When people think of Bob Ross, they picture a calm voice, soft brushes, and “happy little trees.” But before the TV fame, there was Vivian Ridge, the woman who shared Bob’s early adult years and motherhood of his son, Steve. This article tells what we can say with confidence about Vivian, using reliable information. It also explains what we do not know for sure, so readers do not get confused by rumors.
Personal Information
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Full name | Vivian Ridge |
| Known for | First wife of Bob Ross and mother of Steve Ross |
| Relationship | Married to Bob Ross in the mid 1960s (often listed as 1965); they divorced in 1977 |
| Child | Robert Stephen “Steve” Ross (born 1966) |
| Public life | Very private; only limited verified public records are available |
Early years: what is known (and what is not)
There is no verified public biography for Vivian’s childhood, education, or work. Major reference sites that cover Bob Ross’s life do not provide details about Vivian beyond her role as Bob’s first wife and Steve’s mother. Because of this, any online claims about her birth place, career, or personal hobbies should be treated with care unless they come with strong sourcing.
You may find blog posts about Vivian on the open web. Some of them look neat but do not cite strong sources. In this article, we focus on what trusted outlets confirm.
Marriage to Bob Ross
Reliable information agrees that Bob Ross married Vivian Ridge in the 1960s. Many summaries list 1965 as the year. Later, Bob and Vivian divorced in 1977. These dates appear in accessible references used by general readers.
Why does the exact wedding date vary online? The reason is simple: Bob Ross was private, and he shared little about his personal life. Even his main encyclopedia entry notes that information about his family is limited. So, while the mid 1960s timing is consistent across sources, specific day and month are rarely given in high-quality, primary records open to the public.
Their son, Steve Ross
Vivian and Bob had one child together, Robert Stephen “Steve” Ross, who was born in 1966. Steve later appeared on The Joy of Painting and became known for his own smooth brushwork and calm teaching style. Reliable coverage confirms his birth year and that he is Vivian’s son.
Steve is an important link in Vivian’s legacy. Through him, Vivian is connected to the art lessons that reached millions of viewers. Steve has spoken publicly about life after his father’s death and about legal issues around Bob Ross’s name and business. This context helps show how central family ties were and still are to the story.
Divorce and separate paths
Bob and Vivian’s marriage ended in 1977. Sources that summarize Bob’s life list the divorce year and note that Bob later remarried. After 1977, there is little verified public information about Vivian’s own path, which suggests she preferred to live outside the spotlight.
Some websites make extra claims about Vivian’s later years or give exact life events. However, many of these posts do not cite strong sources, and some even disagree with each other. When sources conflict, it is better to stick to what well-known references confirm: first wife, mother of Steve, divorce in 1977.
How Vivian fits into Bob Ross’s wider story
To understand Vivian’s place in the story, it helps to see Bob Ross’s timeline:
- 1960s–1970s: Bob served in the U.S. Air Force, developed his painting style, and started building the skills that later made him famous. Vivian was his partner during part of this period, and they raised young Steve.
- 1983–1994: Bob hosted The Joy of Painting on PBS, which turned him into a pop culture icon.
- After Bob’s death in 1995, his work, image, and many paintings became the focus of public interest, museum attention, and legal issues where Steve (Vivian’s son) is often mentioned.
This wider frame shows why Vivian matters. Without her, there is no Steve, and without Steve, we would lose part of the family link that kept Bob’s gentle style in the public eye.
Myths, rumors, and why sources matter
Search results for “Vivian Ridge” bring many blog posts and social threads. Some say she worked as an artist; others give unverified dates for her life events. But major, widely trusted references do not confirm these extra details. When writing about a private person tied to a public figure, it is best to avoid guesswork and focus on what reliable information actually says.
This is also why you will see careful wording in this article: “mid 1960s,” “limited public records,” and “private life.” These phrases mirror what the solid information shows.
Legacy
Vivian Ridge’s legacy is quiet but real. She is part of the foundation of Bob Ross’s family life and the mother of Steve Ross, who carried painting to a new generation of fans. Even if we do not have a full public biography, her role in this famous story is clear and respected.
Conclusion
Vivian Ridge may not be a public figure, but her place in Bob Ross’s life is important. She was his first wife and the mother of Steve Ross, who carried on the peaceful and creative spirit of his father. While Vivian chose a private life, she remains part of the foundation of the Bob Ross story that millions still love today
Frequently asked questions
- Who is Vivian Ridge?
Vivian Ridge is Bob Ross’s first wife and the mother of Steve Ross. - When did she marry Bob Ross?
They married in the 1960s (often listed as 1965). Exact day and month are not confirmed in major public information. - Did they have children?
Yes. They had one son, Robert Stephen “Steve” Ross, born 1966. - When did they divorce?
1977. - Was Vivian an artist too?
Some blogs say this, but major trusted information does not confirm a public art career. We cannot state it as fact. - Why is there so little information about her?
Bob Ross kept his private life very private, and Vivian also stayed out of the spotlight. So public records are limited. - What is Steve Ross known for?
Steve is a painter who appeared on The Joy of Painting and later spoke publicly about legal issues around his father’s legacy. - How does Vivian connect to Bob Ross’s fame?
She was part of Bob’s early family life and is the mother of Steve, who helped keep the Ross style alive. - Where are Bob Ross’s paintings today?
Many are kept by Bob Ross Inc.; some have gone to museums like the Smithsonian. - What is the best way to fact-check claims about Vivian?
Use reliable information like encyclopedias and major outlets, and be careful with blogs that lack citations.
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