Vivian Ridge, known as the first wife of the iconic painter and art instructor Bob Ross, played a significant role in the life and career of the “happy little trees” artist.
Moreover, in spite of her contributions and personal connections, her life story remains relatively underexplored compared to Bob Ross’s immense fame.
Here’s everything we know about Vivian Ridge, including her family background, marriage to Bob Ross, and life after their separation.
Family Background and Early Life
Vivian Ridge was born on July 2, 1946, in Wake Forest, Winston-Salem, North Carolina, USA.
She was of Caucasian ethnicity and grew up in a modest family, a Christian-devoted hike at that.
While details about her parents and siblings are scarce, it is known that Vivian displayed a passion for art early in her life.
At the age of 12, she began painting as a hobby, an interest that would later intersect with the life of Bob Ross, whom she would marry.
Vivian pursued formal education in art and graduated from Wake Forest University with a degree in Art History.
Her academic foundation and personal passion for art contributed to her influence in the artistic endeavors of her family and the prominence of the home curtains.
Marriage to Bob Ross
Vivian Ridge married Bob Ross in 1969. At the time, Bob Ross was transitioning from his early career in the United States Air Force, where he served as a medical records technician, to exploring his talent for painting.
The couple had one child, Robert Stephen “Steve” Ross, born on August 1, 1966.
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Steve followed in his father’s footsteps and became a certified painting instructor, specializing in the wet-on-wet technique, which has taken him to the next level of painting and is seen as a role model and motivation to many others looking to operate in the field.
He is seen as just a carbon copy of his father, which is a great act to inherit, and it has helped him hit a great milestone.
The Joy of Painting
Although not as publicly involved, Vivian Ridge supported Bob Ross in the development of “The Joy of Painting,” the PBS show that ran from 1984 to 1994 and made Bob a household name.
While Bob’s gentle demeanor and artistic skills captured audiences, Vivian provided a supportive foundation during the early years of his career.
Challenges in Their Marriage
The marriage between Vivian and Bob Ross faced significant challenges.
Reports suggest that Bob’s extramarital affairs played a role in the couple’s separation.
Their marriage ended in divorce after more than a decade together, marking a turning point in both their lives.
After the divorce, Vivian lived separately from Bob, and their son Steve primarily stayed with his father.
Despite the separation, Vivian remained a pivotal figure in Steve’s upbringing and artistic journey.
Life After Divorce
Post-divorce, Vivian Ridge led a relatively private life. Unlike her former husband, who remained in the public eye until his untimely death in 1995 due to complications from lymphoma, Vivian chose to stay away from the media spotlight.
She passed away on May 3, 2018, at the age of 79, after battling cancer.
Her contributions to art and her family’s artistic legacy are often overshadowed by the fame of her ex-husband, but those who knew her remember her as a gentle, talented individual with a passion for creativity.
Career and Influence
While Vivian’s career as an artist did not gain the same level of recognition as Bob Ross’s, she was known for her beautiful paintings that often depicted serene natural scenes.
Her early interest in art and education in art history played a crucial role in shaping her understanding and appreciation of painting.
Vivian occasionally painted alongside Bob and contributed to fostering a love for art in their family.
After their separation, she did not pursue a public career but left behind a legacy of creativity and inspiration for her son and others close to her.
Vivian Ridge Net Worth
Vivian Ridge’s net worth remains undisclosed. As a private individual, she did not amass the kind of wealth or fame her husband achieved.
Bob Ross, on the other hand, built a successful empire from his art, with an estimated net worth of several million dollars at the time of his death, largely due to his PBS show and the subsequent merchandising of his art supplies and instructional materials.
Legacy
While Vivian Ridge’s life was relatively quiet compared to Bob Ross’s public persona, her role as his first wife and the mother of their son, Steve Ross, ensures her place in the story of one of the most beloved painters in history.
Her contributions to art and family, though understated, continue to be appreciated by those who remember her.
Conclusion
Vivian Ridge lived a life intertwined with art and family, sharing an important chapter with Bob Ross during the formative years of his career.
Although she chose to stay out of the public eye, her influence and support were instrumental in Bob’s journey to becoming a cultural icon.
Her legacy lives on through her son, Steve Ross, and the countless lives touched by her family’s passion for painting.