Vivian Ridge is best known as the first wife of legendary painter and television host Bob Ross. While Bob Ross became a household name due to his show The Joy of Painting, Vivian remained largely out of the public eye. Despite her limited recognition, she played a crucial role in Bob Ross’ early life, supporting him before he became a famous artist. Their marriage had its ups and downs, ultimately ending in divorce, but her presence in his life had a lasting impact.
Quick Bio
| Full Name | Vivian Ridge |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | Unknown (Believed to be 1940s) |
| Place of Birth | United States |
| Nationality | American |
| Ethnicity | Caucasian |
| Spouse | Bob Ross (m. 1965 – div. 1977) |
| Children | Steve Ross (Son) |
| Known For | Being Bob Ross’ first wife |
| Profession | Undisclosed (Primarily a homemaker) |
| Death | Date unknown (Believed to be deceased) |
| Public Presence | Very private, minimal media exposure |
Early Life and Background
Little is publicly known about Vivian Ridge’s early life, including her birthplace, childhood, and family background. Unlike Bob Ross, who became a famous public figure, Vivian led a very private life, and few records exist about her upbringing and personal history before meeting him.
Meeting with Bob Ross
Vivian Ridge and Bob Ross met before he became a well-known artist. Their relationship likely started in the early 1960s, during a time when Bob Ross was still serving in the United States Air Force.
As a military man stationed in various locations, Bob Ross was at a different phase in his life, far from the gentle painter persona he later became famous for. Their relationship blossomed, and they eventually decided to get married, marking the beginning of their journey together.
Who Is Bob Ross?
Bob Ross was an American painter, art instructor, and television host, best known for his calm demeanor and famous phrase, “happy little trees.”
- Born in 1942 in Daytona Beach, Florida, Bob Ross joined the U.S. Air Force at a young age.
- He developed an interest in painting during his time in the military, particularly after being stationed in Alaska, where he was inspired by the natural landscapes.
- After leaving the Air Force, he pursued art full-time and became the host of The Joy of Painting, which ran from 1983 to 1994.
Though Bob Ross became a beloved figure in the art world, his personal life—including his marriage to Vivian Ridge—remained largely out of the public eye.
Marriage with Bob Ross
Vivian Ridge and Bob Ross got married in 1965, at a time when Bob was still actively serving in the U.S. Air Force.
Challenges in Their Marriage
Their marriage was not always easy, as Bob Ross was:
- Frequently away due to military service, which put a strain on their relationship.
- Focused on his passion for painting, which became his primary ambition.
Despite these challenges, their marriage lasted for over a decade, during which they had one child together.
Does Vivian Ridge Have Any Children?
Yes, Vivian Ridge and Bob Ross had one son, Steve Ross, who followed in his father’s footsteps as an artist and art instructor.
Who Is Steve Ross?
- Steve Ross became known for his appearances on The Joy of Painting, where he sometimes painted alongside his father.
- After Bob Ross’ passing in 1995, Steve continued his father’s artistic legacy, occasionally conducting art workshops and public appearances.
Despite his inherited talent, Steve Ross has maintained a private life, much like his mother, Vivian Ridge.
Career and Contributions
There is little information about Vivian Ridge’s career outside of her role as a wife and mother.
- Some speculate she was primarily a homemaker, supporting Bob Ross before his artistic breakthrough.
- Unlike Bob Ross’ later wives, she did not play a role in his business or public life.
Her biggest contribution was being his early support system during his military service and early artistic development.
Personal Life
Vivian Ridge was known for being private and avoiding the public spotlight.
- After her divorce from Bob Ross, she seemingly disappeared from public records.
- There are no known interviews, photos, or public appearances of her after their separation.
This has left many aspects of her life a mystery, even among Bob Ross’ dedicated fanbase.
Divorce and Life After Bob Ross
Bob Ross and Vivian Ridge divorced in 1977, after approximately 12 years of marriage.
Why Did They Divorce?
- The strain of Bob Ross’ military career may have played a role.
- Bob’s increasing dedication to art possibly created distance between them.
- Some sources suggest infidelity rumors, but there is no confirmed evidence.
Vivian’s Life After Divorce
- After her separation from Bob Ross, Vivian Ridge faded into obscurity.
- There is no confirmed information about whether she remarried or had another family.
- It is believed she lived a quiet and private life away from public attention.
Death and Legacy
There are no official records confirming when or where Vivian Ridge passed away. However, it is widely believed she is deceased.
How Is She Remembered?
- She is often overshadowed by Bob Ross’ later life and marriages.
- She is recognized primarily for being Bob Ross’ first wife and the mother of his only son, Steve Ross.
- Her legacy lives on through Steve Ross and his continuation of Bob’s artistic traditions.
Impact on Bob Ross’s Life and Career
Even though Vivian Ridge is rarely mentioned in Bob Ross’ history, she played a role in his early journey.
- She was with him before he became famous, supporting him through his Air Force years.
- Their son, Steve Ross, carried on the family’s artistic tradition, linking Vivian to Bob’s artistic legacy.
- Their divorce marked a turning point, after which Bob fully dedicated himself to art and television.
Financial Details of Vivian Ridge and Bob Ross
There is no public record of any financial settlement between Vivian Ridge and Bob Ross after their divorce.
- Since Bob Ross was not yet famous at the time of their split, it is likely that Vivian did not receive any major financial benefits.
- By the time Bob Ross became a multi-millionaire artist and TV host, he was already married to his second wife, Jane Ross.
This means that Vivian Ridge was not part of Bob Ross’ later financial success, further explaining her absence from public discussions.
Conclusion
Vivian Ridge remains a mystery in Bob Ross’ history, known mainly as his first wife and the mother of Steve Ross. Though she was never in the public eye, she was part of Bob Ross’ early life, supporting him before he became an internationally beloved artist.
Her life after divorce remains unknown, but her legacy lives on through her son. While she may not be as well-documented as Bob Ross’ later partners, her role in his early years remains a part of his larger life story.
FAQs
Who is Vivian Ridge?
Vivian Ridge was the first wife of Bob Ross, the famous painter and television host. She was also the mother of their son, Steve Ross.
When did Vivian Ridge and Bob Ross get married?
Vivian Ridge and Bob Ross got married in 1965, during Bob’s time in the U.S. Air Force, before he became a well-known artist.
Did Vivian Ridge and Bob Ross have children?
Yes, they had one son, Steve Ross, who followed in his father’s footsteps as an artist and art instructor.
Why did Vivian Ridge and Bob Ross divorce?
Vivian Ridge and Bob Ross divorced in 1977, possibly due to marriage strain from Bob’s military career and growing passion for painting.
What happened to Vivian Ridge after her divorce?
After divorcing Bob Ross, Vivian Ridge disappeared from the public eye, and little is known about her later life.
Is Vivian Ridge still alive?
There are no official records confirming whether Vivian Ridge is still alive, but she is widely believed to be deceased.
What was Vivian Ridge’s profession?
Her profession is not well-documented, but she was likely a homemaker and early supporter of Bob Ross’ career.
Did Vivian Ridge benefit from Bob Ross’ success?
No, Vivian divorced Bob Ross before he became famous, so she did not benefit financially from his later success in art and television.
How is Vivian Ridge remembered today?
She is primarily remembered as Bob Ross’ first wife and the mother of Steve Ross, though her role in his early life remains largely undocumented.
Was Vivian Ridge ever involved in Bob Ross’ art career?
No, she was not involved in his painting business or TV career, as their divorce happened before his rise to fame.
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