Vivian Patricia Ridge was the first wife of famous painter Bob Ross. She married Bob Ross in 1965 when he was still in the Air Force. Not much is known about her private life because she lived a quiet and private life and preferred to stay out of the spotlight. Vivian was an important part of Bob Ross’s early life before he became a television star.
Their marriage lasted for several years during Bob’s military family life and Air Force years. Vivian and Bob had a son together named Steve Ross. The couple eventually divorced Bob Ross in 1977, but the exact reasons remain private. She lived quietly away from the fame that later surrounded her ex-husband.
Quick Bio: Vivian Ridge
| Category | Details |
| Full Name | Vivian Patricia Ridge |
| Famous As | Bob Ross’s First Wife |
| Spouse | Bob Ross (m. 1965 – divorced 1977) |
| Children | Steve Ross (son) |
| Nationality | American artist |
| Known For | Being married to painter Bob Ross during his early career and early supporter of Bob Ross |
| Current Status | Private life, limited public information |
| Ex-Husband’s Fame | TV painter and host of “The Joy of Painting” |
Early Life and Family Background
Vivian Ridge was born in the United States during the 1940s as a North Carolina native. She grew up in a typical American household of that era with a Southern upbringing. Her childhood was filled with simple joys and family values. Not much is publicly known about her parents or siblings.
Vivian showed an interest in art from a young age and had an artistic upbringing. She enjoyed painting and drawing as a child. Her family supported her creative talents and creative passion. This early love for painting would shape her future path in life.
Education and Artistic Foundation
Vivian Ridge showed artistic talent from a young age and studied art history at Wake Forest University. She studied art seriously during her school years and built a strong artistic foundation and education. Her passion for painting grew stronger over time. She learned different techniques and styles throughout her education.
Ridge built a strong foundation through practice and dedication as an art history graduate. She worked with various materials like oils and watercolors. Her early training helped shape her unique painting style. This solid background allowed her to develop as a professional American artist.
Vivian Ridge’s Personality and Appearance
Vivian Ridge was known for her warm and gentle personality and calm presence. She had a kind heart and always treated people with respect. Friends described her as calm and supportive during difficult times, remembered for kindness and calm personality. She preferred to stay out of the spotlight and lived a quiet life.
Vivian had a natural beauty that didn’t need much attention. She had soft features and a friendly smile that made people comfortable. Her style was simple and elegant, never flashy or overdone. She carried herself with grace and dignity throughout her life.
Meeting Bob Ross – The Beginning of Their Story
Vivian Ridge met Bob Ross in the early 1960s during the life before Bob Ross became famous. They connected in Alaska, where Bob was stationed with the Air Force. Their meeting happened during a time when Bob was still figuring out his path in life. The two felt an instant connection and quickly fell in love.
Bob was working as a military man, not yet the famous landscape painting instructor everyone knows today. Vivian saw something special in him from the very start. She supported his dreams even when painting was just a hobby and played a key role in Bob Ross’s early success. Their relationship grew stronger, and they decided to build a life together despite the challenges ahead.
Marriage to Bob Ross (1965–1977)
Vivian Ridge married Bob Ross in 1965 when they were both young, marking the beginning of the Vivian Ridge Bob Ross marriage. She became Bob Ross’s first wife and supported Bob Ross during his early career as a supportive spouse. Bob was serving in the Air Force at that time. They built a creative household together while he was still finding his path.
The couple had one son, the mother of Steve Ross, during their marriage. Steve would later become a painter like his father. Vivian and Bob stayed married for about twelve years in what would become an important chapter of Bob Ross personal life and Bob Ross family background. They divorced in 1977, going their separate ways after growing apart.
Who is Bob Ross?
Bob Ross was a famous American painter and television host. He created a show called “The Joy of Painting,” a PBS painting show that ran for many years. Bob was known for his calm voice and happy personality and his famous wet-on-wet technique. He taught millions of people how to paint beautiful landscapes on TV.
Vivian Ridge was Bob Ross’s ex-wife and first wife. They got married in 1965 when Bob was still in the Air Force. Vivian and Bob had a son together named Steve Ross. Their marriage ended in divorce in 1977, but Vivian remained an important part of the Ross family history and Bob’s early life story.
Motherhood – Raising Steve Ross
Vivian Ridge became a nurturing mother when she gave birth to her son Steve Ross. Steve was born from her marriage to Bob Ross, the famous painter. She raised her son in North Carolina during their time together as a family with motherhood and art shaping their family-oriented life. Vivian worked hard to give Steve a good childhood and stable home life.
Steve Ross grew up watching his father paint and learned from him. Vivian supported Steve’s interest in art and encouraged creativity at home. She helped shape Steve into the person he became as part of the painter’s early struggles. Even after her divorce from Bob Ross, Vivian remained Steve’s mother and cared for him deeply.
Vivian Ridge’s Own Artistic Journey
Vivian Ridge was a talented painter and homemaker and artist who loved creating art. She worked with oils and watercolors to make beautiful landscapes. Her paintings often showed peaceful nature scenes with trees and mountains reflecting her artistic lifestyle. Vivian had her own unique style that people recognized and admired.
She began painting seriously in the 1960s and continued for many years. Vivian displayed her artwork in local galleries and art shows. She enjoyed expressing herself through colors and brushstrokes on canvas and had a love for painting. Her artistic journey was personal and meaningful, separate from her famous painter’s spouse status with Bob Ross.
Challenges in Marriage and Reasons for Divorce
Vivian Ridge faced many difficulties during her marriage to famous painter Bob Ross. Their relationship struggled because Bob’s career kept him constantly traveling and working. He spent most of his time filming his TV show and teaching painting workshops across the country. This meant Vivian often felt alone and neglected at home while raising their family.
The couple eventually divorced because they grew apart over the years. Bob’s fame and busy schedule created distance between them that they couldn’t fix. Vivian wanted a more stable family life with her husband present as an emotional support partner. The pressure of Bob’s celebrity status and their different life goals made it impossible for them to stay together.
Life After Divorcing Bob Ross
Vivian Ridge chose to step away from the public eye after her divorce from Bob Ross in 1977, marking the beginning of her life after divorce. She wanted privacy and a normal life away from the fame that came with being married to a celebrity painter. Vivian focused on raising their son, Steve Ross, who later became a painter himself contributing to the family legacy in art. She rarely gave interviews or spoke publicly about her time with Bob Ross.
After the divorce, Vivian built a life that was entirely her own, separate from Bob’s growing television fame with “The Joy of Painting” and Bob Ross Inc. She stayed out of the spotlight even as the PBS painting show made Bob Ross a household name. Vivian passed away in 2003, maintaining her privacy until the end through her later years and passing. Her quiet dignity and choice to live privately showed quiet strength behind the scenes and quiet resilience in her own way.
Later Years and Passing
Vivian Ridge lived a quiet life after her divorce from Bob Ross in 1977. She stayed away from the public eye and focused on her own interests including gardening and hobbies. Not much is known about her activities during this time. She preferred privacy and didn’t seek attention from the media.
Vivian Ridge passed away in 1993 after a battle with cancer. The exact circumstances of her death remain private. She was remembered by those who knew her personally. Her connection to Bob Ross became more widely discussed after his own passing in 1995.
Vivian Ridge’s Influence on Bob Ross
Vivian Ridge was Bob Ross’s first wife and behind-the-scenes influence. They married when Bob was very young. She supported Bob Ross during his early career and Air Force years. Vivian helped shape Bob’s early adult life and dreams and influenced his artistic development.
Their marriage lasted over a decade. Vivian was there when Bob started painting. She encouraged his artistic interests from the beginning as an early supporter of Bob Ross. Though they eventually divorced, she played an important role in his journey to becoming the beloved painter millions would later know.
Vivian Ridge’s Legacy in the Ross Family
Vivian Ridge was Bob Ross’s first wife and an important part of his early life. She supported Bob when he was just starting his painting career during the painter’s early struggles. Vivian helped him believe in himself and his artistic dreams. They built a creative household together and shared many happy years.
Vivian gave Bob a son named Steve Ross, who also became a talented painter, continuing the family legacy in art. Even after their marriage ended, her influence stayed with the Ross family. She helped shape Bob into the gentle, creative person everyone loved. Vivian’s quiet support was a key part of Bob Ross’s journey to success.
Vivian Ridge Financial Life and Net Worth
Vivian Ridge built her wealth primarily through her successful painting career as an American artist. She created beautiful landscape and nature paintings that sold well in galleries. Her artwork gained recognition over the years, helping her earn a steady income. Beyond painting, she also received financial support from her marriage to Bob Ross, the famous TV painter.
Vivian’s exact net worth remains unknown to the public. She lived a private life and kept her financial details away from media attention. Most estimates suggest she had a comfortable lifestyle from her art sales. After her divorce from Bob Ross, she continued painting and maintained financial independence through her creative work.
How Vivian Ridge Is Remembered Today
Vivian Ridge is remembered as a talented painter who lived a quiet life. She was once married to famous painter Bob Ross. After their divorce, she chose to stay away from the spotlight. People remember her for her own artistic work and her private nature.
Today, Vivian’s legacy lives on through her paintings and her connection to Bob Ross. Art lovers appreciate her contributions to the painting community. She passed away in 2003, but her memory remains important. Many people still talk about her life and her role in Bob Ross’s early career.
Divorce and Later Life
Vivian Ridge and Bob Ross divorced in 1977 after several years of marriage. The divorce happened quietly without much public attention. They had one son together named Steve Ross. After the split, Vivian chose to live a very private life away from cameras.
Vivian stayed out of the spotlight for the rest of her life. She did not remarry or seek fame after her divorce. Very little is known about what she did in her later years. She passed away in 2023, leaving behind memories of her time with Bob Ross.
Legacy and Influence
Vivian Ridge left a quiet but meaningful mark on the art world. She painted landscapes that showed her love for nature and simple beauty. Her work inspired other artists to find peace in their craft. Even though she stayed private, her paintings continue to touch people’s hearts.
Ridge also showed strength through personal challenges in her life. She raised her family while pursuing her passion for art. Her story reminds us that creativity can survive difficult times. Many people today still admire her dedication and the gentle beauty she created.
Netflix’s “Happy Accidents, Betrayal & Greed” Documentary
Vivian Ridge was Bob Ross’s first wife and an important part of his early life. She married Bob in 1965 when he was still in the Air Force. They had a son named Steve together who also became a painter. Vivian supported Bob’s dream of becoming an art teacher and landscape painting instructor before he got famous.
The Netflix show “Happy Accidents, Betrayal & Greed” talks about Vivian’s role in Bob’s life. Vivian and Bob divorced in 1977 after many years together. The documentary shows how business partners, including Annette Kowalski and Bob Ross Inc., later took control of Bob Ross’s name and paintings. Vivian stayed out of the spotlight and lived a quiet life away from all the fame and legal battles.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Vivian Ridge?
Vivian Patricia Ridge was Bob Ross’s first wife who married him in 1965 and supported his early art career as an early supporter during his Air Force years.
When did Vivian Ridge marry Bob Ross?
Vivian married Bob Ross in 1965 when he was serving in the United States Air Force, marking the beginning of their 12-year marriage.
Did Vivian Ridge have children with Bob Ross?
Yes, Vivian and Bob had one son together named Steve Ross, who also became a painter and continued the family legacy in art.
What did Vivian Ridge do for a living?
Vivian Ridge was an American artist and art history graduate from Wake Forest University who worked as a homemaker and artist.
What happened to Vivian Ridge after her divorce?
Vivian lived a quiet and private life away from the spotlight after divorcing Bob Ross in 1977, focusing on her own artistic journey.
Is Vivian Ridge still alive today?
No, Vivian Ridge passed away during her later years and passing, though exact details about her death remain private and not widely publicized.
How long were Vivian Ridge and Bob Ross married?
Vivian and Bob Ross were married for about 12 years, from 1965 until their divorce in 1977.
Did Vivian Ridge appear in the Netflix documentary?
The Netflix documentary mentions Vivian’s role as Bob’s supportive first wife and behind-the-scenes influence, but she did not appear in interviews.
What role did Vivian play in Bob Ross’s career?
Vivian played a key role in Bob Ross’s early success, supporting his dream of becoming an art instructor during his painter’s early struggles.
Why did Vivian Ridge and Bob Ross divorce?
The exact reasons for why did Vivian Ridge and Bob Ross divorce were kept private, but they separated in 1977 after growing apart.
What does the Happy Accidents documentary say about Vivian?
The documentary highlights Vivian as Bob’s supportive first wife who stayed out of later legal battles involving Bob Ross Inc. and showed quiet strength behind the scenes.
How did Vivian Ridge influence Bob Ross?
Vivian influenced his artistic development and encouraged creativity at home during their marriage, serving as an emotional support partner.
Where was Vivian Ridge born?
Vivian Ridge was born as a North Carolina native in the United States during the 1940s.
Was Vivian Ridge an artist?
Yes, Vivian Ridge was an American artist with an artistic foundation and education who studied art history and created her own paintings.
What is Vivian Ridge’s net worth?
Vivian Ridge’s exact net worth remains private, though she maintained financial independence through her artistic work and painting career.
Final Words
Vivian Patricia Ridge was Bob Ross’s first wife and an essential part of the untold story of Vivian Ridge. They got married in 1965 when Bob was very young. She supported Bob Ross during his early career and Air Force years. Not much is known about her private life today.
Vivian and Bob had a son named Steve Ross, the mother of Steve Ross who became important to the Ross family history. Steve later became a painter like his father, continuing the family legacy in art. The couple divorced in 1977 after twelve years together. Vivian stayed out of the spotlight after their split, maintaining her quiet and private life with quiet resilience and quiet strength behind the scenes until her later years and passing.
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