The Quiet Figure Beside an Icon
In the colorful world of art, Bob Ross stands as a beloved icon, known for his soothing voice and “happy little trees.” Yet, behind many great figures are individuals whose stories remain largely in the shadows. Vivian Ridge, Bob Ross’s first wife, is one such person. While her name is intrinsically linked to the early life of the famed television painter, details about her own life, artistic endeavors, and experiences have remained somewhat elusive, painting a picture of a woman who preferred privacy over the limelight.
Early Life and Nascent Artistic Passion
Vivian Ridge was born on July 24, 1946, in Wake Forest, North Carolina. She reportedly developed an interest in art from a young age. This burgeoning passion led her to pursue higher education in the field, earning a degree in Art History from Wake Forest University. This academic background suggests a deep appreciation and understanding of art that likely shaped her perspective and perhaps her own artistic style.
A Life Intertwined: Marriage to Bob Ross and Family
Vivian Ridge and Bob Ross’s paths crossed, and they were married in 1965. Their union lasted for twelve years, a period during which Bob Ross was honing his skills and beginning the journey that would eventually lead to international fame. In 1966, they welcomed their only child, a son named Robert Stephen “Steve” Ross. Steve would later follow in his father’s artistic footsteps, becoming a painter and art instructor himself, sometimes even appearing on “The Joy of Painting.”
The circumstances of how Vivian and Bob met are not clearly documented, with varying accounts existing. However, their marriage coincided with a formative period in Bob Ross’s career, before he became the household name known for his PBS show.
Vivian’s Own Canvas: Artistic Contributions and Career
While often primarily identified through her marriage, Vivian Ridge was an artist in her own right. Several sources describe her as a talented painter with her own unique style. It’s plausible that her background in art history and her own artistic inclinations provided a supportive and understanding environment for Bob Ross’s ambitions.
Some narratives even suggest Vivian played a role in the co-creation of “The Joy of Painting” series. While the extent of her involvement isn’t widely publicized, the idea that she contributed to the foundational aspects of such an influential show adds another layer to her story. After her divorce, some sources indicate she pursued a career in real estate, showcasing a different facet of her professional life.
“Vivian Ridge was more than just the first wife of the beloved painter and television host Bob Ross; she was a talented painter and art teacher in her own right.”
The End of a Chapter: Divorce and Later Years
Vivian Ridge and Bob Ross divorced in 1977. The reasons for their separation are often cited as “irreconcilable differences,” with some reports mentioning allegations of infidelity on Bob Ross’s part. Following the divorce, Vivian largely retreated from the public eye, choosing a life of privacy. Their son, Steve, initially lived with her.
Information regarding Vivian Ridge’s passing is varied. Some earlier accounts suggested she died in the late 1980s or shortly after her divorce. However, more recent reports state that Vivian Ridge passed away in 2018, possibly after a battle with cancer. This discrepancy contributes to the air of mystery surrounding her later life.
Legacy and Lingering Questions
Vivian Ridge’s legacy is multifaceted. She was the first partner to Bob Ross during a crucial developmental period in his life and career, and the mother to his son, Steve, who carries on the family’s artistic tradition. Her own identity as an artist, though less celebrated publicly, forms an important part of her narrative.
The enduring interest in Vivian Ridge speaks to the public’s fascination with the personal lives behind public figures, and a desire to understand the complete picture. While she chose a private life, the fragments of information available paint a portrait of a woman with her own artistic sensibilities who played a significant, if quiet, role in a story much larger than her own.
Motherhood: Nurturing Another Artist
Vivian’s influence extended beyond her marriage to Bob Ross. As the mother of Steve Ross, she helped nurture another talented artist. Born on August 1, 1966, Steve spent his early years with both parents before their divorce. After Vivian’s passing, Steve lived with his father and developed a deeper interest in painting.
Steve has often spoken about learning from both his parents, suggesting that Vivian’s artistic perspective influenced his development alongside his father’s more famous techniques. Today, Steve continues the Ross legacy as a certified painting instructor and artist, teaching the wet-on-wet technique his father popularized.
Remembering Vivian Ridge
Vivian Ridge remains a figure of quiet dignity in the vibrant narrative of Bob Ross. As an artist, a mother, and the first wife of a cultural icon, her life, though not lived in the glare of publicity, holds its own significance. Understanding her story offers a more complete appreciation of the foundations from which “The Joy of Painting” and the Bob Ross phenomenon emerged, reminding us that even the most celebrated artists often stand on the shoulders of those who supported their early endeavors.
Though much about Vivian Ridge remains unknown, her influence on both Bob Ross’s early artistic journey and their son’s development as an artist ensures her place in the broader story of American art education and television history. In remembering Vivian Ridge, we acknowledge the often unseen figures who help shape the creative journeys that captivate our collective imagination.