Vivian Ridge is a name that many fans of Bob Ross might recognize, but very few know much about. As the first wife of the legendary painter, Vivian played a formative role in his early years before quietly stepping out of the spotlight. This article explores her life in depth from her background and personal story to her lasting legacy, despite living most of her life away from fame.
Quick Profile
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Vivian Patricia Ridge |
| Date of Birth | October 29, 1942 |
| Date of Death | May 3, 2018 |
| Height | Approx. 6 ft 2 in |
| Eye Color | Brown |
| Hair Color | Medium Brown |
| Spouse | Bob Ross (m. 1965–1977) |
| Child | Steve Ross |
| Nationality | American |
| Profession | Artist (private) |
| Social Media | None |
| Net Worth (Est.) | Around $1 million |
A Quiet Beginning
Vivian Patricia Ridge was born on October 29, 1942, in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. Growing up in the American South, she lived a quiet childhood far removed from the world of television stardom that she would later be indirectly connected to. Not much is publicly known about her early family life or parents, but sources suggest she had a conventional upbringing with a strong appreciation for education and the arts.
She later attended Wake Forest University, where she studied Art History. It was during this time that her artistic interests began to flourish. Her calm demeanor and quiet love for creativity made her well-liked by peers, and it was also during this time that she met a fellow student who would one day become a household name: Bob Ross.
Meeting Bob Ross and Starting a Family
Vivian Ridge and Bob Ross married in 1965, a pivotal year for both their personal lives and Ross’s future career. The couple initially lived a modest life, often relocating due to Ross’s career in the United States Air Force. Their marriage gave birth to Steve Ross, born on August 1, 1966. Steve would later follow in his father’s artistic footsteps and become a talented painter in his own right.
In the early years of their marriage, Vivian was a source of emotional support for Bob. She reportedly encouraged his passion for painting while balancing the duties of raising their son. However, despite their shared interests, cracks began to show in the relationship.
The Divorce and What Led to It
The marriage between Bob Ross and Vivian Ridge ended in divorce in 1977. According to several sources, including Ross’s later interviews and biographical references, the separation stemmed from personal differences and allegations of infidelity. As Ross’s career took off, he began spending more time away from home, which strained their relationship.
Vivian, who preferred a private and grounded life, found it difficult to adjust to the rising public attention and long absences. The divorce was handled quietly, with very few public statements or legal dramas. Vivian chose not to speak to the press, a decision that would define her later life one marked by intentional distance from the spotlight.
Life After the Divorce
Following the separation, Vivian Ridge disappeared from the public eye. Unlike many ex-spouses of public figures who choose to publish memoirs or appear in interviews, Vivian opted for a private and reclusive lifestyle. She did not remarry publicly, and there is little evidence suggesting any future romantic relationships.
Vivian focused on personal growth, spending her time painting, gardening, and nurturing a quiet life. She remained deeply connected to her son Steve and is believed to have played a role in his upbringing even after the divorce. While Bob Ross went on to achieve fame through his TV show The Joy of Painting, Vivian remained in the background, living away from the media frenzy.
The Final Years and Death
Vivian Ridge passed away on May 3, 2018, at the age of 76. Her death was not widely reported in mainstream media, in line with the way she lived her life quietly and respectfully distant from the fame that surrounded her ex-husband.
No public funeral or statements were made, and her resting place has not been officially disclosed. Even in death, Vivian Ridge maintained her desire for privacy. She left behind one son, Steve Ross, who has honored his parents in his own way through art.
Her Relationship With Steve Ross
Vivian’s only child, Steve Ross, is perhaps the most visible connection she has to the world of public art. Steve often spoke lovingly of his parents, and while most of the public knew him through his father’s television appearances, those close to the family suggest that Vivian was a strong maternal figure throughout his upbringing.
While Steve did not speak publicly about his mother often, it’s widely believed that she encouraged his early artistic endeavors just as she once did with Bob. Her commitment to a quiet life may have influenced Steve’s own decision to step away from the spotlight after his father’s death.
Physical Appearance and Personal Traits
According to limited records and family acquaintances, Vivian Ridge stood at approximately 6 feet 2 inches tall. She had warm brown eyes, medium brown hair, and a graceful presence that left an impression on those who knew her personally. Her features were often described as “soft but defined,” much like her personality calm, observant, and empathetic.
She was not active on social media and did not maintain a public profile. In fact, Vivian Ridge is one of the rare examples of someone who managed to live their life mostly out of the digital spotlight despite being connected to a world-famous figure.
Net Worth and Financial Life
Estimating Vivian Ridge’s net worth is difficult due to the lack of public documentation. Some online sources estimate her net worth to have been around $1 million, primarily tied to marital assets and potential inheritances. It is not believed that she benefited from Bob Ross Inc., as he remarried after their divorce and had different financial arrangements.
Nonetheless, Vivian Ridge lived comfortably and modestly, without signs of extravagant wealth or financial distress. Her lifestyle reflected her values: privacy, simplicity, and independence.
Legacy and Public Memory
Though her name is often only mentioned in passing, Vivian Ridge left behind a subtle legacy. She was the quiet supporter in Bob Ross’s early life and the nurturing mother to Steve Ross. Her choice to avoid public scrutiny and stay off the record made her a figure of gentle mystery in the narrative of Bob Ross.
Some fans of the painter express curiosity about her online, especially those interested in the personal side of Ross’s journey. Forums, Reddit threads, and fan blogs sometimes speculate about her influence or post old photos, but her legacy largely exists in private memories and family stories.
Conclusion
Vivian Ridge was not a celebrity, an influencer, or an author. She never sought fame or wealth and instead valued a life of privacy, family, and artistic expression. While she may always be remembered primarily as Bob Ross’s first wife, her story deserves recognition on its own terms.
Her decision to remain private, her role as a mother, and her quiet influence on two artists Bob and Steve Ross all form a portrait of a woman who shaped lives from behind the scenes. Where is Vivian Ridge now? She may be gone, but her presence still lingers in the brushstrokes of those she loved.
FAQs
Who was Vivian Ridge?
Vivian Ridge was the first wife of iconic painter Bob Ross and the mother of Steve Ross. She lived a private life away from public attention, even after her connection to a famous figure.
Did Vivian Ridge ever remarry after Bob Ross?
There’s no public record or credible source confirming that Vivian Ridge remarried following her divorce from Bob Ross in 1977.
What happened to Vivian Ridge after her divorce?
Vivian chose a reclusive lifestyle. She stayed out of the public eye and lived quietly until her death in 2018.
Was Vivian Ridge involved in Bob Ross’s art career?
While she wasn’t involved in his public success, Vivian supported Bob Ross during his early years and played a quiet but meaningful role during his formative artistic journey.
When did Vivian Ridge pass away?
Vivian Ridge died on May 3, 2018, at the age of 75. Her death was not widely reported, reflecting her lifelong preference for privacy.
