Vivian Ridge is a name that may not be immediately recognized by many, but for those familiar with the life of the beloved painter Bob Ross, she holds a special place in his personal history. As Bob Ross’s first wife, Vivian Ridge played a significant role during the early years of his life before he became the television icon known for his calm voice and famous show The Joy of Painting. While little public information exists about Vivian Ridge, her influence on Bob Ross’s early journey, career, and personal growth remains an interesting topic for those who wish to understand the man behind the easel.

Quick Bio

Attribute	Details
Full Name	Vivian Ridge
Known As	First wife of Bob Ross
Birthplace	United States
Nationality	American
Occupation	Not publicly known
Spouse	Bob Ross (married in 1965, divorced in 1977)
Children	One son, Robert Stephen “Steve” Ross
Known For	Being the first wife of painter and TV host Bob Ross
Years Active	Mid-20th century (known publicly during marriage to Ross)
Date of Death	Not publicly recorded

Early Life of Vivian Ridge

Vivian Ridge was born and raised in the United States, but much of her early life remains private and undocumented. During the mid-20th century, it was common for spouses of emerging artists or military personnel to live away from public attention, and Vivian followed that tradition. While her exact birth date and background are not publicly available, she was known for being a supportive and family-oriented woman during her marriage to Bob Ross. At the time of their relationship, Bob Ross was serving in the United States Air Force, and Vivian managed much of their domestic life while he pursued his duties.

Her role as a military spouse was not an easy one. Constant relocations, long working hours, and limited financial resources often defined the lives of couples like Vivian and Bob. Nonetheless, those early years shaped both of them in important ways. Vivian’s patience and support likely helped Ross focus on developing his early artistic interests while balancing the demands of military life.

Marriage to Bob Ross

Vivian Ridge and Bob Ross married in 1965, at a time when Bob was still a young man trying to find his path in life. Their union took place long before he became a television personality. Ross spent two decades in the U.S. Air Force, and much of their marriage coincided with this period. The couple faced the usual challenges of a military family—frequent moves, limited personal time, and financial constraints.

During these years, Bob Ross began experimenting with painting as a form of relaxation and creative expression. It is widely believed that Vivian’s encouragement helped him continue exploring his artistic abilities during this demanding time. Their shared experiences, both good and bad, laid the foundation for Ross’s later artistic approach—calm, patient, and reflective.

Their marriage produced one child, Robert Stephen “Steve” Ross, who would later become a painter himself and even appear alongside his father in episodes of The Joy of Painting. Steve’s artistic career and television presence are often seen as a living link between Bob Ross’s legacy and the private family life he shared with Vivian Ridge.

Life as a Military Spouse

Being a military wife meant that Vivian Ridge had to adapt to a lifestyle filled with uncertainty and long absences. Life on military bases was often demanding, and spouses had to take responsibility for maintaining stability at home. Vivian was known for her strength and adaptability during these years. She supported Bob emotionally while he worked long hours in the Air Force, often stationed in Alaska, where he first began painting landscapes inspired by the natural beauty around him.

This period was instrumental in shaping Bob Ross’s painting style. The snow-capped mountains, quiet lakes, and tranquil skies he saw during his Air Force years became recurring themes in his later art. While Vivian may not have been directly involved in painting, her presence and support undoubtedly played a role in encouraging Bob to continue exploring art as an outlet.

The Strains in Their Marriage

As time went on, the demands of military life and Bob Ross’s growing focus on painting began to put a strain on their marriage. Vivian Ridge and Bob Ross eventually divorced in 1977, after twelve years of marriage. The separation was not widely publicized, as Bob Ross had not yet achieved fame at that time. However, the divorce marked a turning point in both of their lives.

For Bob Ross, the end of the marriage coincided with his decision to retire from the military and pursue painting full-time. This career change would eventually lead to his fame as a television host and beloved artist. For Vivian, the divorce meant stepping away from public attention altogether. She lived a private life following their separation, and little is known about her later years.

Vivian Ridge’s Influence on Bob Ross

Though their marriage ended long before Bob Ross became a household name, it is impossible to ignore Vivian Ridge’s influence on his life and art. She was part of his formative years—the time when he discovered painting, developed his skills, and found emotional grounding. Her support during his military career allowed him to pursue art in his spare time, which later blossomed into his career.

It’s worth noting that Bob Ross’s calm and gentle demeanor, which became his trademark on television, was not just a product of his artistic philosophy but also a reflection of his early life experiences. The patience and understanding he likely developed during his years with Vivian may have contributed to the man he became later in life.

The Life of Their Son, Steve Ross

Vivian Ridge and Bob Ross had one child together—Steve Ross. Born in the late 1960s, Steve followed in his father’s footsteps as a painter and art instructor. He appeared in several episodes of The Joy of Painting, where fans admired his skill and resemblance to Bob. Steve’s involvement in the art world serves as a continuation of both his parents’ legacies.

Vivian’s influence as Steve’s mother also deserves acknowledgment. Though she stayed away from public life, she helped raise a son who carried forward the artistic spirit of the Ross family. Even though Steve has kept much of his personal life private, his occasional appearances in interviews and events about his father highlight the deep connection between art, family, and legacy.

Vivian Ridge After the Divorce

After her divorce from Bob Ross, Vivian Ridge chose to live privately and out of the spotlight. Unlike her ex-husband, who went on to achieve worldwide fame, Vivian seemed to prefer a quieter and more personal existence. There are no public records detailing her later life, career, or whether she remarried. Her name occasionally surfaces in discussions about Bob Ross’s early years, but beyond that, she remains an enigmatic figure.

This privacy has contributed to the mystery surrounding her. Fans of Bob Ross often express curiosity about the woman who once shared his life but respect her choice to stay away from fame. Vivian Ridge’s story reminds us that behind every public figure, there are people who play vital roles in shaping their journey, even if they choose to remain unseen.

Bob Ross’s Later Life and Remembrance

Following his divorce from Vivian Ridge, Bob Ross went on to marry Jane Ross, who passed away in 1992. He continued to build his art empire and became one of the most recognizable figures in television history. Yet, the early chapter with Vivian Ridge remains an important part of his story. It represents the foundation of his personal and professional development—a time before fame, when love, patience, and quiet ambition guided his path.

Bob Ross’s teachings on art often emphasized kindness, forgiveness, and gratitude—values that may have been influenced by his experiences during his first marriage. While Vivian Ridge may not be mentioned in his later public life, her presence is felt in the background of the story that shaped him.

Legacy of Vivian Ridge

Vivian Ridge’s legacy lies not in fame or public achievements, but in the influence she had on one of the most beloved artists of all time. Her role in Bob Ross’s early years, her contributions as a partner, and her devotion as a mother form an essential part of his life story. Although she remains largely anonymous in history, her story adds depth to the human experience behind the serene painter the world came to love.

Vivian’s choice to remain private ensures that her legacy is remembered not through controversy or publicity, but through respect and curiosity. For fans of Bob Ross, learning about Vivian Ridge is a way to understand the origins of his life, his inspiration, and the relationships that helped shape his art and character.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Who was Vivian Ridge?

• Vivian Ridge was the first wife of Bob Ross, the famous painter and television host of The Joy of Painting. She was part of his life during his early military years before he became famous.

2. When did Vivian Ridge marry Bob Ross?

• Vivian Ridge and Bob Ross married in 1965 and later divorced in 1977 after twelve years of marriage.

3. Did Vivian Ridge and Bob Ross have children?

• Yes, the couple had one son named Robert Stephen “Steve” Ross, who followed in his father’s footsteps as an artist.

4. What happened to Vivian Ridge after her divorce from Bob Ross?

• After the divorce, Vivian Ridge chose to live a private life away from the public eye. Little is known about her later years.

5. How did Vivian Ridge influence Bob Ross’s life and career?

• Vivian Ridge played an important role in Bob Ross’s early life, offering support during his time in the Air Force and helping him find stability while he developed his passion for painting.