Bob Ross, also known as Robert Norman Ross, became famous for hosting ‘The Joy of Painting’ on American TV. He got married three times in his life. So, who was Bob Ross wife? He was a well-known American painter and art teacher. He taught people to paint landscapes on his TV show using his special wet-on-wet oil painting method. People loved his calming voice and how he could make beautiful paintings in just 30 minutes. He passed away in 1995, but we still wonder who was Bob Ross wife.
Who was Bob Ross spouse, and are they still alive? Since the American painter passed away, many fans have been curious about his spouse. Here’s all the information you need on Bob Ross wife.
Who Was Bob Ross?
Robert Norman Ross, an American painter, art instructor, and the host of the educational TV show “The Joy of Painting,” which was broadcast from 1983 to 1994 on PBS in the United States and CBC in Canada, was born on October 29, 1942, in Daytona Beach, Florida.
His parents, Jack and Ollie Ross, had jobs as carpenters and waitresses, respectively. Instead of finishing high school, he started working alongside his father.
Bob Ross, who shares the same birthdate of October 29, 1942, in Daytona Beach, Florida, and was raised in Orlando, Florida, had parents named Jack, a carpenter, and Ollie Ross, a waitress.
Although he was a longtime smoker, he faced various health issues and expected an early death. Sadly, he lost his battle with lymphoma and passed away at the age of 52 on July 4, 1995, in Orlando, Florida.
Many fans are interested in learning about Bob Ross’s wives and what they are doing now.
Robert had a previous stint in the US Air Force and was stationed in Alaska, a place that would go on to inspire most of his future paintings. During his breaks from duty, he began to develop quick painting techniques and even enrolled in an art class at the Anchorage USO club.
He rapidly mastered these techniques and soon started painting and selling portraits of the beautiful Alaskan scenery. Sadly, Bob passed away on July 4, 1995, due to complications related to lymphoma.
It’s believed that his exposure to paints and solvents containing high levels of benzene and ethylbenzene may have contributed to his lymphoma.
Who Was Bob Ross Wife?
Bob Ross, a beloved painter, art instructor, and television host, won the hearts of many with his multifaceted talents. He experienced three marriages in his lifetime.
Let’s know who Bob Ross’s wife was and their influence on his life and creative journey.
Who was Bob Ross’s First Wife? – Vivian Ridge (1965 – 1977)
Vivian Ridge (1965 – 1977) was Bob Ross’s first wife (1). Vivian’s interest in painting began at the young age of 12, and she later pursued a degree in art history at Wake Forest University.
During her college years, she met Bob, and they began working together. They married in 1965 and remained together for over a decade until their divorce in 1977.
Vivian Ridge remains somewhat of an enigma, as Bob Ross didn’t discuss her much in public. During their marriage, they welcomed a child into the world, their son Robert Stephen Ross, born on August 1, 1966. He has become a well-known artist who goes by the professional name of Steve Ross.
Steve made occasional appearances on “The Joy of Painting” and even became a certified instructor under his father’s guidance. He notably featured in the final episode of Season 1, where he answered various “how-to” questions from viewers.
Bob Ross’s Second Wife – Jane (1997)
After his divorce from Vivian Ridge, Bob Ross tied the knot with Jane in 1977. Jane was not just a spouse; she was once his student, eager to learn the art of oil painting from him.
Their love story began when Jane started taking Bob’s painting classes, and it eventually blossomed into a romantic relationship that led to marriage.
Jane became more than a life partner; she became Bob’s crucial business collaborator, aiding him in the management of his successful art enterprise.
However, a sad chapter unfolded when Jane was diagnosed with cancer and tragically passed away in 1992. Her loss deeply affected the renowned art instructor, prompting him to take a temporary break from filming “The Joy of Painting.”
Bob Ross 3rd Spouse – Lynda Brown Ross (1995)
The painter entered into his third marriage with Lynda Brown shortly before his passing in 1995. Bob Ross and Lynda Brown first met during her time working as a nurse.
Despite the brevity of their marriage, they remained united until his unfortunate demise just two months later, in July 1995, a result of complications stemming from lymphoma.
What Happened to Bob Ross’s Wife?
Bob met his second wife, Jane, during his time in the military (1). Jane was working as a civilian employee for the Department of Defense and was living in Alaska. Although they spent 15 years together, they didn’t have any children.
Unfortunately, Jane Ross passed away in 1992 due to cancer. At the time of her death, Bob Ross owned only one-third of Bob Ross Inc.
Jane had played a crucial role in the deal her husband had struck for his own product line alongside Annette and Walt Kowalski. Her death led to a change in the ownership of the company that carried Bob’s name.
Where Are Bob Ross’s Wives Doing Now?
Vivian Fridge Ross appears to have moved forward in her life. She shared warm memories of Bob in a documentary and currently lives in Orlando, Florida.
On the other hand, Lynda Brown has chosen to maintain her privacy since her husband’s passing, and not much information is available about her.
Regarding the inheritance of Bob Ross’s estate, when Robert passed away, his estate, valued at $1.3 million, included half of his interest in Bob Ross Inc.
The Kowalskis, who had tried to gain control of the business during Ross’s lifetime without success, filed a lawsuit against the estate.
They sought all intellectual rights and ownership of Ross’s completed paintings. The estate executor, Cox, eventually settled with the Kowalskis after facing financial challenges from a long legal battle.
However, two decades after the lawsuit, Steven Ross stumbled upon a significant clause in his father’s trust. It granted him all rights to his father’s name, likeness, and publicity.
Steven then filed a lawsuit against Bob Ross Inc., claiming that all business deals and products using his father’s likeness were unauthorized and demanded compensation.
As for Bob Ross’s third wife, her current location remains undisclosed. Jane, his second wife, passed away from cancer in August 1992 in Florida, just three years before Bob’s own passing at the age of 50.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: When did Bob Ross die?
A: Bob Ross passed away on July 4, 1995.
Q: What happened to Bob Ross’s paintings after he died?
A: Still, they chose to donate some of Bob Ross’ paintings to the Smithsonian. These artworks will be part of a permanent exhibit at the National Museum of American History, where they’ll be displayed alongside creations by other famous American figures like Julia Child and Mr. Rogers. Bob Ross passed away at the age of 52 on July 4, 1995, after battling lymphoma.
Q: Did Bob Ross have kids?
A: Steve Ross was born on August 1, 1966. Steve was the son of Bob and his first wife, Vivian. He was Bob’s second child, as Bob had become a father during his teenage years. Almost three decades later, Steve made his first appearance on his father’s show, ‘The Joy Of Painting.
Q: What’s Bob Ross’s most expensive painting?
A: A Walk in the Woods,’ this painting is currently listed for $9.85 million. It’s anticipated to become one of the most expensive and historically significant pieces ever sold by Bob Ross. The artwork features a winding stone path, a peaceful blue pond, and radiant golden trees.
Who was Bob Ross, and what made him famous?
Bob Ross, also known as Robert Norman Ross, became famous for hosting “The Joy of Painting” on American television. He was a well-known American painter and art teacher who taught people to paint landscapes using his unique wet-on-wet oil painting method. His soothing voice and the ability to create beautiful paintings in just 30 minutes endeared him to many. He passed away in 1995.
When did Bob Ross have his child?
Bob Ross and his son, Steve Ross, share a strong passion for painting. Steve, who was born to Bob and his first wife, Vivian Ridge, in 1966, is a talented painter, much like his father. They both have a gentle and artistic nature.
Who were Bob Ross’s wives, and are they still alive?
Bob Ross was married three times in his life. His first wife was Vivian Ridge, whom he married in 1965. His second wife was Jane, and his third wife was Lynda Brown, whom he married shortly before his death in 1995.
Vivian Ridge and Jane Ross have passed away. Vivian and Bob divorced in 1977, and Jane passed away from cancer in 1992.
As for Lynda Brown, not much information is available about her current whereabouts.
What happened to Bob Ross’s estate?
When Bob Ross passed away, his estate was valued at $1.3 million, which included half of his interest in Bob Ross Inc. After his death, the Kowalskis, who had previously tried to gain control of the business while Ross was alive, sued the estate. They sought all intellectual rights and ownership of Ross’s completed paintings. The estate executor, Cox, eventually settled with the Kowalskis due to financial constraints.
However, two decades later, Steven Ross discovered a clause in his father’s trust that granted him all rights to his father’s name, likeness, and publicity. Steven sued Bob Ross Inc. based on this new evidence, claiming that business deals and products using his father’s likeness were unauthorized and demanded compensation.
Where are Bob Ross’s wives now?
Vivian Fridge Ross lives in Orlando, Florida, and has seemingly moved on with her life.
Lynda Brown has chosen to keep a low profile, and not much is known about her current activities or whereabouts.
For Jane, Bob’s second wife, she tragically passed away in 1992 due to cancer.
Bob Ross’s third wife, Lynda Brown, has undisclosed current whereabouts.
How Did Bob Ross’s Wife Die?
Bob Ross’s second wife, Jane, passed away due to cancer in August 1992. She battled cancer but, unfortunately, did not survive the illness.
Conclusion
Bob Ross, the beloved painter and television host, had three wives during his lifetime. His first wife was Vivian Ridge, his second was Jane, and his third was Lynda Brown. Each marriage had its own unique story and impact on Bob’s life. Vivian Ridge gave birth to their son, Robert Stephen Ross, who became an accomplished artist known as Steve Ross. Jane, Bob’s second wife, was both a student and a business partner. Sadly, she passed away from cancer in 1992. After Jane’s passing, Bob married Lynda Brown, but their marriage was short-lived, ending just two months before his death in 1995. These women played significant roles in Bob Ross’s life and his artistic journey.
Refrences:
1. https://entrepreneurmindz.com/vivian-ridge/
2. https://heavy.com/entertainment/jane-ross-bob-wife/
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