Celebrity

Vivian Ridge: The Untold Story of Bob Ross’s First Wife and Her Life

Bob Ross is famous for his calm, soothing voice and his ability to paint beautiful landscapes on his show The Joy of Painting. But before he became a household name, Bob was married to Vivian Ridge. Vivian was Bob’s first wife, and her story is not as well-known. This article will tell you about Vivian Ridge’s life, her marriage to Bob Ross, their son, and what happened to her after their divorce.

Who Was Vivian Ridge?

Vivian Ridge was born in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. She grew up with a love for art and started painting when she was just 12 years old. Vivian studied art history at Wake Forest University. She was talented, but she wasn’t famous like Bob Ross. Vivian stayed out of the public eye, choosing a quieter life focused on her passion for painting.

Before meeting Bob Ross, Vivian lived a private life. She was not involved in any major public events. Her early life, including details about her family, is not widely known.

Vivian Ridge’s Marriage to Bob Ross

How They Met

Vivian and Bob Ross met when Vivian was at Wake Forest University. They both loved art, and that brought them together. They dated for a while before getting married in 1965.

Bob Ross was not yet famous, so the couple lived a normal life at first. In 1966, they had a son named Robert Stephen Ross, who would later become a painter too. Bob and Vivian worked together to raise their son, and they both encouraged him to follow his love for art.

Their Divorce

After 12 years of marriage, Vivian and Bob Ross decided to get a divorce. The divorce happened in 1977. Neither Vivian nor Bob ever shared many details about why they split, but they both said it was due to “irreconcilable differences.” This means they couldn’t agree on certain things that were important in their relationship.

At the time of their divorce, their son, Steve Ross, was 11 years old. Steve lived with his mother for a while after the divorce. Later, he became closer to his father, Bob, who raised him on his own after the split.

Life After the Divorce

After her divorce, Vivian Ridge lived a quiet life out of the spotlight. Unlike Bob, who became very famous with his TV show, Vivian preferred to stay private. She continued to paint, but she didn’t seek fame. Vivian never remarried, and she spent most of her life in Winston-Salem, North Carolina.

Vivian’s life after the divorce remained mostly private, and there aren’t many public details about her activities. She focused on her art and stayed away from the media.

The Legacy of Vivian Ridge’s Son, Steve Ross

Vivian’s son, Steve Ross, went on to become an artist just like his father. Steve used the same painting techniques Bob Ross taught him, and he still works as a painter today. Steve even appeared on his father’s show, The Joy of Painting. He learned a lot from both of his parents and continued their legacy in the art world.

Steve’s work is well-known, and he continues to inspire others with his paintings. He is also an instructor who teaches people how to paint like his father. Steve keeps the spirit of Bob Ross alive through his own art and teaching.

Bob Ross’s Later Marriages and His Legacy

After his divorce from Vivian, Bob Ross married two more times. His second wife, Jane Lee Zanardelli, was also a painter and Bob’s student. They were married for 15 years, but Jane passed away in 1992 from cancer. This loss was hard for Bob.

Three years later, Bob married Lynda Brown, a nurse he met while working on his show. Sadly, Bob passed away in 1995 from cancer at the age of 52.

Bob Ross is still remembered today for his TV show, The Joy of Painting. He taught millions of people how to paint and made art fun and accessible to everyone.

The Final Years of Vivian Ridge

There is very little information about Vivian Ridge’s final years. After Bob Ross’s death, she kept her life very private. Vivian never sought public attention and lived quietly. It is not known exactly when or how she passed away. She is remembered mainly for her role as Bob Ross’s first wife and for raising their son, Steve, who continues the family’s artistic legacy.

Conclusion

Vivian Ridge played an important role in the early life of Bob Ross and their son, Steve Ross. Though she chose to live a private life after her divorce, her influence on the world of art is still felt today through her son’s work. Vivian’s story shows us that behind every famous person, there is a person with their own unique story.

Bob Ross may have become a beloved TV personality, but Vivian Ridge’s legacy is equally important. She was a talented artist and a caring mother who helped shape the future of her son, Steve. While Vivian’s life remains mostly private, her contribution to the Ross family legacy will never be forgotten.

FAQs About Vivian Ridge

1. Who was Vivian Ridge?

Vivian Ridge was Bob Ross’s first wife. She was an artist, just like Bob, and she enjoyed painting. Although she was married to a famous TV star, Vivian liked to stay out of the spotlight and lived a quiet life.

2. When did Vivian Ridge marry Bob Ross?

Vivian and Bob Ross got married in 1965. They met when they were both in college and shared a love for art. They were married for 12 years before they divorced in 1977.

3. Did Vivian Ridge have any children with Bob Ross?

Yes, Vivian and Bob had one child together. Their son, Robert Stephen Ross, is known as Steve Ross. Like his parents, Steve became an artist and followed in Bob’s footsteps.

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

After the divorce, Vivian Ridge chose to live a private life. She stayed away from the media and focused on her art. She spent most of her life in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, and did not remarry.

5. What caused Vivian Ridge’s divorce from Bob Ross?

Vivian and Bob Ross divorced in 1977 because they had “irreconcilable differences,” which means they had disagreements they could not fix. Neither of them gave many details about the reasons for their split.

6. What was Vivian Ridge’s role in Bob Ross’s life?

Vivian Ridge was important in Bob Ross’s life during their marriage. They raised their son together and shared their love for painting. Although Vivian did not seek fame, she was an important part of Bob’s early years.

7. Where is Vivian Ridge now?

Vivian Ridge passed away after her divorce from Bob Ross. However, the exact date and cause of her death are not well-known, as she kept her life private in her later years.

8. What happened to Steve Ross after his mother’s death?

After his mother’s death, Steve Ross became closer to his father, Bob. He followed in both his parents’ footsteps and became a painter. He even appeared on The Joy of Painting and now teaches others how to paint like his father.

9. Was Vivian Ridge involved in Bob Ross’s TV career?

Vivian Ridge did not appear on Bob Ross’s TV shows. She preferred to stay out of the public eye. However, she supported Bob during the early years of his career, even though she was not part of his television work.

10. Why is Vivian Ridge’s life not as well-known?

Vivian Ridge liked to live quietly and away from the media. After her divorce from Bob Ross, she did not want fame. She valued her privacy, which is why many details of her life are not widely known.

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