Bob Ross is a legacy in art and television, an iconic figure whose soothing voice and happy little trees charmed millions. Behind the serene landscapes and the calm demeanor, there was a personal life marked by relationships that played significant roles in his life. Among these relationships, one that stands marked with affection and mystery is with his first wife, Vivian Ridge.
This article delves into the life of Vivian, offering a glimpse into the woman’s life behind the legend.
Early Life and Encounter with Bob Ross
Vivian Ridge, an American by nationality, led a life away from the public eye before and after her marriage to Bob Ross. Details about early life, including her birth date and early childhood, remain scarce.
She embarked on a journey in the art world at a young age, starting painting as a hobby when she was just 12 years old. She pursued her passion academically by attending Wake Forest University, where she sought a degree in art history.
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During this academic pursuit, she and Bob’s paths crossed. The details of their first encounter remain undisclosed, but it is known that they met while Vivian was furthering her studies, marking the beginning of a relationship that would lead them down the aisle in 1965.
Marriage to Bob Ross
The marriage between Vivian Ridge and Bob Ross is a chapter in his life shrouded with much privacy. What is evident is their shared passion for art, a foundation that one would assume strengthened their bond. The couple welcomed their son, Robert Stephen “Steve” Ross, on August 1, 1966, sealing their union with a new life that bore witness to their love and shared artistic endeavors.
Divorce and Aftermath
Despite their shared interests and the birth of their son, Vivian and Bob’s marriage ended in 1977. The reasons behind their divorce are largely unpublicized, attributed to irreconcilable differences. The aftermath of their separation saw her leading a life away from the limelight, with very little information available about activities or whether she remarried.
After the divorce, while Bob rose to fame through “The Joy of Painting,” she chose a life of privacy. Information regarding career after the divorce or involvement in art remains undisclosed. Speculations arise; however, Vivian’s life after him remains a mystery without concrete evidence.
Vivian Ridge’s Legacy
Although the marriage ended, the union between Vivian and Bob brought forth Steve Ross, who would carry on his father’s legacy in painting. Steve Ross appeared on “The Joy of Painting,” showcasing a talent seemingly inherited from both parents, and he continues to be an active painter who teaches the wet-on-wet technique his father popularized.
Her life story intertwines with that of an art legend, making an integral part of the Bob Ross narrative. While the details of life post-divorce are scarce, her role as the first wife and mother to Steve Ross places her within the tapestry of art history tied to the Ross family.
A Private Life Beyond the Canvas
Vivian remains an enigma, a figure shrouded in the privacy she opted for after her divorce from Bob. In an era where privacy is scarce, and public figures’ lives are open books, the story reminds us of individuals’ choices in sharing or shielding their lives from public scrutiny.
In Conclusion
While Bob remains a celebrated figure in art, she chose a path less illuminated by the spotlight. Her marriage to Bob marks a chapter in the artist’s life that contributed to his personal and professional narrative.
Despite the lack of details about life after their divorce, Vivian Ridge’s role in the story of Bob Ross remains an indelible part of his history, serving as a testament to the private lives that contribute to the public personas we celebrate.
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