |
| Height | About 6 ft 2 in (188 cm) |
| Eye Color | Brown |
| Hair Color | Brown |
| Known For | Bob Ross’s first wife, influence on early art career, mother of Steve Ross |
| Hobbies & Interests | Painting, gardening, nature walks, reading, classical music |
| Net Worth (estimated) | ~$1 million at time of death |
| Social Media Presence | None/Private (preferred privacy) |
Who Was Vivian Ridge?
Vivian Ridge was much more than the woman who married a future art legend. Born in North Carolina in 1946, she developed a deep love for art from a very young age, exploring nature with paint, brushes, and watercolors. Her passion for art eventually led her to study art history at Wake Forest University, where she gained a broad understanding of artistic traditions and practices that shaped her own creative perspective.
Despite her connection to a famous figure, Vivian largely stayed out of the public eye throughout her life. While her marriage to Bob Ross is what initially brought her into the historical record, Vivian’s identity stood on her own merits as an artist, thinker, and mother. In every personal and creative endeavor, she showed a quiet dedication that underscores her lasting impact on those around her.
Early Life and Background
Vivian Ridge was born on July 24, 1946, in Winston‑Salem, North Carolina, where she spent her formative years surrounded by natural beauty and the encouragement of a family that valued creativity. From a young age, she expressed artistic talent sketching landscapes, flowers, and anything that caught her eye — long before she knew this passion would shape her adult life.
Her childhood experiences helped forge a lifelong appreciation for art and nature. Instead of being discouraged by the limited opportunities often available to women artists at the time, Vivian spent her youth cultivating her skills. These early years laid a strong foundation that would later inform her own artwork and provide a source of support and inspiration for her family.
Education and Artistic Interests
After high school, Vivian Ridge pursued her love for art at Wake Forest University. She studied Art History to understand different styles, techniques, and cultural contexts. Her education strengthened both her creativity and analytical skills. It also helped her explore the meaning behind artworks, not just their appearance.
Vivian experimented with watercolor, oil, and sketching, blending academic knowledge with personal creativity. College exposed her to diverse artistic philosophies and inspiring peers. Her focus on balance, structure, and detail shaped her style. This foundation also helped her support Bob Ross, whose free-flowing style complemented her structured approach.
How Vivian Ridge Met Bob Ross
Vivian Ridge and Bob Ross first met during college in the early 1960s. They shared a love for art and joined workshops, painting sessions, and clubs together. Vivian’s precise style contrasted with Bob’s bold, improvisational approach. This difference made their collaboration exciting and educational for both.
Their friendship grew into romance as they painted side by side, shared critiques, and explored local landscapes. Vivian’s guidance encouraged Bob’s early technique, while his creativity inspired her to try expressive forms. Their bond laid the foundation for a marriage built on trust, mutual respect, and artistic collaboration.
Marriage to Bob Ross (1965–1977)
Vivian Ridge and Bob Ross married in 1965, shortly after finishing college, in a ceremony that reflected their shared love for art and creativity. Their early years together combined artistic collaboration with the challenges of daily life, as Bob began developing his painting style and exploring his career direction.
During this period, the couple focused on building a home filled with both creativity and routine responsibilities. Vivian supported Bob through the early stages of his artistic journey, offering encouragement, practical advice, and emotional stability. Her presence helped him experiment and refine his painting approach while keeping the family life steady.
Life as Bob Ross’s First Wife
As Bob Ross began developing his signature wet-on-wet technique, Vivian served as a quiet yet crucial support system. She managed household duties, nurtured the family, and pursued her own artistic interests, creating balance while Bob explored broader opportunities in teaching and painting.
Their daily life intertwined painting sessions with family routines. Vivian’s focus on botanical accuracy and detail subtly influenced Bob’s landscapes. Weekend painting excursions and shared creative experiments strengthened their bond and contributed to Bob’s emerging artistic style, which would later achieve worldwide recognition.
Children and Family Life
In 1966, Vivian and Bob welcomed their son, Robert Stephen “Steve” Ross, who would later embrace his father’s artistic legacy. From an early age, Steve demonstrated curiosity and talent, inspired by the creative environment nurtured by both parents.
Vivian balanced parenting with her own art practice, fostering an environment that encouraged exploration, learning, and imagination. By blending guidance with freedom, she helped Steve develop confidence and artistic skills while maintaining household stability, laying the foundation for his future contributions to the family’s creative legacy.
Relationship Challenges and Divorce
Over time, the demands on Bob Ross’s growing career began to strain their marriage. As his artistic work slowly gained traction beyond local circles, his travel schedules increased, adding pressure to family life and limiting time at home. Personal differences also widened as priorities diverged between Bob’s career ambitions and Vivian’s preference for a stable family life.
In 1977, after roughly 12 years of marriage, Vivian and Bob divorced. Bob went on to marry twice more, while Vivian chose a quieter path. Though the split marked the end of their shared home, it also underscored the complex personal realities behind creative success and evolving ambitions.
Life After Divorce
After the divorce, Vivian focused on building a life of privacy in North Carolina, often returning to her love of painting and gardening. Rather than seeking public attention or media spotlight, she chose to live modestly and dedicated herself to personal interests away from industry pressures.
She maintained a close relationship with her son, supporting him as he matured into a skilled artist in his own right. While Bob’s fame continued to rise with The Joy of Painting, Vivian preferred the quiet satisfaction of personal creativity and family life.
Did Vivian Ridge Remarry?
Unlike many public figures whose personal lives become widely documented, Vivian Ridge did not remarry after her split from Bob Ross. She remained independent, dedicating her time to her art, family, and lifestyle outside of the spotlight.
Her choice reflects a deep preference for privacy over public attention — a trait that defined much of her life. By maintaining personal autonomy and staying true to her values, Vivian shaped a fulfilling life on her own terms.
Connection to Bob Ross’s Legacy
Although Vivian rarely spoke publicly about her role in Bob’s life, those who studied early moments of his career acknowledge her quiet influence. Her art history background and detailed aesthetic sensibilities helped shape some of the subtler elements seen in Bob’s landscapes, particularly in his appreciation of nature’s finer details.
Their son Steve, who occasionally appeared on The Joy of Painting, serves as a living connection between Vivian’s influence and Bob’s artistic legacy. In this way, Vivian’s creative impact continues to echo through the Ross family’s contributions to painting and art education.
Personal Life Away from Public Attention
After her divorce, Vivian Ridge intentionally stepped back from public life. She avoided media interviews, television appearances, or memoir opportunities, instead focusing on the life she wanted to lead. Art, family, and nature became the central pillars of her existence, allowing her to cultivate a private and meaningful life.
This choice protected her dignity and preserved her independence. Vivian prioritized personal fulfillment over public fascination, shaping her own identity beyond her marriage to Bob Ross. Her lifestyle emphasized creativity, calm, and self-determination, illustrating how one can influence an artistic legacy without living in the spotlight.
Lesser‑Known Facts About Vivian Ridge
Vivian’s love of art began in childhood, shaped by her mother’s garden and the surrounding natural world. These early experiences cultivated a connection to color, form, and botanical detail, which later influenced her artistic sensibilities and her support of Bob Ross’s work.
Even though she remained largely private, those close to her described Vivian as gentle, thoughtful, and deeply committed to creativity. Her influence, though largely unseen, played a crucial role in shaping the environment that allowed Bob Ross’s artistic vision to flourish. Her quieter legacy shows how behind-the-scenes contributions can leave lasting impacts.
Vivian Ridge’s Net Worth and Financial Details
Vivian Ridge’s estimated net worth was around $1 million at the time of her death. Unlike Bob Ross, who earned significant wealth from television shows and instructional materials, Vivian’s financial stability came from personal investments, shared marital assets, and careful financial planning.
This independence allowed her to live comfortably without relying on fame. Her wealth supported a quiet life dedicated to her artistic passions and family. Vivian’s financial approach demonstrates that security and fulfillment are possible even outside the glare of celebrity or commercial success.
Where Is Vivian Ridge Now?
Vivian Ridge passed away on May 3, 2018, at approximately 71 years of age, following a private battle with illness. Her passing was largely unreported in mainstream media, reflecting her lifelong commitment to privacy and discretion.
Though her life remained out of public view, Vivian’s story is essential to understanding the formative years of Bob Ross’s career. Her nurturing presence, artistic insight, and support shaped the Ross family’s creative heritage. Even in absence, her influence continues through her son Steve and the enduring legacy of The Joy of Painting.
Conclusion
Vivian Ridge’s life was one of creative passion, quiet influence, and meaningful contribution behind the scenes. She supported Bob Ross during formative years, nurtured their son’s artistic talents, and maintained her own identity as an artist and mother.
While she chose privacy over fame, her legacy lives on through her son, her impact on Bob’s early artistic development, and the gentle reminders that many untold stories lie behind the public personas we celebrate. Vivian’s life speaks to the value of creativity, independence, and quiet strength — qualities that defined her on her own terms.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Vivian Ridge?
Vivian Ridge was an American artist and the first wife of painter and TV host Bob Ross, known for supporting his early artistic development and being the mother of their son, Steve Ross.
How long was Vivian Ridge married to Bob Ross?
Vivian and Bob Ross were married for approximately 12 years — from 1965 until their divorce in 1977.
Did Vivian Ridge have children with Bob Ross?
Yes. Vivian and Bob had one son together, Robert Stephen “Steve” Ross, who became a skilled painter and instructor.
Why did Vivian Ridge and Bob Ross divorce?
Their divorce stemmed from personal differences and the growing strain of Bob’s expanding painting career, which included travel and time away from home.
What is Vivian Ridge known for today?
Vivian is remembered for her role in Bob Ross’s early life, her influence on his early painting development, and as the mother of Steve Ross — all while living a life centered on privacy and personal creativity.
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