Bob Ross touched the hearts of millions of people through his soft voice, calm strokes of the brush and his famous happy little trees. Nevertheless, there was a woman behind his success who helped in his development. That was Vivian Ridge, the first wife to Bob Ross. Little is known of her, but she was an important person in his personal and artistic life.
Curious to know about her? We shall discuss the age, height, family, children, divorce of Vivian Ridge, and the post-divorce of Bob Ross.
Who Is Vivian Ridge?
Vivian Patricia Ridge was Bob Ross’ first wife. They got married in 1965 and remained together approximately 12 years divorcing in 1977. At this period, Bob was still developing his career, as well as his artistic style. Vivian was also enthusiastic about art and she frequently painted with him.
What Was Vivian Ridge’s Height & Appearance?
Vivian Ridge was 6 feet 2 inches tall with a thin physique. Her eyes were warm brown and her demeanour gracious. Although she did not desire to be known publicly, she was remembered to be elegant, tender and creative.
What Was Vivian Ridge’s Early Life Like?
Vivian grew up in a small town and she had interests in art since early childhood. She was encouraged by her parents to draw and paint and also to study nature throughout most of her childhood.
Later, she studied art history at the Wake Forest University, which she developed even more in terms of appreciating creativity. Her academic background in art helped her connect with Bob Ross when they met and eventually married.
How Did Vivian Ridge & Bob Ross Meet?
Their initial encounter is confidential, though the majority of sources indicate that they got to know each other when Vivian was still a student. They got married in 1965, when nobody knew of Bob. They were married until 1977 when Bob moved out of the military to become a full-time painter.
Did Vivian Ridge & Bob Ross Have Children?
Bob and Vivian had a son, and he was named Robert Stephen “Steve” Ross. He was born on August 1, 1966. Similar to his father, Steve was a painter as well, and featured in the Joy of Painting, where he was reported to have been found with artistic abilities. During his early years after the divorce, Steve stayed with his mother and subsequently learn how to paint with Bob Ross.
Why Did Vivian Ridge & Bob Ross Divorce?
The couple divorced in 1977 after more than a decade of marriage. Reports suggest the split was due to irreconcilable differences, and some sources hint at Bob Ross’ infidelity.
Whatever the reason, the divorce marked the end of their marriage but not the end of Vivian’s influence. She had been part of Bob’s most formative years and the mother of his only child.
How Many Marriages Did Bob Ross Have?
Bob Ross married three times.
- Vivian Ridge (1965–1977) was his first wife and the mother of Steve Ross.
- Jane Zanardelli (1977–1992) was his second wife. She helped him grow his business empire but sadly died of cancer in 1992.
- Lynda Brown (1995) was his third wife. They married shortly before Bob’s own death from lymphoma in 1995.
Where Did Vivian Ridge Go After Her Divorce?
After separating from Bob, Vivian chose a quiet life. She returned to Winston-Salem, North Carolina, where she lived until her death.
Did Vivian Ridge Remarry?
There is no record of Vivian marrying again. She stayed private and focused on her personal interests.
Where Did She Live After the Divorce?
Later in life, she lived most of her life in North Carolina and was not in the limelight.
How was Her Life in Her Later Years?
Vivian had a fondness for painting, gardening, reading and cooking. She loved to spend time outdoors and used to walk in nature. Friends and family remembered her as creative, kind and a warm person.
Is Vivian Ridge Still Alive?
No. Vivian Ridge was killed on May 3, 2018, at the age of 79. She is said to have died following a battle against cancer. The media did not really notice her death and this was a reflection of the personal life that she had chosen to live.
In Nutshell
Vivian Ridge was not only the first wife of Bob Ross. She was an artist, a mother and a softening force that influenced a part of Bob’s life. In 1977, their marriage came to an end, but her contribution to the upbringing of Steve Ross and helping Bob during his early years is substantial.
She passed away in 2018, but her legacy lives on through art, family, and the quiet influence she had on one of the most iconic painters in history. The best part? Her life story helps us see better the man behind the brush and the woman who had at one time stood beside him.