Vivian Ridge discovered her passion for painting when she was just 12 years old. Her name would later become associated with one of America’s most beloved art instructors. She was born in North Carolina during the mid-1940s and showed artistic talent early in life. Her passion led her to pursue an art history degree at Wake Forest University.
Life took an interesting turn when she met Bob Ross during her university years. Bob would later gain fame through his “happy little trees” and calming painting tutorials. Their connection deepened quickly, and Vivian became Bob Ross’s wife in 1965. The couple welcomed their son, Robert Stephen “Steve” Ross, in 1966[-4]. Their marriage lasted 12 years before they divorced in 1977[-4]. Vivian stayed away from public attention for many years until her death in May 2018 at around 71 years old. She left behind an untold story that helped shape the early life of a painting icon.
Early Life and Education
Childhood in North Carolina
Vivian Ridge was born in North Carolina during the mid-1940s. Records show her birth date as either July 2 or July 24, 1946. Most sources point to Winston-Salem as her birthplace, though some mention Wake Forest. Public records don’t reveal much about her family, but evidence suggests she grew up in a supportive home where her creative interests flourished.
The post-war atmosphere of North Carolina shaped Vivian’s early years during the late 1940s and early 1950s. She developed her artistic sensibilities in this southern setting, though details about her early schooling remain private. Mid-century North Carolina’s rich traditions in folk art and crafts helped shape her artistic viewpoint.
Studying Art History at Wake Forest University
Vivian made a choice that would shape her artistic path – she enrolled at Wake Forest University. She chose to study art history instead of studio art, which showed her desire to understand both creating art and its historical importance.
Her time at Wake Forest let her learn about artistic movements, techniques, and their cultural impact throughout history. This knowledge base went beyond just making art and would later help her own work and her ability to guide others.
The university opened new doors for Vivian’s creativity and showed her different viewpoints and methods. She earned her art history degree, adding formal training to her natural abilities and love for art. This education set her apart from other self-taught artists of her time and showed how serious she was about her craft.
Early interest in painting
Vivian’s love for art started well before college. She picked up her first paintbrush at age twelve and started learning about her creative talents. What began as a hobby quickly became central to her life. Her earliest works, though not well-documented, built the foundation for her lifelong connection with art.
Vivian stood out because she had:
- A natural talent for visual expression that showed up in childhood
- A dedicated practice starting in her youth
- A mix of natural skill and learned technique
Her dedication to painting grew stronger through her teenage years. She moved beyond casual interest to serious practice. This early commitment to art later combined with her deep knowledge of art history, creating a complete approach to creativity.
By the time she finished college, Vivian had built both hands-on skills and theoretical understanding. This combination gave her a unique place in the art world and led to her connection with Bob Ross. Her foundation of artistic passion and education became her identity, separate from her later work with the famous painter.
Marriage to Bob Ross
How Vivian Ridge and Bob Ross met
Bob Ross and Vivian Ridge’s first meeting remains a mystery, with different stories in historical records. Some sources say they first saw each other in 1961 at WQED-TV in Pittsburgh. Vivian led production while Bob worked on the creative staff. Other stories suggest they were college sweethearts who met during Vivian’s time at Wake Forest University.
Their wedding in 1965
The couple tied the knot in 1965, whatever the way they first met. They started their life together and welcomed their son Robert Stephen “Steve” Ross on August 1, 1966. Steve ended up walking in his father’s artistic path. He appeared on his father’s popular show The Joy of Painting and became a certified painting instructor.
Life as a military spouse
Vivian stood by Bob through his military service years. Bob joined the United States Air Force at age 18 in 1961. He started as a medical records technician. His career grew steadily and he ended up as master sergeant at the Eielson Air Force Base in Alaska. Bob discovered his passion for painting during this 20-year military career when he took an art class.
Vivian’s support during Bob’s early painting years
Vivian’s art history background helped shape Bob’s growing artistic career. She backed her husband’s creative journey and sometimes added her own sketches or paintings during broadcasts. The public saw them as a perfect couple when they appeared in shows together.
The marriage lasted twelve years until their divorce in 1977. Many sources point to Bob’s alleged unfaithfulness as the biggest reason for their split. Bob later married Jane Lee Zanardelli, while Vivian lived apart with their son.
Motherhood and Family Life
Birth of Steve Ross
Robert Stephen “Steve” Ross joined the Ross family on August 1, 1966, just a year after Vivian Ridge’s wedding. This new chapter made Vivian a mother and added another member to their growing household. Bob already had a child from his teenage years, making Steve his second son.
Vivian’s role in Steve’s artistic development
Vivian’s background in art history proved vital in encouraging Steve’s artistic talents, even after the couple separated. Her knowledge blended perfectly with Bob’s hands-on techniques. Steve thrived in this creative environment and sold his first painting at age 12.
The young artist ended up following his father’s path and became a certified painting instructor in the wet-on-wet technique. Bob’s pride showed through during The Joy of Painting episodes where Steve made appearances, as he often mentioned his son’s artistic abilities.
Balancing art and parenting
Vivian managed to keep her artistic passion while raising Steve. Her world revolved around family life and creative activities. The household naturally nurtured creativity and artistic expression.
The period after their 1977 divorce leaves some questions about Steve’s living situation. Some sources say he lived with Vivian until she died, while others point to Bob having full custody. Whatever the arrangement, both parents shaped his artistic journey significantly.
Divorce and Life After Separation
Reasons behind the divorce
Vivian Ridge and Bob Ross ended their 12-year marriage in 1977. The official documents cite “irreconcilable differences” as the reason they split up. Bob’s alleged unfaithfulness turned out to be one of the most important factors in their separation. Their relationship became strained when Bob’s art career took off and he spent less time at home.
Vivian’s life post-divorce
Vivian chose to step away from the spotlight after they split up. She moved to North Carolina and we focused on raising their son. She never tried to profit from her connection to Bob through interviews or books. She managed to keep a quiet life filled with painting, gardening and family. Reports hint at her possible work in real estate, though details about her career remain limited.
Her passing in 2018
Vivian Ridge died on May 3, 2018, when she was about 75 years old. She kept her fight with cancer private until the very end. News outlets barely covered her death, which matched how she lived her life after the divorce.
Public vs. private life choices
Vivian chose a quiet life away from fame while Bob became a TV star. She stayed away from “The Joy of Painting” and never took part in any public events tied to her ex-husband’s growing fame. Their different approaches to public life express Vivian’s deep need for privacy. She stayed true to her private nature even in death – there was no public funeral or announcements.
Conclusion
Vivian Ridge’s connection to one of America’s most beloved painters remains mostly unknown. Her passion for art started at age twelve and led her to study at Wake Forest University. This artistic background without doubt shaped the home she shared with Bob Ross during their twelve-year marriage.
Their relationship ended up dissolving in 1977, but Vivian’s influence on Bob’s early artistic growth was vital. She raised their son Steve, who later picked up on his father’s artistic path. Bob embraced television fame, while Vivian thought over her choice and stayed anonymous after their separation. She moved to North Carolina and lived a quiet life until she passed away in 2018.
Bob’s public image and Vivian’s private life showed two completely different ways of living. Bob’s name became famous through “The Joy of Painting” while Vivian managed to keep her privacy even as her ex-husband’s fame grew. Much of her story still remains untold.
Vivian Ridge’s story represents a vital but often forgotten chapter in an American cultural icon’s life. Her art history background, support during Bob’s military service, and influence on their son’s artistic path all helped create the Bob Ross phenomenon that millions came to love. Her life shows that many unrecognized people stand behind public figures and shape their success.
FAQs
Q1. Who was Vivian Ridge? Vivian Ridge was Bob Ross’s first wife and an artist in her own right. She studied art history at Wake Forest University and began painting at the age of 12. Vivian played a significant role in Bob Ross’s early artistic development and in raising their son, Steve Ross.
Q2. How long were Bob Ross and Vivian Ridge married? Bob Ross and Vivian Ridge were married for 12 years, from 1965 to 1977. They met in the early 1960s and divorced due to reported irreconcilable differences.
Q3. Did Vivian Ridge have any involvement in Bob Ross’s television career? Unlike Bob Ross, who became famous through his television show “The Joy of Painting,” Vivian Ridge chose to maintain a private life after their divorce. She did not appear on the show or participate in public programs related to her ex-husband’s growing celebrity status.
Q4. What happened to Vivian Ridge after her divorce from Bob Ross? After the divorce, Vivian Ridge retreated from public life and moved to North Carolina. She focused on raising their son and continued to pursue her passion for painting and gardening. She lived a quiet life until her passing in 2018.
Q5. Did Vivian Ridge and Bob Ross have any children together? Yes, Vivian Ridge and Bob Ross had one son together, Robert Stephen “Steve” Ross, born on August 1, 1966. Steve followed in his father’s footsteps, becoming a certified painting instructor and occasionally appearing on “The Joy of Painting.”
