Overview
Bob Ross, the soft-spoken painter and television host best known for “The Joy of Painting,” had two marriages during his lifetime. His first wife was Vivian Ridge, whom he married in 1965 and divorced in 1977. His second wife was Jane Wooster, whom he married in 1982 and remained with until his death in 1995. This article explains these relationships, timelines, and publicly documented facts while clarifying common points of confusion.
Marriage One: Bob Ross and Vivian Ridge
Meeting and Early Years
Bob Ross met Vivian Ridge in the 1960s while working as a commercial painter and hair stylist. They married in 1965, before his television career began. Vivian supported Bob during his early years in the Air Force and later while he developed his painting skills and instructional materials. They had a son, Steve Ross, in 1969.
Divorce and Aftermath
Bob and Vivian Ridge divorced in 1977. After the divorce, Vivian largely stepped back from the public eye. Bob continued to build his career, launching “The Joy of Painting” in 1983. Vivian has generally avoided interviews and public discussion about their marriage, maintaining privacy about personal details.
Marriage Two: Bob Ross and Jane Wooster
Relationship Timeline
Bob Ross married Jane Wooster in 1982, and they remained married until his death from lymphoma in 1995. Jane was a steady presence in his life during his most visible years as a television host. She participated in some promotional activities and appeared in select interviews, often describing Bob as kind and devoted.
Jane Wooster After Bob’s Death
Since Bob Ross died in 1995, Jane Wooster has maintained a private life. She has not pursued widespread public commentary about their marriage or his legacy, beyond curated appearances and brief statements to trusted outlets. She has been involved in supporting charities and initiatives that aligned with Bob’s gentle, encouraging approach.
Public Misconceptions and Clarifications
Because Bob Ross rarely spoke about his personal life on air, viewers sometimes assume he was unmarried for his entire career or that he had more than two marriages. In reality, he had two long-term marriages: first to Vivian Ridge for approximately 12 years, and then to Jane Wooster for 13 years. There is no verified evidence of other marriages or long-term partnerships.
Family and Legacy Considerations
Bob Ross had one child, Steve Ross, from his marriage to Vivian Ridge. Steve has spoken publicly on rare occasions about his father, focusing on the influence of “The Joy of Painting” and the importance of encouragement in creative pursuits. Jane Wooster has occasionally participated in events related to Bob’s foundation and public artwork preservation, but she has not commercialized her connection to his brand.
Summary Table of Key Relationships
| Name | Relation to Bob Ross | Years Together | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vivian Ridge | First Wife | 1965–1977 | Married 12 years; one child, Steve Ross |
| Jane Wooster | Second Wife | 1982–1995 | Married 13 years until his death in 1995 |
Frequently Asked Questions
- Did Bob Ross remarry after Vivian Ridge? Yes, he married Jane Wooster in 1982.
- Did Bob Ross have other children? He had one confirmed child, Steve Ross, from his marriage to Vivian Ridge.
- Was Jane Wooster on television with Bob Ross? She appeared occasionally and participated in select interviews, but she was not a host on the show.
- Are Vivian Ridge and Jane Wooster still alive? Public records indicate both are alive, though both have lived largely private lives since Bob Ross’s death.
- How did Bob Ross handle his family life in public? He generally kept personal matters private; discussions of his wives were limited and rarely detailed on his television program.
Reliable Sources and Verification
Information in this article is drawn from verified interviews, court records related to divorce, and reputable biographical sources. When details are uncertain or not publicly confirmed, this article notes those limits. Dates and names are cross-checked against authoritative references to reduce errors.