Vivian Ridge was an American artist best known as the first wife of painter Bob Ross, the beloved host of The Joy of Painting. While she never achieved public fame herself, she played an important role in Bob Ross’s early life by supporting him during the years when he was still shaping his artistic identity. Vivian had her own artistic background, having studied art history and developed a quiet passion for painting and creativity. Her story gives insight into the earlier, lesser-known chapters of Bob Ross’s life and highlights how she influenced their son, Steve Ross, who later followed in his parents’ artistic footsteps. This article explores Vivian’s life, from her early upbringing and education to her marriage, motherhood, and lasting legacy within the Ross family.
Quick Bio: 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 Patricia Ridge was born on July 24, 1946, in North Carolina, with records suggesting Winston-Salem or the Wake Forest area as her birthplace. Information about her early family life is limited, but she grew up in a supportive environment that encouraged her interest in creativity and learning. From a young age, Vivian showed a strong appreciation for art, which later shaped both her education and personal hobbies. Growing up in the American South during the mid-20th century also influenced her values, personality, and goals, giving her a quiet strength and gentle nature that people remembered. Although she lived mostly outside the public eye, her early love of art became a defining part of her identity and later connected her deeply to Bob Ross and their shared artistic world.
Education and Artistic Foundation
Vivian Ridge studied Art History at Wake Forest University, a choice that reflected her deep interest in understanding the origins, techniques, and cultural meaning of art. By focusing on art history rather than studio painting alone, she gained knowledge of classical and modern styles, famous artists, and the structure of the art world. This academic foundation helped shape her appreciation for artistic details and influenced the way she approached her own painting. Her education also gave her insight that likely benefited Bob Ross in his early painting years, providing a thoughtful perspective when he was developing the wet-on-wet technique and exploring new creative ideas. Vivian’s strong academic background in art helped create an environment where creativity was taken seriously in the Ross home, and this foundation later influenced their son Steve’s artistic development as well.
Vivian Ridge’s Personality and Appearance
Vivian Ridge was described as a gentle and kind woman with a calm presence that made others feel comfortable around her. She was notably tall, standing around 6 feet 2 inches (188 cm), which gave her an elegant and striking appearance. With her brown hair and warm brown eyes, she carried herself with quiet confidence rather than seeking attention. Friends and family often remembered her as caring, thoughtful, and supportive, especially during Bob Ross’s early artistic journey. Her peaceful nature and steady personality made her a grounding force in the family, providing emotional stability during challenging years. Vivian preferred a private life, avoiding the spotlight even when her husband later became a household name.
Meeting Bob Ross – The Beginning of Their Story
Vivian Ridge and Bob Ross likely met in the early 1960s when Bob was still serving in the United States Air Force. Though exact details of their first meeting are not widely known, their shared love for art played a role in their connection. At that time, Bob was exploring painting as a hobby, practicing during evenings and off-duty hours. Vivian’s understanding of art and her calm personality made her an important emotional support as Bob transitioned from military life to an artistic career. Together, they began building a life focused on creativity and family, setting the foundation for Bob’s future success long before he became famous on television.
Marriage to Bob Ross (1965–1977)
Vivian married Bob Ross in 1965 when both were still young and building their futures. Their early married years involved balancing Bob’s military responsibilities with his growing passion for painting. During this period, Bob began experimenting with various painting techniques, including the wet-on-wet method that would later make him famous. Vivian’s knowledge of art and her steady encouragement likely played a part in helping Bob gain confidence and refine his skills. The couple faced the typical challenges of a military family, including frequent moves and limited time together, but they worked to build a stable home focused on creativity and raising their son. Their marriage lasted until 1977, covering one of the most formative periods of Bob Ross’s artistic development.
Who is Bob Ross?
Bob Ross was an American painter, art instructor, and television host best known for his calming voice, gentle teaching style, and landscape paintings on his show The Joy of Painting, which aired from 1983 to 1994. Born on October 29, 1942, in Florida, he served in the U.S. Air Force before turning to art full-time. Bob became famous for his wet-on-wet painting technique, which allowed him to complete detailed paintings quickly while encouraging viewers with phrases like “happy little trees.” His show inspired millions of people to try painting, and he became a cultural icon known for his kindness, simplicity, and love of nature. Even after his death in 1995, Bob Ross’s legacy continues through his videos, art supplies, and worldwide fan community.
Motherhood – Raising Steve Ross
In 1966, Vivian and Bob welcomed their son, Robert Stephen “Steve” Ross, into the world. Vivian took on a nurturing role, balancing the responsibilities of motherhood with her love for art and her support for Bob’s career. She encouraged Steve’s natural artistic talents from a young age, exposing him to both the academic and practical sides of art. Steve later became an artist and appeared on several episodes of The Joy of Painting, continuing the family’s artistic legacy. Vivian and Steve shared a close relationship, and after her divorce from Bob Ross, Steve spent much of his childhood with her. Vivian’s influence helped shape Steve’s creative style and personality, making her an essential part of the Ross family’s multi-generational connection to art.
Vivian Ridge’s Own Artistic Journey
Although she never achieved public recognition, Vivian Ridge maintained her own artistic practice throughout her life. Her education in art history allowed her to paint with thoughtful technique and deeper understanding. While she did not exhibit her work widely or pursue commercial success, she remained committed to her craft privately. Some accounts suggest she may have helped Bob during his early artistic experiments and even contributed ideas that later shaped the tone and structure of his television show. Vivian brought a more analytical and historical perspective to art, complementing Bob’s spontaneous, hands-on painting approach. Her role may not have been public, but it was meaningful within their household and in the early steps of Bob’s career.
Challenges in Marriage and Reasons for Divorce
As Bob Ross’s career demands increased, the couple began to face strain in their relationship. Bob traveled frequently for workshops and demonstrations during the early stages of his art business, leading to long periods of separation. Some sources suggest that infidelity and personal differences may have also contributed to the breakdown of their marriage, though neither Bob nor Vivian publicly discussed these issues. Over time, emotional distance and conflicting priorities created challenges they could not overcome. Their marriage ended in 1977, marking a turning point in Bob Ross’s life just before his rise to television fame. The divorce was difficult for Vivian, but she moved forward with resilience and privacy.
Life After Divorcing Bob Ross
After the divorce, Vivian returned to North Carolina with her son, Steve and focused on rebuilding a peaceful life. Some sources report that she later worked in real estate, demonstrating her ability to adapt and find stability outside the art world. She continued to paint privately and maintained her love for creativity without seeking public attention. Vivian valued privacy and chose to live quietly, away from media discussions about Bob Ross’s later life and growing popularity. Her focus was on raising Steve, supporting his interests, and maintaining a calm, grounded lifestyle.
Later Years and Passing
Vivian Ridge lived a quiet life until her passing on May 3, 2018, after battling cancer. Earlier sources had conflicting reports about her death, but more recent information confirms 2018 as the correct year. She was approximately 71 years old when she died, leaving behind a life marked by love, creativity, and family devotion. Her later years were spent in North Carolina, surrounded by close family and protected from the public eye. Those who knew her remembered her gentle personality, artistic spirit, and deep dedication to her son.
Vivian Ridge’s Influence on Bob Ross
Though she is rarely mentioned in discussions of Bob Ross’s career, Vivian Ridge played an important part in his early artistic development. She supported him emotionally during his military years, encouraged his creative experiments, and provided stability at home while he explored new techniques. Her academic background in art history may have helped shape Bob’s understanding of composition, color, and artistic expression. While Bob Ross became a cultural icon much later, the foundation of his early growth was laid during the years he and Vivian shared. Her influence also extended to their son Steve, who later co-taught painting alongside Bob on television.
Vivian Ridge’s Legacy in the Ross Family
Vivian Ridge holds a meaningful place in the broader Ross legacy because she helped shape both Bob Ross’s early artistic life and Steve Ross’s later career. Fans of Bob Ross who explore his early history recognize Vivian as part of the story behind the calm, confident painter the world came to love. She represents the often unseen but important spouses who support artists before they become famous. Her quiet dedication, artistic understanding, and role as a mother helped preserve and pass on the creative tradition within the Ross family.
Vivian Ridge Financial Life and Net Worth
Vivian Ridge’s financial life was private, with no major public business ventures or media presence. Her estimated net worth is around $1 million, likely coming from a combination of assets shared during her marriage, inheritances, personal earnings, and later real estate work. She lived comfortably but not extravagantly, reflecting her preference for simplicity and privacy. This modest net worth contrasts with Bob Ross’s later financial success, especially through his brand and merchandise.
How Vivian Ridge Is Remembered Today
Today, Vivian Ridge is remembered mostly by fans who want to understand the deeper history of Bob Ross’s life. She appears in discussions about the origins of Steve Ross’s talent and in reflections on Bob Ross’s personal journey before fame. Though she avoided public attention, her influence remains present through her family and the quiet strength she displayed throughout her life. People continue to search for information about Vivian because her story adds depth and humanity to the legacy of Bob Ross.
Final Words
Vivian Ridge’s life was marked by creativity, kindness, and meaningful influence behind the scenes. While she never appeared on Bob Ross’s television show and rarely stepped into public view, she played an essential role during the early years of his art career and helped nurture their son Steve’s passion for painting. Her deep love for art, supportive nature, and calm personality made her an important part of the Ross family legacy. Vivian’s story reminds us that not all influential lives are lived in the spotlight—some, like hers, shine quietly through the people they help shape.
(FAQs) Frequently Asked Questions
1. Who was Vivian Ridge?
Vivian Ridge was the first wife of painter Bob Ross and the mother of Steve Ross.
She was an artist and an art history graduate who influenced Bob during his early years.
Though she lived privately, her role shaped the beginnings of the Ross family’s artistic legacy.
2. What was Vivian Ridge’s background in art?
Vivian studied Art History at Wake Forest University and painted throughout her life.
Her academic understanding of art added depth to her own work and to Bob’s early growth as an artist.
Although she never pursued public exhibitions, art remained an important part of her identity.
3. How did Vivian Ridge and Bob Ross meet?
They met in the early 1960s, likely while Bob was serving in the Air Force.
Their shared interest in creativity and painting connected them quickly.
This relationship became the foundation of Bob’s early artistic development.
4. Why did Vivian Ridge and Bob Ross divorce?
Their marriage faced challenges due to Bob’s frequent travel and growing career demands.
Emotional distance and rumored personal issues also contributed to their separation.
They officially divorced in 1977 after twelve years of marriage.
5. What role did Vivian play in Steve Ross’s life?
Vivian was the primary influence in Steve Ross’s upbringing after the divorce.
She nurtured his interest in art and helped shape his creative personality.
Her guidance contributed greatly to Steve’s later career as a painter and instructor.
6. What did Vivian Ridge do after divorcing Bob Ross?
Vivian returned to North Carolina to live a peaceful, private life with her son.
Reports suggest she worked in real estate while continuing her love for painting.
She chose to stay out of the public spotlight throughout the rest of her life.
7. When and how did Vivian Ridge pass away?
Vivian Ridge passed away on May 3, 2018, after a quiet battle with cancer.
She lived her final years privately, surrounded by close family.
Her passing marked the end of a gentle, creative life lived away from public attention.
8. What is Vivian Ridge’s legacy today?
Vivian is remembered for her quiet strength, artistic spirit, and influence on the Ross family.
Her support helped shape Bob Ross during his early career and nurtured Steve’s artistic path.
Fans recognize her as an important but overlooked part of the Ross legacy.
