admin Vivian Ridge was the first wife of Bob Ross, the world-famous painter and host of The Joy of Painting. While Bob became a global icon for his calm voice and happy little trees, Vivian lived a quieter life away from the cameras. Her story is closely linked to Bob’s early years, their marriage, and their son Robert Stephen “Steve” Ross. Even though less is known about her compared to Bob, the name Vivian Ridge holds an important place in his life story.
Quick Bio Table: Vivian Ridge
| Fact | Detail |
| Full Name | Vivian Ridge |
| Known For | First wife of Bob Ross |
| Marriage Year | Around 1965 |
| Divorce Year | 1977 |
| Husband | Bob Ross (painter, TV host) |
| Son | Robert Stephen “Steve” Ross |
| Son’s Birthdate | August 1, 1966 |
| Bob’s Career | Air Force member, later TV painter |
| Later Life of Vivian | Private and undocumented |
| Connection to Bob | Marriage during early career |
| Legacy | Mother of Bob’s only son |
| Public Image | Very private, not public figure |
| Key Role | Part of Bob’s family story |
Early Life of Vivian Ridge
Details about Vivian Ridge’s early life are limited. Unlike Bob Ross, who later became a public figure, Vivian remained private. Some reports suggest she was born in the mid-1940s, but official records are hard to find. What is clear is that her life became known mostly because of her connection to Bob. She was not part of the entertainment world, which explains why so little is written about her childhood or family background.
Marriage to Bob Ross
Vivian Ridge married Bob Ross in the mid-1960s. Sources often mention 1965 as the year of their marriage. At this time, Bob was serving in the U.S. Air Force and working hard to support his young family. Their marriage gave Bob a sense of stability during his early years before he became the artist millions would later know and love. The union lasted for over a decade before coming to an end in the late 1970s.
Becoming Parents: The Birth of Steve Ross
One of the most important results of their marriage was the birth of their son, Robert Stephen “Steve” Ross, on August 1, 1966. Steve later became a painter like his father. He even appeared on The Joy of Painting and earned praise for his artistic skills. Through Steve, the name Vivian Ridge continues to be linked to the Ross legacy. She played the key role of mother in shaping the early life of the son who carried forward Bob’s love for art.
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Challenges in the Marriage
Like many couples, Vivian Ridge and Bob Ross faced personal struggles. Sources suggest that their relationship grew strained during the 1970s. The demands of Bob’s military career and his growing passion for painting may have added to the distance. Eventually, the couple divorced in 1977, marking the end of their marriage. While Bob went on to remarry, Vivian remained away from the spotlight after the split.
Divorce and Moving On
The divorce between Vivian Ridge and Bob Ross ended their marriage of about 12 years. After this, Bob married Jane Ross the same year. Jane later became closely involved in Bob’s career until her passing in 1992. Vivian’s life after the divorce is less clear. Some reports suggest she kept a very private lifestyle, while others hint at her passing away years ago. However, no official public records give full details about her later years.
Relationship with Steve Ross
After the divorce, Steve Ross continued to live mostly with his father, Bob. Still, Vivian Ridge remained an important figure in Steve’s life as his mother. Steve later became central to Bob’s legacy and faced legal battles after his father’s death regarding the use of Bob Ross’s name and brand. This showed how the family history of Bob, Steve, and Vivian continued to shape the painter’s story even decades later.
Bob Ross’s Later Marriages
After Vivian Ridge, Bob married Jane Ross in 1977. She was his partner until her death in 1992. Later, Bob married Lynda Brown in 1995, shortly before his own passing. These later marriages are well documented, but Vivian’s marriage was the first and foundational one. Without Vivian Ridge, Bob’s son Steve, who carried on his father’s talent, would not have been part of the world of painting.
Vivian Ridge’s Private Life
Unlike Bob, Vivian Ridge never appeared in front of cameras or gave interviews. Her decision to live privately means there is limited information about her later years. Some reports claim she died not long after her divorce, but these claims are not backed by official sources. What is certain is that she never became a public figure, and her legacy is tied mainly to being Bob Ross’s first wife and the mother of his son.
Importance of Vivian Ridge in Bob Ross’s Story
While the public mostly remembers Bob Ross, it is important to recognize Vivian Ridge as part of his personal journey. She was there before his fame, during his military service, and at the beginning of his painting career. Her role as Bob’s partner in the 1960s and 1970s shaped his early family life. Without her, Bob’s family story — especially through Steve — would look very different.
Legacy Through Steve Ross
Today, when people ask about Vivian Ridge, most are curious about her connection to Steve Ross. Steve has carried forward his father’s teaching, even appearing on The Joy of Painting. Through him, Vivian Ridge’s presence remains a key part of the Ross family legacy. Even though she avoided the public eye, her influence continues through her son, who touched many fans by keeping Bob’s art alive.
Why So Little Is Known About Vivian Ridge
One reason why Vivian Ridge remains mysterious is that she never stepped into fame. She lived during a time when records were not widely digitized, and since she kept a private life, journalists did not write much about her. Unlike Bob, who became an international star, Vivian seemed content to stay away from attention. This makes her a quiet but essential figure in Bob Ross’s history.
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Final Thoughts
The life of Vivian Ridge may not be fully documented, but her role in Bob Ross’s story is undeniable. She was his first wife, his partner during his early struggles, and the mother of his only son. Her presence, though less visible, shaped the family foundation on which Bob built his career. Remembering Vivian Ridge helps complete the picture of Bob Ross’s personal life, giving us a deeper understanding of the man behind the canvas.
FAQs
Q1: Who was Vivian Ridge?
A: Vivian Ridge was the first wife of Bob Ross and the mother of his son Steve Ross.
Q2: When did Vivian Ridge marry Bob Ross?
A: They married in the mid-1960s, often reported as 1965.
Q3: Did Vivian Ridge and Bob Ross have children?
A: Yes, they had one son, Robert Stephen “Steve” Ross, born in 1966.
Q4: When did Vivian Ridge and Bob Ross divorce?
A: They divorced in 1977, after about 12 years of marriage.
Q5: What happened to Vivian Ridge after the divorce?
A: Her later life remains private and not fully documented, as she stayed away from the public eye.
