Vivian Ridge was the first wife of Bob Ross, the famous painter known for his calming voice and easy-to-follow painting style. Beyond being Bob Ross’s spouse, Vivian was an artist herself who studied art history and shared a deep love for painting. Her story is important because it helps us understand the quieter, supportive side of Bob Ross’s early life and career. Vivian Ridge played a key role in nurturing their family’s artistic talent and providing a strong foundation for Bob’s success and their son Steve’s creative path. Remembering Vivian Ridge adds depth to the legacy of one of America’s most beloved artists.
Quick Bio About Vivian Ridge
| Personal Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Vivian Patricia Ridge |
| Date of Birth | July 24, 1946 |
| Place of Birth | Winston-Salem, North Carolina, USA |
| Date of Death | May 3, 2018 |
| Age at Death | Approximately 71 years |
| Nationality | American |
| Education | Art History degree, Wake Forest University |
| Profession | Artist, Homemaker |
| Spouse | Bob Ross (m. 1965 – div. 1977) |
| Children | Robert Stephen “Steve” Ross |
| Height | About 6 feet 2 inches (188 cm) |
| Hair Color | Brown |
| Eye Color | Brown |
| Estimated Net Worth | Approximately $1 million |
| Known Hobbies | Painting, gardening, cooking, reading, nature walks, classical music |
Early Life and Background
Vivian Ridge was born in 1946 in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, where she grew up surrounded by a supportive family environment that encouraged her love for art. From a young age, Vivian showed a strong interest in painting and creative expression, which guided many of her early life choices. She pursued this passion seriously by studying Art History at Wake Forest University, gaining a deep understanding of art’s history and techniques. This education helped shape her artistic vision and gave her the knowledge to support not only her own work but also the artistic pursuits of those around her, including her future husband, Bob Ross.
Age, Physical Appearance, and Personal Traits
Vivian Ridge was a tall woman, standing about 6 feet 2 inches (188 cm) tall, with brown hair and warm brown eyes that reflected her gentle nature. People who knew her often described Vivian as kind, calm, and caring, someone who brought a peaceful and supportive presence wherever she went. Her quiet strength and kindness made her a comforting figure to family and friends, and her calm personality helped create a nurturing environment, especially during the challenging early years of Bob Ross’s painting career. Vivian’s gentle nature left a lasting positive impression on those around her.
Relationship And Marriage to Bob Ross
Vivian Ridge met Bob Ross in the 1960s, and they married in 1965 while Bob was still serving in the Air Force and exploring his early painting career. During this time, Bob was developing his unique wet-on-wet painting technique, and Vivian’s background in art history gave her a special understanding of his artistic journey. She played a supportive role, providing encouragement and stability as Bob worked to grow his skills and define his style.
Together, they shared a love for art that strengthened their bond. In 1966, they welcomed their son, Robert Stephen “Steve” Ross, who would later follow in their artistic footsteps. Vivian’s knowledge and passion for art helped nurture both Bob’s career and their family life during these important years.
Who Is Bob Ross?
Bob Ross was an American painter, art teacher, and television host best known for his gentle voice and easy-to-follow painting style. Born in 1942, he served in the Air Force before discovering his passion for painting. He developed a special wet-on-wet technique that allowed him to create complete landscape paintings quickly. Bob became famous for his TV show, The Joy of Painting, which aired from the early 1980s to the mid-1990s and inspired millions of people to try painting. His calm and positive way of teaching, along with his famous phrases like “happy little trees,” made art fun and accessible for everyone. Today, Bob Ross remains a beloved cultural icon.
Vivian Ridge as an Artist
Vivian Ridge was an artist with her own unique style and a deep love for painting. She enjoyed expressing herself through art and also appreciated gardening and classical music, which inspired her creativity. Some stories suggest that she may have quietly contributed to the early ideas behind Bob Ross’s famous show, The Joy of Painting, though she preferred to stay out of the spotlight. After her divorce, Vivian may have explored other work, such as real estate, while continuing to paint privately, maintaining her connection to the arts throughout her life.
Motherhood and Family Life
As a mother, Vivian played a key role in nurturing the artistic talents of her son, Steve Ross. She shared her knowledge of art history and encouraged Steve’s interest in painting, helping him build a strong foundation in the family’s creative tradition. Even after her divorce from Bob Ross, Vivian remained close to Steve and focused on providing him with love and guidance. The relationship between Vivian, Bob, and Steve reflected a shared passion for art, with Vivian’s support helping to keep the family’s artistic legacy alive.
Divorce and Later Life
Vivian Ridge and Bob Ross divorced in 1977, with reports citing irreconcilable differences and Bob’s rumored infidelity as possible reasons. The separation affected their family, but Vivian chose to move back to North Carolina and live a private life away from the public eye. She kept her personal affairs quiet and focused on raising Steve, maintaining a low profile in her later years. Very little is publicly known about her life after the divorce, reflecting her strong preference for privacy.
Death and Legacy
Vivian Ridge passed away on May 3, 2018, after a private battle with cancer. Her death marked the end of a life lived quietly but meaningfully, far from public attention. Though she never sought fame, Vivian’s influence remains important in understanding the story behind Bob Ross’s success and the continuation of the Ross family’s artistic tradition through Steve. Her support and nurturing helped shape both Bob’s early career and Steve’s growth as an artist, leaving a lasting legacy within the art world.
Vivian Ridge’s Financial Overview
Vivian Ridge’s estimated net worth is around one million dollars, a modest amount reflecting a comfortable middle-class lifestyle. This wealth likely came from assets shared during her marriage to Bob Ross, possible inheritances, and her own work, including possible real estate ventures after the divorce. While not publicly wealthy like celebrities, Vivian’s financial background allowed her to live securely and focus on her family and art without public pressures.
Conclusion
Vivian Ridge’s story is about much more than being Bob Ross’s first wife. She was a talented artist, a devoted mother, and a quiet source of strength and support during crucial years of Bob’s career. Her passion for art and dedication to her family helped create the foundation for the Ross family’s lasting artistic legacy. Remembering Vivian Ridge reminds us to honor those who influence great figures from behind the scenes and appreciate the many roles they play in shaping success stories.
(FAQs) Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Vivian Ridge?
Vivian Ridge was the first wife of Bob Ross, a talented artist herself with a degree in art history. She supported Bob during the early stages of his painting career and was the mother of their son Steve Ross, who continues the family’s artistic tradition.
Did Vivian Ridge have her own art career?
Yes, Vivian was an artist who painted in her own style and studied art history at Wake Forest University. While she did not seek public fame, her passion for art influenced her family and may have helped Bob Ross in his early artistic development.
When did Vivian Ridge and Bob Ross get married and divorced?
Vivian and Bob Ross married in 1965 and were together for about 12 years before divorcing in 1977. Their marriage coincided with Bob’s time in the Air Force and the early years of his painting career.
What happened to Vivian Ridge after her divorce from Bob Ross?
After the divorce, Vivian returned to North Carolina, focusing on raising their son Steve and living a private life. She maintained a low profile, possibly working in real estate and continuing her art away from the public eye.
When did Vivian Ridge pass away?
Vivian Ridge passed away on May 3, 2018, reportedly after a private battle with cancer. She lived most of her later years quietly in North Carolina, away from public attention.
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