Vivian Ridge: The Untold Story Of Bob Ross's First Wife

Who was the woman behind the man who taught the world to paint "happy little trees"? Vivian Ridge, the first wife of the iconic Bob Ross, remains a figure largely obscured by time, yet her influence on the beloved artist's life and career is undeniable.

The name Bob Ross evokes images of serene landscapes, gentle instruction, and a soothing voice guiding viewers through the simple joys of painting. His impact on the art world and popular culture is undeniable. But the life of Bob Ross was not a solo endeavor. Behind the scenes, in the formative years of his career, stood Vivian Ridge, a woman who remains, in many ways, an enigma. Her story, though less documented than that of her famous husband, offers a fascinating glimpse into the personal life of a man who brought so much joy to others.

Vivian Ridge entered Bob Ross's life during their time at Wake Forest University, forging a connection that would shape not only their personal destinies but also, indirectly, the artistic legacy of one of the most recognizable figures in television history. Their marriage in 1965 marked the beginning of a journey together, a partnership that would, like all human relationships, experience its share of joys, challenges, and ultimately, change.

• Bryson Graham Redding Ca

Full Name	Vivian Ridge
Date of Birth	October 29, 1942 (Other sources state July 2, 1946)
Place of Birth	Wake Forest, North Carolina, USA
Nationality	American
Known For	First wife of Bob Ross, mother of Steven Ross
Marital Status	Divorced (Bob Ross)
Children	Robert Stephen "Steve" Ross
Relationship with Bob Ross	Married in 1965, Divorced in 1977
Legacy	A figure of mystery, but her connection to Bob Ross is undeniable.

Reference: IMDB

The union of Bob Ross and Vivian Ridge in 1965 brought into the world their son, Robert Stephen Ross, affectionately known as Steve. Like his father, Steve possessed a talent for painting, and he even appeared in the final episode of "The Joy of Painting," a poignant moment that connected the past, present, and future of the Ross artistic legacy. Steve's presence on the show was a testament to the family's shared passion, a tangible link to the personal life that often remained hidden from the public.

Vivian Ridge was born in Wake Forest, North Carolina, a place that would feature prominently in her life, and in the life of her future husband. While the precise details of her early years are scarce, it is clear that she valued her privacy, a trait that perhaps contributed to the mystery that surrounds her even today. Her life with Bob Ross, while significant, was only one chapter in her life, a chapter that, while influential, should not define her entirely.

The 1960s and 1970s were pivotal decades in the lives of Bob and Vivian. During these years, Bob Ross's career was taking shape. While specifics regarding Vivians direct involvement in Bobs art instruction are scarce, it is reasonable to assume she played a role in supporting his ambitions, as all partners do. Their relationship, marked by both shared dreams and personal struggles, eventually led to divorce in 1977. Infidelity allegations, though reported, were the ultimate end of their marital relationship.

Bob Ross's later life would see him remarry, and his star would rise even further with the launch of "The Joy of Painting." But the foundation of his success, the early encouragement and support, likely came from the woman who shared his life during those crucial early years: Vivian Ridge. While the show brought him international fame, painting an estimated 30,000 paintings throughout his lifetime, the legacy of Vivian ridge remains less publicly celebrated, but no less significant.

The story of Vivian Ridge is a quiet one, a reminder that behind every public figure, there are countless unsung heroes and heroines. Her contributions were not measured in brushstrokes or television ratings, but in the impact she had on the man who would teach the world to paint. Though their marriage dissolved, the bond they shared and the son they raised created a ripple effect, a legacy that continues to resonate today.

• Horacio Minero Hernandez

Vivian Ridge and Bob Ross met when Bob was still in the military. This meeting took place before Bob Ross's fame, when he had not yet become a television personality. The partnership they had was not solely based on art, but also on mutual respect and shared goals. Even though their personal relationship eventually dissolved, Vivian Ridge played a crucial role in Bob Ross's early life by supporting his endeavors.

Steve Ross was born in August 1966. The couple had one son, Robert Stephen Ross, who became a painter like his father. During his childhood, Steve said his parents relationship was unstable, and this eventually led to their divorce. Bob later raised Steve as a single father in Spokane, Washington, where he met his second wife, Jane.

Vivian Ridge was an American artist who became famous as the first wife of Bob Ross, the renowned painter and art instructor. Bob Ross, whose full name was Robert Norman Ross, was an iconic figure in the art world. He was best known for creating and hosting the instructional television program The Joy of Painting, which aired from 1983 to 1994 on PBS in the United States, and CBC in Canada.

The story of Vivian Ridge is a testament to the many unnamed individuals who support public figures behind the scenes. Though private, her life with Bob Ross demonstrates the significant influence that personal relationships can have on creative expression and achievement. In the end, their relationship ended with a divorce. They married in 1965 after dating for a while.

Vivian Ridge may not be a household name, but she holds a special place in history. Bob Ross has become one of the most celebrated painters globally. Thanks to his long run as the host of The Joy of Painting. The show, which ran for more than 10 years, made Bob a household name across the country and even the world.

In the world of art and celebrity, there are often those who remain in the shadows, yet play pivotal roles in shaping the lives and legacies of others. Vivian Ridge, the first wife of Bob Ross, is a prime example of this phenomenon. While her name may not be as widely recognized as her former husband's, her influence on his life and career is undeniable, and her story deserves to be told.