Introduction
Vivian Ridge was an American artist known for being the first wife of renowned painter and television host Bob Ross. People search for Vivian Ridge to learn not only about her connection to a cultural icon but also about her own life, artistic interests, and influence on the Ross family legacy.
While much of Vivian Ridge’s life remained private, she played a significant role in her family’s early years and in shaping a creative environment alongside Bob Ross. This article presents verified information about her life, background, and why she remains a subject of public interest.
Quick Bio: Vivian Ridge
| Field | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Vivian Ridge |
| Known As | Vivian Ridge |
| Profession / Public Recognition | Artist; first wife of Bob Ross |
| Famous For | Being the first wife of painter and TV host Bob Ross |
| Date of Birth | July 24, 1946 |
| Age | Deceased (passed away May 3, 2018) |
| Birthplace | Winston‑Salem, North Carolina, USA |
| Nationality | American |
| Marital Status | Divorced |
| Spouse / Partner | Bob Ross (m. 1965–1977) |
| Children | Robert Stephen “Steve” Ross |
| Net Worth | Not publicly disclosed |
| Education | Studied Art History at Wake Forest University |
| Active Years | Not publicly disclosed |
| Social Media Presence | No known public social media accounts |
Who Is Vivian Ridge
Vivian Ridge was an American artist and painter who is most widely recognized as the first wife of Bob Ross, the beloved painter and television personality behind The Joy of Painting.
Born in the mid‑1940s, Ridge pursued art from a young age, ultimately studying art history at Wake Forest University. Her personal artistic pursuits and supportive role during Ross’s early career are part of her lasting identity.
Although she did not achieve fame like her former husband, Ridge is often remembered for her artistic influence, her role as a mother, and her contribution to the Ross family’s creative legacy.
Early Life and Background
Vivian Ridge was born around July 24, 1946, in Winston‑Salem, North Carolina, and spent her early years immersed in art and creativity.
Her interest in painting and art history developed at a young age and led her to pursue formal education in visual arts at Wake Forest University.
During her time at university, she not only studied the history of art but also refined her own painting skills, laying the foundation for her future artistic life.
Career and Public Recognition
Vivian Ridge’s public recognition stems primarily from her artistic pursuits and her personal connection to Bob Ross.
She studied art history at Wake Forest University and was deeply engaged in painting, often focusing on landscapes and other traditional art forms.
While Ridge did not pursue a high‑profile public career like Bob Ross, she worked as an artist and, later in life, reportedly also worked in real estate while continuing to paint privately.
Her artistic contributions include private works and teaching, and she shared her passion for art with students and her family.
Why Vivian Ridge Is Famous
Vivian Ridge is most famous for being the first wife of Bob Ross, one of America’s most iconic painters and television personalities.
Her name appears in biographies of Ross because she was part of his early life and shared a creative partnership with him during their marriage from 1965 until their divorce in 1977.
People also search for Ridge’s story to learn more about the personal history behind the artist who brought painting into countless homes through television.
Relationship Status and Personal Life
Vivian Ridge married Bob Ross in 1965.
Their marriage lasted approximately 12 years before they divorced in 1977.
Despite her connection to Ross, Ridge maintained a private personal life and did not pursue public visibility after the divorce.
Details about her romantic life beyond this marriage are not widely documented or publicly disclosed.
Family and Children
During her marriage to Bob Ross, Vivian Ridge gave birth to their son, Robert Stephen “Steve” Ross, in 1966.
Steve Ross went on to follow in his father’s artistic footsteps, later teaching and demonstrating painting techniques as part of the Ross artistic legacy.
Vivian’s role as a mother and early influence in Steve’s life contributed to the continuity of art within the family.
Social Media Presence
Vivian Ridge did not have an active public social media presence.
She lived most of her life outside the public eye, and no verified accounts or digital platforms under her name are known.
This lack of online presence reflects her personal preference for privacy and separation from celebrity culture.
Lifestyle, Interests, and Values
Ridge’s life was deeply rooted in artistic interests, including painting, creative expression, and cultural appreciation.
She enjoyed creative pursuits such as painting landscapes and nurturing artistic curiosity in those around her.
Later in life, she reportedly also engaged in other activities such as real estate, blending her artistic sensibility with practical professional work.
Her preference for a quiet, private lifestyle highlights her values of discretion and family focus.
Public Image and Media Coverage
Vivian Ridge’s public image is understated and largely archival.
Unlike her former husband, who became a global television figure, Ridge chose a low‑profile life, and media coverage about her centers mainly on her connection to Bob Ross and family history.
She was portrayed as supportive, private‑minded, and devoted to her family rather than seeking fame.
Philanthropy or Causes
There are no widely verified public records confirming Vivian Ridge’s involvement in organized philanthropic causes.
While she supported her family and contributed to the arts through teaching and private activities, she did not become a public advocate for specific campaigns or charitable organizations.
Lesser-Known Facts
Vivian Ridge’s height was reported in some sources as notable for a woman of her generation, but such details vary across accounts.
Her early art education at Wake Forest University gave her strong foundational knowledge in art history and theory.
Although sometimes linked to real estate work after her divorce, verified details of her career beyond art and teaching remain limited due to her private lifestyle.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Vivian Ridge?
Vivian Ridge was an American artist and the first wife of painter and TV host Bob Ross.
When did Vivian Ridge and Bob Ross marry?
They married in 1965 and were together until their divorce in 1977.
Did Vivian Ridge have children?
Yes, she had a son named Robert Stephen “Steve” Ross.
What did Vivian Ridge do for a living?
She was an artist and painter, and later worked privately in art and possibly real estate.
Was Vivian Ridge involved in Bob Ross’s TV show?
No, she did not appear on The Joy of Painting and maintained a private life after their separation.
Did Vivian Ridge use social media?
Vivian Ridge did not have a public social media presence.
When did Vivian Ridge die?
She passed away on May 3, 2018.
What is Vivian Ridge’s legacy?
Her legacy lives through her son Steve and her early support of Bob Ross’s artistic journey.
