When people think of Bob Ross, they remember his calm voice, happy trees, and beautiful paintings. But not many people know about the woman who was part of his early life. Vivian Ridge was Bob Ross’s first wife. She played an important role in his life before he became famous. Though she lived a quiet life away from cameras, her story is worth knowing.
Personal Info
| Full Name | Vivian Ridge |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | July 2, 1946 |
| Place of Birth | Winston-Salem, North Carolina, USA |
| Education | Wake Forest University (Art History) |
| Known For | First wife of Bob Ross |
| Spouse | Bob Ross (married 1965–1977) |
| Children | Robert Stephen “Steve” Ross |
| Profession | Artist |
| Date of Death | 1986 |
| Age at Death | 40 years old |
Early Life and Background
Vivian Ridge was born on July 2, 1946, in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. She grew up in a time when art was becoming more popular in American homes. From a young age, Vivian loved painting. When she was just 12 years old, she started painting as a hobby.
Vivian wanted to learn more about art, so she went to Wake Forest University. There, she studied art history. This education helped her understand art better. It also brought her closer to the world where she would meet her future husband.
Meeting Bob Ross
Vivian met Bob Ross in the early 1960s. At that time, Bob was working in the military. He was just starting to explore his love for painting. Some sources say they met while working at WQED-TV in Pittsburgh. Vivian worked as head of production, and Bob was an artist on the creative staff.
They connected through their shared love of art. Even though Bob was still developing his painting skills, they found happiness together. After dating for some time, they decided to get married.
Marriage and Life Together
Vivian Ridge and Bob Ross got married in 1965. They were young and full of hopes for the future. During their marriage, Bob was still working on building his career. He had not yet become the famous TV painter that millions would later love.
Their marriage lasted for 12 years. During this time, they built a life together and supported each other. Vivian understood art and could appreciate Bob’s work. This made her a good partner for an artist who was finding his way.
However, like many marriages, theirs faced problems. Some reports say that Bob’s behavior caused issues in their relationship. After years of trying to make things work, they decided to separate.
Their Son, Steve Ross
In 1966, just one year after their wedding, Vivian and Bob welcomed their son. They named him Robert Stephen Ross, but everyone called him Steve. He was born on August 1, 1966.
Steve grew up watching his father paint. The artistic talent seemed to run in the family. When Steve was young, his parents divorced. He was only 11 years old at the time. After the divorce, Steve lived with his mother, Vivian.
Steve later became a painter himself. He learned the same painting techniques that made his father famous. He even appeared on his father’s TV show, “The Joy of Painting,” a few times. Today, Steve Ross teaches painting and continues the family tradition of art.
The Divorce
In 1977, Vivian and Bob ended their marriage. They had been together for 12 years, but they could no longer stay married. The divorce was difficult, especially for their young son.
The exact reasons for their divorce remain private. Neither Vivian nor Bob talked publicly about why they separated. Some sources mention that there were problems in their relationship that they could not fix.
After the divorce, their lives went in different directions. Bob went on to marry two more times. He married Jane Lee in 1977, the same year he divorced Vivian. Later, he married Lynda Brown in 1995, just months before he died.
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Life After Divorce
After her marriage ended, Vivian chose to live a quiet life. She focused on raising her son, Steve. They lived together, and she took care of him as a single mother.
Vivian never remarried. She stayed away from the public eye and did not seek attention. While her ex-husband was becoming famous on television, she lived a simple, private life.
She continued to love art throughout her life. Though she did not become famous like Bob, she remained passionate about painting and creativity.
Vivian’s Death
Sadly, Vivian Ridge died in 1986. She was only 40 years old. Some sources say she died from cancer, though the exact details are not widely known.
Her death was hard for her son, Steve. He was just 20 years old when his mother passed away. After Vivian died, Steve went to live with his father, Bob. Bob raised Steve as a single father from that point on.
Vivian’s death came nine years before Bob Ross died. Bob passed away in 1995 from lymphoma, a type of cancer.
Her Legacy
Vivian Ridge may not be a famous name like Bob Ross, but she was an important part of his life story. She was there during his early years, before the fame and television shows. She supported him when he was just beginning his journey as an artist.
Through their son Steve, Vivian’s influence continues. Steve carries on the Ross family tradition of painting and teaching art to others.
Vivian chose a life of privacy, which we should respect. Not everyone wants to be in the spotlight, even when connected to someone famous. Her story reminds us that behind every famous person, there are others who played important roles in their lives.
Conclusion
Vivian Ridge lived a quiet life, but her connection to Bob Ross makes her story interesting to many people. She was a woman who loved art, raised a talented son, and chose to stay away from public attention. Though she is no longer with us, her memory lives on through Steve Ross and the art world that both she and Bob loved.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Who was Vivian Ridge?
Vivian Ridge was an American artist and the first wife of famous painter Bob Ross. She was born in 1946 and studied art history at Wake Forest University. She married Bob Ross in 1965 and they had one son together.
2. How long were Vivian Ridge and Bob Ross married?
Vivian Ridge and Bob Ross were married for 12 years. They got married in 1965 and divorced in 1977. During their marriage, they had one son named Steve Ross.
3. Did Vivian Ridge and Bob Ross have children?
Yes, they had one son named Robert Stephen Ross, who goes by “Steve Ross.” He was born on August 1, 1966. Steve became a painter like his father and still teaches painting today.
4. What happened to Vivian Ridge after her divorce?
After divorcing Bob Ross in 1977, Vivian lived a private life and raised her son Steve. She never remarried and stayed out of the public eye. She continued to love art but did not seek fame or attention.
5. When did Vivian Ridge die?
Vivian Ridge died in 1986 at the age of 40. The cause of death is believed to be cancer, though specific details are not widely known. She died nine years before her ex-husband Bob Ross, who passed away in 1995.
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