While the gentle voice and “happy little trees” of Bob Ross are iconic worldwide, the stories of those who shaped his journey often remain in the softer hues of his painted landscapes. Among them was Vivian Patricia Ridge, his first wife. More than just a name in his biography, Vivian was an individual with her own artistic inclinations and played a significant, if quieter, role during a formative period of Ross’s life and career.
An Early Glimpse: Who Was Vivian Ridge?
Vivian Patricia Ridge was born on October 29, 1942. Details about her early life suggest she grew up with an appreciation for art, a passion that would later connect her with Bob Ross. She pursued a degree in art history at Wake Forest University. It was during her time in higher education that her path crossed with a young Bob Ross, sowing the seeds for a relationship that would span over a decade.
Even before her marriage, Vivian cultivated her artistic talents, enjoying painting and drawing from a young age. This intrinsic love for art suggests a creative spirit that likely found a kindred connection with Ross’s burgeoning passion for painting.
A Shared Canvas: Marriage and Life with Bob Ross
Vivian Ridge and Bob Ross married in 1965. Their union lasted for twelve years, a period during which Ross transitioned from a military career to the early stages of what would become his legendary art instruction journey. While Bob Ross was the public face, Vivian’s presence during these formative years was a constant. She shared his love for painting and often painted alongside him. This shared interest provided a supportive environment for Ross as he honed his craft and developed his unique “wet-on-wet” technique.
Their life together also saw the birth of their son, establishing a family foundation even as Ross’s public profile began to grow, particularly after he encountered Bill Alexander’s “The Magic of Oil Painting” show around 1975, which heavily influenced his own television career.
“Vivian Ridge’s marriage to Bob Ross spanned a crucial period of his artistic development, offering a backdrop of shared interest and family life as he moved towards his iconic television career.”
The Legacy of Family: Their Son, Steve Ross
In 1966, Vivian and Bob welcomed their only child, Robert Stephen Ross, commonly known as Steve Ross. Steve grew up surrounded by art, naturally absorbing the creative atmosphere fostered by both his parents. Following his parents’ divorce, Steve’s upbringing was significantly shaped by Vivian.
Like his father, Steve Ross also developed a passion for painting and became an artist and painting instructor himself. He even made appearances on Bob Ross’s famous show, “The Joy of Painting,” showcasing his own talents and carrying forward a family legacy in the art world. This continuation of artistic pursuit underscores the creative environment in which Steve was raised, influenced by both Vivian and Bob.
The End of a Chapter: Divorce and Life Beyond
Vivian Ridge and Bob Ross divorced in 1977, marking the end of their twelve-year marriage. While official reasons often remain private, some reports allege that “irreconcilable differences” and Ross’s extramarital affairs contributed to the separation.
After the divorce, Vivian lived a more private life, focusing on her son and her personal interests, which included gardening, reading, and cooking, alongside her lifelong love for art. She largely remained out of the extensive public spotlight that increasingly shone on Bob Ross as “The Joy of Painting” gained immense popularity throughout the 1980s and early 1990s.
Vivian’s Own Artistic Spirit and Quiet Influence
Though often mentioned in the context of Bob Ross, Vivian Ridge possessed her own artistic sensibility. Her interest in painting was not merely a shared hobby but a personal passion. While she did not achieve the same level of public fame as Ross, her consistent engagement with art suggests a dedication to her own creative expression.
It’s worth considering that Vivian’s support and shared artistic journey during their early years together provided encouragement and perhaps even subtle inspiration for Ross. A partner who understands and shares a deep interest in one’s primary passion can be an invaluable, if often unseen, influence. Her appreciation for nature, often cited as one of her interests, also aligns with the central themes of Bob Ross’s iconic landscape paintings.
Bob Ross’s Life After Vivian
After divorcing Vivian, Bob Ross married Jane Lee Zanardelli, a fellow painter who initially approached him as a student interested in oil painting. Their marriage lasted until Jane’s unfortunate passing from cancer in 1992. Ross later married Lynda Brown, a nurse, shortly before his own death from lymphoma in 1995.
While Ross’s fame continued to grow after his separation from Vivian, the foundation of his artistic journey—including many of his techniques and his gentle approach to teaching—had already taken shape during the years they spent together.
Remembering Vivian: Her Passing and Enduring Legacy
Vivian Ridge passed away on May 3, 2018, at the age of 75. While she lived a life largely away from the public glare that her ex-husband attracted, her impact remains woven into the early narrative of one of television’s most beloved painters.
Her legacy is not one of public acclaim but of personal influence: as a partner during Bob Ross’s pivotal early years, as a mother who raised a son who also embraced the world of art, and as an individual who nurtured her own creative spirit. Vivian Ridge’s story reminds us that behind every well-known figure, there are often quiet contributors whose lives and passions form an integral part of the larger picture.
Ultimately, Vivian Ridge’s life offers a glimpse into the personal history behind the public phenomenon of Bob Ross. She was a part of his journey, a fellow artist in her own right, and the mother of his son, carving out her own existence with a quiet dignity that deserves to be remembered.
