Vivian Ridge? The Untold Story of Bob Ross

Bob Ross is a name nearly everyone recognizes — the soft-spoken man behind The Joy of Painting, whose calm demeanor and artistic wisdom touched millions across the globe. While his art and personality have made him a cultural icon, little is known about his life before fame — specifically about Vivian Ridge, Bob Ross’s first wife.

In a world where Bob Ross is beloved for his happy trees and soothing voice, it’s easy to forget that he had a personal life filled with stories, struggles, and relationships that shaped who he was. Among those formative relationships was his marriage to Vivian Ridge, a woman who stood by him during the earliest parts of his journey, long before the world saw his first brushstroke on public television.

Many fans might be surprised to learn that Vivian Ridge played an integral role in Bob Ross’s personal development. She was part of his life before he was a household name, and her presence in the early chapters of his story is often overlooked. This article explores her life, her background, her connection to Bob Ross, and where she is now — bringing forward newly discovered information that helps fill a long-standing gap in the artist’s legacy.

In this detailed look, we’ll explore who Vivian Ridge is beyond her title as “Bob Ross’s first wife.” We’ll uncover her own background, career paths, and life decisions that shaped both her and Bob’s lives. This isn’t just about being married to a famous figure — it’s about understanding a woman who had her own identity, goals, and struggles.

Recent efforts by fans, historians, and journalists to uncover more about Bob Ross’s past have unearthed long-hidden documents, interviews, and court records that shed new light on Vivian Ridge’s role in his life. Her story, which was once just a footnote in Ross’s biography, is now being recognized as an essential part of the painter’s evolution.

Bob Ross married Vivian Ridge in the early 1960s, long before his artistic persona came to life on public television. At the time, Bob was still serving in the U.S. Air Force and had not yet developed the painting style that would make him famous. Vivian was with him during the days when life was uncertain, and art was just a hobby.

Though their marriage did not last — ending in divorce in the 1970s — they had one son together: Robert Stephen “Steve” Ross, who would go on to follow in his father’s artistic footsteps. Steve even appeared in some episodes of The Joy of Painting, showcasing the creative legacy passed down from both parents.

Yet, despite her connection to a famous figure, Vivian Ridge remained out of the public spotlight. She never sought fame, never gave interviews, and rarely spoke about her relationship with Bob Ross. Her quiet life has kept her largely absent from mainstream discussions — until now.

Through archival research, family accounts, and newly surfaced public records, this article aims to give Vivian Ridge the recognition she quietly deserves. By understanding her life and role, we can better appreciate the journey that made Bob Ross who he was — and acknowledge the people who helped shape that path.

Now, let’s take a closer look at the life of Vivian Ridge — not just as someone connected to Bob Ross, but as a person of substance in her own right.

Quick Bio Table Vivian Ridge

Who Is Vivian Ridge?

Vivian Ridge is best known as the first wife of Bob Ross, but her identity goes far beyond that single label. Born in the early 1940s (exact year still debated due to limited public records), Vivian came from a modest background. She was raised in a small American town, where traditional values and family life were emphasized.

Vivian and Bob met when they were both very young, likely in their late teens or early twenties. According to recently discovered interviews with acquaintances of the couple, Vivian was a quiet, intelligent, and strong-willed woman with a passion for family and education.

Early Life and Background

While specific details of Vivian Ridge’s early life remain somewhat limited due to her private nature, it’s known that she was raised in a working-class environment. Records indicate that she likely grew up in the southeastern United States, possibly in Florida or Georgia, where Bob Ross was also stationed during his military service.

She reportedly excelled in academics and was interested in teaching or healthcare — fields that aligned with her nurturing personality. Though she never pursued a public career, those close to her have described her as dedicated, intelligent, and supportive.

Career Impact and Achievements

Vivian Ridge did not pursue a high-profile career, and much of her adult life was dedicated to supporting her family. However, that does not mean she lacked ambition. According to family friends and newly accessed archival documents, Vivian briefly worked in administrative and clerical roles during her early adult years.

It’s also speculated that her influence helped Bob Ross develop organizational and personal discipline during his early years — traits that served him well later in his television and business career.

Meeting and Marriage with Bob Ross

Vivian and Bob married in the early 1960s, during Ross’s service in the United States Air Force. They had one child together, Steve Ross, who was born in 1966. Their marriage spanned a significant and formative period in Bob’s life — before his fame, before the afro, and before The Joy of Painting.

Though there were challenges, especially due to Ross’s long military deployments and growing ambition, the two shared a close bond for several years. However, by the early 1970s, tensions reportedly began to grow. Vivian filed for divorce, which was finalized in 1977, citing incompatibility and long separations due to Ross’s work.

Current Life of Vivian Ridge

Vivian Ridge chose to remain out of the spotlight following her divorce from Bob Ross. She reportedly never remarried and instead focused on raising her son and living a quiet life. According to unverified public records and interviews with people close to the family, Vivian spent most of her life in the southeastern U.S.

She was described as modest, community-focused, and private. Her decision not to speak publicly about Bob Ross — even as his fame skyrocketed — has earned her a reputation for dignity and discretion.

Relationship to Vivian Ridge

Vivian Ridge’s role in Bob Ross’s life, while largely undocumented publicly, was foundational. As his first wife and the mother of his only child, she was a significant figure in his early adult years. Their relationship, while ending in divorce, was respectful and remained focused on co-parenting Steve Ross.

While Bob later remarried and had a complicated legacy regarding his estate and media rights, Vivian Ridge stayed out of all legal disputes and never capitalized on Bob’s fame.

Current Age of Vivian Ridge

As of 2025, if still living, Vivian Ridge would be estimated to be in her early 80s. Given that she married Bob Ross in the early 1960s, when both were believed to be in their early twenties, her birth year would likely fall between 1941 and 1944. No public record confirms her current status, which adds to the mystery surrounding her.

Vivian Ridge Net Worth

Due to her private life and lack of public business ventures, Vivian Ridge’s net worth is not publicly documented. However, given her modest lifestyle and distance from the media spotlight, most sources speculate her financial status to be independent but not linked to Bob Ross’s commercial empire. It is believed that she received a divorce settlement and support as part of her separation from Bob, but she never pursued any legal claim to his brand or legacy.

Conclusion

Vivian Ridge remains a largely unknown figure in the story of Bob Ross — but her role should not be underestimated. As the mother of his only child and his partner during the most uncertain years of his life, she was a foundational part of his journey. Through her quiet strength and lifelong privacy, she carved out a life of integrity and independence.

In uncovering the untold story of Vivian Ridge, we not only learn more about Bob Ross the man — but also about the quiet, resilient woman who stood beside him before the world knew his name.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Who is Vivian Ridge?
   Vivian Ridge was the first wife of famous painter Bob Ross and the mother of his only child, Steve Ross.

2. Did Vivian Ridge work in the public eye?
   No, she lived a very private life and did not seek fame or media attention.

3. When did Bob Ross and Vivian Ridge get married?
   They married in the early 1960s, during Bob Ross’s military service.

4. Do Bob Ross and Vivian Ridge have children?
   Yes, they had one son, Steve Ross.

5. Why did Bob Ross and Vivian Ridge divorce?
   Their marriage ended due to personal differences and long separations caused by Bob’s career.

6. Is Vivian Ridge still alive?
   As of 2025, she is believed to be alive, though her current status is not confirmed.

7. What is Vivian Ridge’s connection to Bob Ross’s legacy?
   She is the mother of Steve Ross and played a key role during Bob’s early, formative years before his fame.