Vivian Ridge, the first wife of renowned American artist Bob Ross, played a pivotal yet quiet role in shaping the early years of his personal and professional journey. Known to the world as the creator of the beloved television show The Joy of Painting, Bob Ross became a household name, but behind his fame stood Vivian, a significant figure who shared in the artistry and life before they went their separate ways.
Who Was Vivian Ridge?
Vivian Ridge was born in North Carolina around 1946. Little is known about her early life, as she remained a private person throughout her years. Vivian is best remembered as Bob Ross’s first wife, with whom she married in 1965. Together, they had a son, Robert Stephen “Steve” Ross, born in 1966.
While Bob Ross became a television icon, Vivian’s life was less in the public eye. She played a significant role in Bob’s life during the formative years of his career, supporting him during the time he developed his unique wet-on-wet painting technique. After their marriage ended in 1977, both Bob and Vivian moved on with their lives. However, their son Steve remained a central link between them.
The Marriage Between Bob Ross and Vivian Ridge
Bob and Vivian’s marriage was formed in an era when Bob was still a young artist looking for his creative voice. While Bob would go on to captivate millions with his soothing voice and instructional painting program, Vivian supported him during these early years. They shared a love for art, and Bob’s journey from an Air Force sergeant to a TV painter was shaped by their time together.
Their son, Steve Ross, would later carry on Bob’s legacy, appearing on The Joy of Painting and continuing to nurture the artistic path Bob had paved. It’s worth noting that Steve became a key part of Bob’s later years, reflecting his parents’ shared influence on his creativity.
The Joy of Painting: Bob Ross’s Iconic TV Show
Bob Ross’s television program, The Joy of Painting, aired from 1983 to 1994 and became a cultural phenomenon. The show was revolutionary because it made art accessible to the average viewer. Ross taught viewers, from beginners to more experienced artists, how to create stunning landscape paintings using his signature technique. His gentle manner, catchy phrases like “happy little trees,” and calm voice left a lasting impression on those who tuned in to learn.
While Vivian Ridge was no longer married to Bob at the time of the show’s success, her role in his early years likely influenced his work and how he approached creativity. By 1983, when The Joy of Painting began, Bob had already established a solid foundation with Vivian as a support system, even though their personal journey together had come to an end years earlier.
Vivian Ridge After Her Marriage to Bob Ross
Following their divorce in 1977, Vivian Ridge largely stayed out of the public eye. After years of supporting Bob during his rise to fame, she chose to lead a quiet life away from the media attention surrounding her ex-husband’s success. Vivian did not actively seek fame or recognition for her role in Bob’s early years, opting instead for a private life focused on family.
Although she wasn’t in the spotlight, Vivian’s role as the mother of Steve Ross ensured that her legacy continued in the art world. Steve Ross’s involvement in the creative world, particularly with his father’s work, was a testament to the importance of Vivian’s early influence on their family.
The Impact of Bob Ross’s Legacy
Bob Ross’s legacy, from his beloved TV show to his iconic paintings, lives on. After his death in 1995 from lymphoma, fans continued to celebrate his work, and his art has only gained in value. Some of his original paintings have been auctioned off for impressive sums, with the world recognizing Bob Ross not just as an artist, but as a cultural figure who made painting feel accessible and joyful.
The influence of his first wife, Vivian Ridge, is often overlooked in public discussions, but she helped lay the foundation for his success. She was part of Bob’s life before the fame, and her support during their years together had an impact on the man who would become the face of a generation of artists.
Bob Ross’s Art and Its Lasting Legacy
Bob Ross’s work continues to inspire generations of artists. His wet-on-wet technique revolutionized landscape painting by making it easier and faster for people to create detailed artworks. His famous paintings, often featuring serene landscapes with majestic mountains, flowing rivers, and peaceful forests, have found their way into the homes of millions.
Though Bob Ross is no longer with us, his work is still available to fans through online stores, auctions, and museums. His original paintings and art supplies are highly sought after, and his art continues to be a source of joy and inspiration to new artists and collectors.
Vivian Ridge’s Legacy Through Her Family
Although Vivian Ridge remained out of the public eye after her divorce from Bob Ross, her legacy lives on through her son, Steve Ross. Steve not only carries the name of one of the most iconic painters in history but also maintains a link to his father’s legacy. The Ross family continues to honor Bob’s memory by keeping his work alive for new generations.
In addition to Steve, Bob’s other family members continue to cherish his influence. His legacy has sparked documentaries, interviews, and a renewed interest in his artistic journey, which continues to captivate the imagination of art lovers worldwide.
Bob Ross’s Death and the Continued Fascination
Bob Ross passed away in 1995, but his death did not mark the end of his cultural impact. His TV program, The Joy of Painting, continues to air on various platforms, and his paintings are still sold at auctions for substantial prices. Bob’s philosophy of creating art with ease and joy has resonated with millions, ensuring that his influence remains ever‑present.
Many fans still wonder about the exact cause of his death, which was attributed to lymphoma. Bob’s passing left a void in the art world, but his legacy has only grown since. His name is synonymous with “happy little trees,” and his influence is felt every time someone picks up a paintbrush to create something beautiful.
Conclusion:
Vivian Ridge’s role in Bob Ross’s life may not have been as widely recognized as his artistic contributions, but she played a crucial part in his journey. Their shared years together, during which Bob developed his artistic technique and approach, helped pave the way for the man who would inspire millions. While Bob Ross’s name is etched in history as an art legend, Vivian Ridge’s legacy as the mother of Steve Ross and a quiet supporter of his early life is an important part of the story.
Through her family, Vivian Ridge’s influence continues, and Bob Ross’s work lives on, bringing joy and inspiration to artists of all ages.
