Vivian Ridge, a name intertwined with the early life of Bob Ross, may not have lived in the limelight, but her role during a pivotal period in Ross’s career left a lasting mark. Though not much is publicly available about her personal life, Vivian was a key figure in the background before Bob Ross became a household name through his iconic show, The Joy of Painting.
Vivian and Bob first met in 1961 at a television studio in Pittsburgh, where they both worked at WQED-TV. Vivian was the head of production, while Bob was an artist on the staff. The pair’s connection eventually led to their marriage in 1965, marking the beginning of a relationship that was instrumental during the formative years of Bob Ross’s career. Together, they had one son, Steve Ross, born in 1966, who would later become an artist like his father, continuing his legacy.
Their marriage, however, ended in divorce in 1977. Despite the separation, their son Steve continued to be a strong link between them, with Bob later raising him after Vivian’s untimely death in 1986. Bob’s rise to fame came after her passing, adding a layer of poignancy to her story. While Bob remarried twice, and much of his later personal life became public, Vivian remained a quiet, yet significant, figure in his early life.
Vivian’s story largely remains in the shadows, a contrast to Bob Ross’s vibrant public persona. Still, for those who delve into the origins of Bob Ross’s journey, Vivian represents a quiet cornerstone in his path, playing her part before stepping away from the narrative. Her son, Steve, continues to carry the torch as a certified painting instructor, ensuring that both of his parents’ legacies live on in the world of art.
While little is known about her life after the divorce, Vivian’s role in Bob Ross’s history offers a glimpse into the more personal, less public side of the iconic painter. Fans of Bob Ross often reflect on how those early years, shaped by personal relationships like his marriage to Vivian, contributed to his gentle, calming presence on television.
This quiet, yet essential, part of Bob Ross’s story continues to evoke curiosity and interest as people uncover the lesser-known aspects of his life and the individuals who were by his side during the beginning of his rise to fame.