Vivian Ridge is a talented artist and the first wife of Bob Ross, the beloved American painter known for his calming voice and famous “Joy of Painting” show. While many know her mainly because of her connection to Bob Ross, Vivian was much more than just his spouse—she had her own passion for art and played an important role in supporting Bob’s early career and nurturing their family’s creative legacy. This article aims to explore Vivian’s life, her influence on the Ross family, and her lasting impact as an artist and mother, shedding light on her story, which has often remained private and overlooked. By sharing her journey, we honor the quiet strength and meaningful contributions she made behind the scenes.
Profile Summary 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 | Degree in Art History, 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 on July 24, 1946, in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, where she spent her early years growing up. From a young age, she showed a strong interest in art, often expressing herself through painting and creative activities, which helped shape her lifelong passion. Vivian pursued higher education at Wake Forest University, where she earned a degree in Art History, deepening her understanding of art and its history. Though little is publicly known about her family background, those who knew her describe Vivian as a gentle and thoughtful person, whose early experiences and education laid a solid foundation for her artistic journey and the supportive role she later played in her family’s creative life.
Age, Physical Attributes, and Ethnicity
Vivian Ridge was approximately 71 years old when she passed away in 2018, having been born in 1946. She was notably tall, standing about 6 feet 2 inches (188 cm) tall, with brown hair and warm brown eyes. Vivian was of Caucasian (white) ethnicity, and those who knew her often described her as having a calm and kind presence that reflected both her gentle nature and quiet strength.
Meeting Bob Ross and Their Marriage
Vivian Ridge and Bob Ross met during their younger years, likely while Vivian was studying at Wake Forest University, making them college sweethearts. They married in 1965, a time when Bob was still serving in the Air Force and beginning to explore his passion for painting. Throughout their marriage, Vivian played an important role by providing emotional support and understanding during Bob’s early art career, helping him develop his unique wet-on-wet painting technique. Together, they built a family and welcomed their son, Robert Stephen “Steve” Ross, in 1966, who would later follow in his parents’ artistic footsteps. Their family life combined creativity, encouragement, and the challenges of balancing personal growth with Bob’s evolving career.
Who is Bob Ross?
Bob Ross was a famous American painter, art teacher, and television personality best known for his calm voice and easy-to-follow painting lessons. Born in 1942, he served in the Air Force before becoming a full-time artist. Bob created a unique wet-on-wet painting technique that allowed him to complete beautiful landscape paintings quickly. He became widely popular through his TV show, The Joy of Painting, which aired from the early 1980s to the mid-1990s and inspired millions to try painting. His gentle style, encouraging words, and signature phrases like “happy little trees” made art enjoyable and accessible to people of all ages and backgrounds.
Vivian Ridge’s Artistic Pursuits
Vivian Ridge was a passionate artist with her own unique style and deep love for painting, influenced by her education in art history at Wake Forest University. Her knowledge and appreciation of art helped shape not only her own creative work but also supported Bob Ross during the early stages of his artistic development and the creation of The Joy of Painting. While she kept a low profile and did not seek public recognition, Vivian’s understanding of art history gave her a strong foundation that influenced her vision and possibly contributed quietly to the art community around her. Though details about her exhibitions or public artworks are limited, her dedication to art remained an important part of her life and family legacy.
Motherhood and Family Life
Vivian Ridge was a loving mother who played a key role in nurturing her son Steve Ross’s interest and talents in art from a young age. She balanced the demands of motherhood while supporting Bob Ross during his early career, creating a caring and creative home environment. Vivian’s background in art history and her own passion for painting helped give Steve a strong foundation and appreciation for art, which influenced his path as a painter and instructor. After Vivian and Bob divorced in 1977, Steve stayed mostly with his mother during his childhood, which strengthened their close bond and shaped his upbringing before he later spent more time with his father.
Divorce and Later Life
Vivian Ridge and Bob Ross ended their marriage in 1977, with the divorce often attributed to irreconcilable differences. After the separation, Vivian moved back to her hometown in North Carolina, choosing a quiet and private life away from the public eye. She possibly shifted her focus to real estate and continued painting privately, avoiding media attention and celebrity spotlight. Vivian maintained a low profile throughout her later years, valuing privacy and family over public recognition, with few details available about her personal achievements during this time.
Vivian Ridge’s Legacy and Influence
Though Vivian Ridge lived much of her life quietly, her influence on the Ross family legacy is significant. She provided early emotional and artistic support to Bob Ross and nurtured their son Steve’s talents, helping keep the family’s passion for art alive across generations. Vivian’s contributions may not have been public, but they reflect the vital role partners and family members often play behind the scenes of famous lives. Remembering Vivian enriches our understanding of Bob Ross’s story and highlights the important, quiet strength that supports creativity and success.
Death and Final Years
Vivian Ridge passed away on May 3, 2018, after a private battle with cancer. True to her life’s philosophy, her passing was handled with discretion, reflecting the privacy she always maintained. Though she lived away from the spotlight, Vivian left behind a meaningful legacy both through her family and her own artistic passion. Her death marked the close of a life dedicated to art, family, and quiet strength.
Vivian Ridge’s Financial Overview
Vivian Ridge’s estimated net worth is around one million dollars, reflecting a modest middle-class lifestyle. Her wealth likely came from shared assets during her marriage to Bob Ross, some personal earnings, and possible inheritances. Unlike celebrities, Vivian did not pursue public business ventures or build a large fortune, choosing instead a comfortable and private life centered on family and art.
Conclusion
Vivian Ridge’s life was one of artistic passion, devoted motherhood, and quiet support for her family’s creative legacy. Though she remained out of the public eye, her influence on Bob Ross’s early career and on their son Steve’s development as an artist is undeniable. Recognizing Vivian reminds us that behind every great success are often unseen individuals whose strength and dedication make lasting impacts. Her story encourages us to appreciate the important, untold contributions that shape the lives of famous figures and enrich cultural history.
(FAQs)
Who was Vivian Ridge?
Vivian Ridge was an American artist and the first wife of Bob Ross, the famous painter and TV personality. She supported Bob during his early career and was the mother of their son, Steve Ross, who continues the family’s artistic tradition. Vivian had her own passion for art and studied art history at Wake Forest University.
When did Vivian Ridge and Bob Ross get married?
Vivian Ridge and Bob Ross married in 1965 after meeting during their younger years. They were together for about 12 years before divorcing in 1977. Their marriage was a key period during Bob’s early artistic development.
Did Vivian Ridge have her own art career?
Yes, Vivian was a talented artist who painted in her own style and had a deep appreciation for art history. Though she did not seek public fame, her passion influenced both Bob Ross’s early work and their son Steve’s artistic path. After the divorce, she continued to paint privately.
Did Vivian Ridge appear on Bob Ross’s TV show?
No, Vivian chose to keep her life private and never appeared on Bob Ross’s television program, The Joy of Painting. She preferred to stay away from the public eye and focused on family and personal pursuits.
What happened to Vivian Ridge after her divorce from Bob Ross?
After their divorce in 1977, Vivian moved back to North Carolina with their son Steve. She lived a quiet life, possibly working in real estate and continuing her art privately, while maintaining distance from media and public attention.
When did Vivian Ridge pass away?
Vivian Ridge passed away on May 3, 2018, after a private battle with cancer. She lived most of her later years away from the public eye, focusing on family and personal matters until her death.
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