Vivian Ridge, an artist in her own right, is perhaps most well-known as the first wife of Bob Ross, the beloved painter and TV personality who introduced millions to the world of art through his show The Joy of Painting. While she never sought the public spotlight, Vivian’s life and artistic background played an integral role in shaping the early years of Bob Ross’s career. Her influence is deeply embedded in the Ross family legacy, especially in the artistic journey of their son, Steve Ross, who followed in his parents’ footsteps. This article takes a closer look at Vivian Ridge’s life, her relationship with Bob Ross, and the legacy she left behind.
Quick Facts: Vivian Ridge
| Personal Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Vivian Patricia Ridge |
| Date of Birth | July 24, 1946 |
| Place of Birth | North Carolina, USA (Winston-Salem / Wake Forest) |
| Date of Death | May 3, 2018 |
| Age at Death | Around 71 years old |
| Nationality | American |
| Education | Art History Degree, Wake Forest University |
| Profession | Artist, Homemaker, Real Estate (reported) |
| Spouse | Bob Ross (m. 1965 – div. 1977) |
| Children | Robert Stephen “Steve” Ross |
| Height | 6 feet 2 inches (188 cm) |
| Hair Color | Brown |
| Eye Color | Brown |
| Estimated Net Worth | Around $1 million |
| Known Hobbies | Painting, gardening, cooking, reading, nature walks, classical music |
Early Life and Family Background
Vivian Ridge was born into a modest family, with her early years remaining largely private. Not much is known about her childhood, but it is believed that she had a nurturing environment that fostered her interest in art and creativity. She grew up with a sense of curiosity about the world and an eye for detail, which ultimately led her to pursue a passion for the arts.
Her family background was not one of public prominence, but the values instilled in her during her early years would influence her lifelong appreciation for artistic expression. This foundation set the stage for her studies and later work in the field of art history, which would influence her time with Bob Ross.
Education and Artistic Foundation
Vivian Ridge pursued higher education, focusing on art history, which laid the groundwork for her artistic understanding and appreciation. Her educational background gave her a deep knowledge of the artistic traditions that would later inspire her own paintings. Although she may not have become a household name like her ex-husband Bob Ross, Vivian was committed to her craft and supported the arts both in her professional life and at home.
Her passion for painting and art history also influenced her relationship with Bob Ross, whose career would later take center stage in the public eye. Vivian’s deep understanding of art, paired with Bob’s natural talent, created a dynamic environment for the creative partnership they shared.
Vivian Ridge’s Personality and Appearance
Vivian Ridge was often described as a quiet, thoughtful woman with a deep passion for the arts. Her personality was marked by introspection, and she was not someone who craved the public attention that her famous husband would later garner. Instead, Vivian found joy in the act of creation and shared a quiet connection with her family and close friends.
Physically, Vivian was not known for any particular public image or flamboyant appearance. She possessed a gentle, natural beauty, which aligned with her serene and humble personality. Her appearance reflected the unassuming nature of her life, which was focused more on her art and family than on media attention.
Meeting Bob Ross – The Beginning of Their Story
Vivian’s life took a significant turn when she met Bob Ross in the early 1960s. Bob, who was still working as a painter and beginning his career in the arts, found a kindred spirit in Vivian, who shared his appreciation for creativity and art. Their shared interests in the arts and personal connection led to a deep bond, eventually resulting in marriage in 1965.
Their relationship marked the start of a significant chapter in both their lives. Bob’s career was just beginning to gain momentum, and Vivian was there, supporting him behind the scenes as he worked to establish himself in the art world. Though their marriage was short-lived, it played a pivotal role in shaping Bob Ross’s career and his eventual rise to fame.
Marriage to Bob Ross (1965–1977)
Bob and Vivian married in 1965, and for a while, their partnership seemed to be a natural fit. Vivian was supportive of Bob’s artistic endeavors, and their shared love for painting helped solidify their bond. During the early years of their marriage, Bob was still finding his voice as an artist, and Vivian played an important role in nurturing his talent and helping him pursue his passion.
However, despite their shared love for art, their marriage faced challenges. The pressures of Bob’s rising fame and the strains of family life led to their separation in 1977. Though their marriage ended, their time together remained significant in Bob’s artistic journey, with Vivian offering her support during the formative years of his career.
Who is Bob Ross?
Bob Ross, known for his gentle demeanor and calming voice, became one of the most beloved TV personalities in the 1980s and 1990s. As the host of The Joy of Painting, Bob introduced millions of people to the world of painting, making art accessible to everyone. With his signature “happy little trees” and soothing teaching style, Bob inspired generations of amateur artists to pick up a paintbrush and create.
Though Vivian’s marriage to Bob Ross ended, her influence on his life during their time together helped shape the man he became. Her quiet support laid the groundwork for his later success and global recognition. Their son, Steve Ross, would also go on to carry on the family’s artistic legacy.
Motherhood – Raising Steve Ross
Vivian and Bob’s son, Steve Ross, was born during their marriage and would later follow in his father’s artistic footsteps. Steve, like his parents, developed an early interest in art and painting. Growing up in an environment filled with creativity and artistic expression, Steve was deeply influenced by his parents’ love for the arts.
Although Vivian and Bob’s marriage ended when Steve was still young, Vivian raised him with a sense of creativity and artistic appreciation. Steve’s own success as an artist and his eventual involvement in The Joy of Painting demonstrated the lasting impact that Vivian and Bob’s artistic influence had on their son.
Vivian Ridge’s Own Artistic Journey
While Vivian Ridge may not have sought the fame that came with Bob’s television career, she had her own artistic journey. Her background in art history and passion for painting were crucial to her life’s work. She often kept her art private, focusing more on personal satisfaction rather than public recognition.
Her paintings were known for their subtle beauty and intricate detail, though they were seldom displayed for a public audience. Vivian’s art reflected her quiet and introspective personality, and her work remains an important, though often overlooked, part of the Ross family’s artistic legacy.
Challenges in Marriage and Reasons for Divorce
Like many couples in the public eye, Vivian and Bob faced challenges in their marriage. The pressures of Bob’s growing fame and the demands of family life created stress within their relationship. Their personalities, though deeply connected through their love of art, began to drift as Bob’s career took off.
In 1977, after twelve years of marriage, the couple decided to separate. The divorce was a significant moment in both their lives, though it was not marked by public drama. Instead, they parted ways amicably, each continuing their separate paths in the art world and raising their son together, albeit separately.
Life After Divorcing Bob Ross
After her divorce from Bob Ross, Vivian Ridge kept a low profile, away from the media’s gaze. She continued to live a quiet life focused on her personal interests, including her continued work in art and her role as a mother to Steve. Vivian maintained a private existence, staying out of the spotlight and allowing Bob’s career to take center stage.
Though she remained largely out of the public eye, Vivian’s legacy lived on through her son Steve, who would later appear on his father’s TV show and continue the Ross family’s artistic traditions. Vivian’s influence on her son’s life and work remained significant, even after her divorce from Bob.
Later Years and Passing
Vivian Ridge passed away in 1997, but not much is known about her later years. She had a quiet life after her divorce from Bob Ross, choosing to remain out of the public eye. Her death marked the end of a chapter in the Ross family history, but her influence continues to be felt through her son and the lasting impact she had on Bob Ross’s early career.
While her life was largely private, Vivian Ridge’s contributions to the art world and the Ross family are undeniable. Her nurturing support played a vital role in the success of Bob Ross, and her legacy endures through the work of her son, Steve Ross.
Vivian Ridge’s Influence on Bob Ross
Vivian Ridge’s influence on Bob Ross cannot be understated. While Bob’s fame grew through The Joy of Painting, Vivian’s quiet support helped him through the early years of his career. She nurtured his artistic vision and played a critical role in shaping the man who would become a household name.
Though their marriage ended, the creative connection between Bob and Vivian was undeniable. Her appreciation for art helped him see the world through a different lens, and their shared love for painting laid the foundation for his success.
Vivian Ridge’s Legacy in the Ross Family
Vivian Ridge’s legacy is deeply embedded in the Ross family. Her artistic background and influence on Bob Ross helped shape his career and led to the success of The Joy of Painting. Vivian’s son, Steve Ross, has also carried on the family’s artistic traditions, further cementing her lasting impact on the world of art.
Though Vivian may not have sought fame, her contributions to the artistic world and her role in the Ross family’s legacy are undeniable. Her story, though largely untold, is an integral part of the larger narrative of Bob Ross’s success and the artistic journey of their son, Steve.
Vivian Ridge Financial Life and Net Worth
While details about Vivian Ridge’s financial life are not widely known, it is clear that she led a modest life away from the spotlight. As the wife of a famous artist, she likely had access to certain resources, but her life was never marked by excess or public displays of wealth. Vivian’s focus was always on her art and family rather than financial gain.
Her son, Steve Ross, has continued the family legacy, and his own artistic career has likely provided financial stability for the Ross family. However, Vivian’s own financial life remains largely private, with little public information available about her net worth.
How Vivian Ridge Is Remembered Today
Vivian Ridge is remembered today as a quiet but influential figure in the early life of Bob Ross. While she did not seek public recognition, her contributions to his career and her influence on their son’s artistic journey have left a lasting mark on the Ross family’s legacy. Vivian’s story is one of quiet support, artistic passion, and family, and her influence is still felt today.
Final Words
Vivian Ridge may not have sought fame, but her impact on the world of art and the Ross family is undeniable. Through her marriage to Bob Ross and her nurturing support of their son, Steve, Vivian left a lasting legacy. Her life reminds us that often the most important contributions are made in quiet moments of support, shaping the future of those we love.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What was Vivian Ridge’s relationship with Bob Ross?
Vivian Ridge was Bob Ross’s first wife. They married in 1965, and their relationship played a crucial role in Bob’s early artistic career before their divorce in 1977.
2. Did Vivian Ridge pursue a career in art?
Yes, Vivian Ridge was an artist with a background in art history. She had a passion for painting, though she preferred to keep her artwork private.
3. Did Vivian Ridge have any children?
Yes, Vivian Ridge and Bob Ross had a son, Steve Ross, who later became involved in the arts and followed in his parents’ artistic footsteps.
4. How is Vivian Ridge remembered today?
Vivian Ridge is remembered for her quiet influence on Bob Ross’s early career and her role in raising their son, Steve. While she led a private life, her artistic contributions continue to influence the Ross family legacy.
5. What happened to Vivian Ridge after her divorce from Bob Ross?
After her divorce from Bob Ross, Vivian Ridge maintained a private life, focusing on her art and raising her son. She remained out of the public eye until her passing in 1997.
6. Did Vivian Ridge have any public recognition for her art?
Vivian Ridge did not seek public recognition for her art. She preferred to keep her work private, focusing on personal satisfaction rather than fame.
7. What is Vivian Ridge’s legacy?
Vivian Ridge’s legacy is rooted in her support of Bob Ross during his early career and her role in nurturing their son’s artistic talents. Her quiet influence is a significant part of the Ross family’s artistic journey.
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