Vivian Ridge suffered an early death in 1977 at the age of 1964, leaving a hole in the creative world. Bob Ross, who was famous for his soothing PBS TV show painting landscapes and showing us he could do it, had lived a full life generally, too. Throughout his life, he cherished love, a sentiment evident in his artistry. Vivian Ridge, his first wife, held a special place in his heart. Note their union in 1965 marked the beginning of twelve blissful years together before they eventually sought a divorce.

Quick Bio

Who is Vivian Ridge Ross?

Vivian Ridge, the former wife of the renowned American painter Bob Ross, rose to public attention as an ordinary individual thrust into the limelight due to her association with the celebrity. She identified as Caucasian and held American nationality. Note that her former husband did not boast widespread fame during their time together. Much like her ex-husband’s early life, information surrounding her family background and date isn’t readily available.

Who Is Her Ex-Husband, Bob Ross?

Vivian Ridge was the first wife of Bob Ross. Bob Ross, who was born Robert Norman Ross, led an interesting life. He cultivated a resume that included stints as a painter, art instructor, and television host on several shows. The Joy of Painting was one such show. The man totaled somewhere around 30,000 pieces throughout his life. However, painting wasn’t where Ross got his start. He boasted one of the most unique portfolios you’ll ever find. It also includes a stint as a carpenter before he found his way.

In 1961, Ross enlisted in the U.S. Air Force. Ross held the position of a medical records technician in a cyber squadron. The once-civilian worked his way to a First Sergeant position at the Eielson Air Force Base Clinic in Alaska. It is the same state where he caught several episodes of the Public Television show The Magic Of Oil Painting. Note that German painter Bill Alexander hosted it. 

This exposure to painting after years of working for the Air Force after he had retired drove Ross’ passion for painting while taking the 12-year course to become a Wilson Bickford or Bill Alexander, he took one lesson and changed all around. Mastering the technique known as All Prima, or wet-on-wet, as taught on the show, Ross embarked on his journey as a professional artist.

When Was Vivian Ridge’s Marriage to Ross?

In their teenage years, he may have left high school, crossing paths with the one who would one day become his former wife. After a courtship, the two exchanged vows in 1965. For the next 12 years, he and Vivian shared a married life. Their divorce happened due to what seems to us to be irreconcilable differences. Note that some sources in particular hint at his infidelity.

Bob, Her Former Husband, Married Three Times

Information about Vivian’s dating life is hardly available apart from her marriage. However, her ex-husband Bob Ross had a total of three wives throughout his lifetime. His first wife was Vivian Ridge, whom he was married to from 1965 until their divorce in 1977. Bob later married his second woman, Jane Ross in 1977. Additionally, after a few years of separation, he married, for the final time in 1995, Linda Brown.

His second marriage in 1977 ended in 1992 when Jane passed away. It wasn’t long after that Bob married Linda Brown, but unfortunately, she passed away in 19995 only two months after their wedding. However, Bob was single for a few years after Linda’s death and never re-married.

After her split from Bob, Vivian Ridge lived separately from their son Steve Ross, and not long after their split Vivian passed. It was so soon after her death that their son came to live with Bob. And that’s when Bob became closer to his son. After that, Ross had to rear Steve as a single father.

What Does Vivian Ridge and Bob Ross’ Son Do? 

They welcomed their son on August 1, 1966, and like Vivian Ridge, he also found painting interesting. The couple named their son Robert Stephen Ross, and today people know him professionally as Steve Ross. Steve spent his formative years with his father after losing his mother at a young age.

He grew up seeing his father’s work and felt inspired to pick up a brush. Note that he learned the techniques of painting from The Joy of Painting host. Like his father, he decided to pursue art, and he even made an appearance on the program some years later. His father passed away in 1995, leaving him orphaned at the age of 28. He spent his entire life receiving love from both parents, but he also experienced significant loss.

What is Vivian Ridge’s Net Worth?

Information regarding the occupation of Vivian Ridge remained a secret. It also meant that her total income was still a mystery to the world. However, the skilled painter and TV star, who was also her former husband, Bob Ross, became a man of significant wealth through his career. The website celebily.com reported that her net worth stood at $1 million at the time of his passing.

Conclusion

While much of the life of Vivian Ridge — the first wife of famed painter Bob Ross — remains a mystery, her legacy remains tied to the enigma of the beloved artist. While there may not be a wealth of detail about her life and career to draw from, the fact is that Vivian had played an integral role in Bob Ross’ journey from obscurity to the nation’s favorite stoner painter. His and her marriage’s dissolution could leave only questions and whispers behind, but her influence on Bob Ross and their shared son, Steve Ross, who followed in his father’s career, was no doubt felt in both of their lives. For all that the legend of Bob Ross would seem to swallow her up, Vivian Ridge’s part in the life and artistry of the man behind it all is, fascinating footnotes to the enigmatic legacy that made the icon of Bob Ross.

FAQs

Q1. What was Vivian Ridge’s influence on Bob Ross’s career?

Vivian Ridge’s influence on Bob Ross’s career and personal life is not extensively documented, but her support and presence during their marriage likely played a significant role in his artistic journey.

Q2. What happened to Vivian Ridge after her divorce from Bob Ross?

After her divorce from Bob Ross, Vivian Ridge lived separately from their son, Steve Ross. She passed away not long after their separation.

Q3. How many times was Bob Ross married, and who were his other wives?

Bob Ross was married three times. After Vivian Ridge, he married Jane Ross in 1977 and later Linda Brown in 1995.