Who Is Pete Sampras’ Wife? All About Actress Bridgette Wilson

Pete Sampras and Bridgette Wilson went through life’s ups and downs together during their decades-long marriage in the public eye.

The former all-time tennis great and former actress have been together since 1999, after being matched by former Los Angeles Lakers vice president of public relations John Black. In his 2008 book The mind of a champion, Sampras mentioned asking Black to hook him up with Wilson after seeing her in a major role while Sampras was recovering from injury.

“There was one bright spot in an otherwise terrible late summer — my injury was directly responsible for me and my husband meeting,” Sampras wrote. “While I was hurt, I watched this movie, Love stinks, with friend John Black. Bridgette Wilson, the actress from the movie, caught my eye. In fact, she blew me away when I saw her. I thought she was stunning.”

The winner of 14 Grand Slam tournaments said he knew Billy Madison the star was “the one” after their first date. Nine months later, the two got married in 2000, and are now the proud parents of two sons: Christian Charles and Ryan Nikolaos.

So who is Pete Sampras’s wife? Here’s everything you need to know about Bridgette Wilson and her relationship with the tennis legend.

Wilson was crowned Miss Teen USA in 1990

Bridgette Wilson as Miss Teen USA 1990.

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Wilson was born to Kathy and Dale Wilson on September 25, 1973 in Gold Beach, Oregon. 17 years later, in 1990, she represented her home country in the Miss Teen USA pageant and won, being named Miss Teen USA 1990.

When asked whether family or career was more important to her during the competition, she spoke about the influence of her own family on her.

“Actually, even though I’m very interested in the entertainment field, I would probably choose family because my family is so close-knit and they gave me such a strong belief in myself,” Wilson said. “That’s why I’m here today … because I had that solid experience and I’d like to have kids that I can give that same experience to and have that same confidence in.”

Wilson had a successful acting career

Bridgette Wilson at the premiere of “Blink” on January 11, 1994 in West Hollywood, California.

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After winning Miss Teen USA, Wilson used her newfound fame to launch an acting career. She got her first roles in 1992, when she starred in 20 episodes of the Emmy-winning soap opera Santa Barbara, and five episodes of the popular sitcom Saved by the bell.

She then starred in her first film in 1993, playing Arnold Schwarzenegger’s daughter in the The ultimate action hero. Her film career took off in 1995 when she starred in films like Mortal Kombat and Billy Madison.

IN Billy Madison, Wilson starred opposite Adam Sandler as his love interest and encouraging third-grade teacher, Veronica Vaughn. Sandler starred as a man-child who repeats grades one through 12. (PEOPLE named Wilson’s character one of the most memorable teachers in pop culture.)

Wilson also starred in films such as 1997 I know what you did last summer and in 2001 Wedding planner.

Wilson and Sampras were introduced by the executive director of the Los Angeles Lakers in 1999

Pete Sampras and Brigette Wilson watch the Lakers vs. Clippers game at Staples Center on December 14, 1999.

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After winning his sixth Wimbledon title in 1999, Sampras suffered a leg injury at the RCA Championship in Indianapolis. However, in his book The mind of a championhe wrote that it was a blessing in disguise because watching the film while he was injured led him to meet his future wife.

After watching 1999 Love stinks with his friend John Black—former vice president of public relations for the Los Angeles Lakers—Sampras asked Black if he could use his Hollywood connections to offer Sampras a date with Wilson, who starred in the film. Black complied and eventually Sampras and Wilson met at Sampras’ house before the first date, where things got a little awkward before warming up over dinner.

“Our first meeting was almost painful, it was so awkward. We were both tongue-tied and barely making eye contact. It was comical, or at least it would have been to anyone but us,” Sampras wrote.

“I suggested dinner at an Italian restaurant. A change of scenery … helped,” Sampras continued. “We gradually relaxed and had a wonderful dinner. At home after our first date I was ecstatic – and I knew she was the one.”

They got married in their backyard in 2000

Pete Sampras and Bridgette Wilson at the World Premiere After Party for ‘Alex and Emma’ on June 16, 2003 in Hollywood, CA.

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Sampras and Wilson had an extravagant wedding in their California backyard on September 30, 2000. There were about 80 guests – including Wayne Gretzky – a plate-breaking ceremony honoring Sampras’ Greek heritage and a 45-minute piano set by EGOT winner Elton John, on at the top John played Can you feel the love tonight.

Wilson spoke with In style about the most significant moment of her wedding in February 2001.

“My favorite moment was when I was walking down the aisle and I got to look Pete in the eye. And when he repeated a few vows to me, I started to cry, Wilson said.

She supported Sampras throughout his tennis career

Pete Sampras and Bridgette Wilson-Sampras at the premiere of “The Wedding Planner” on January 23, 2001 in Century City, CA.

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Sampras — nicknamed “Pistol Pete” for his quick, accurate and powerful serve — is well known as one of the greatest tennis players of all time. He began his professional tennis career in 1988 – when he was 16 – and retired in 2002 after winning a then-record 14 Grand Slam titles and ending the year as the ATP No. 1 player in the world from 1993 to 1998.

After Sampras met Wilson in 1999, she attended many of his biggest matches, including his 2002 US Open final — where he won his record 14th Grand Slam title — and his induction into the Tennis Hall of Fame. Between winning the 2002 US Open and Sampras’ retirement in 2003, Wilson spoke with NBC on the speculation surrounding Sampras’ eventual retirement.

“If he decides not to play anymore, and the US Open was the last match he played, I think that’s wonderful. If he’s happy and satisfied, then I’m happy and satisfied,” Wilson said. “There’s another side of me, she’s obviously going to really miss watching him play.”

Sampras and Wilson have two children

Pete Sampras and Bridgette Wilson with their children, Ryan and Christian.

Michael Bezjian/WireImage

Sampras and Wilson are parents of two children. The couple welcomed their first son, Christian, on November 21, 2002, and their second son, Ryan, on July 29, 2005.

In June 2009, Wilson spoke to PEOPLE about her experience parenting with Sampras and learning to adapt to each other’s parenting styles.

“We had to give each other permission to be different as parents,” Wilson said. “That’s why there are moms and dads with two different approaches because you need both.”

They both stepped back from their careers to focus more on their family lives, which Wilson also elaborated on in the same interview with PEOPLE.

“For now, I want to be there when [the boys] wake up and I want to be there to put them to bed,” Wilson said.

Wilson’s family has been supportive since she was diagnosed with ovarian cancer

Pete Sampras and Bridgette Wilson at the 2001 ESPY Awards.

KMazur/WireImage

On October 2, 2023, Sampras revealed that Wilson had been diagnosed with ovarian cancer 10 months earlier in December 2022. He released his statement via the ATP Tour.

“As most of you know, I’m quite a quiet and reserved person. However, this past year has been an extremely challenging time for my family and I’ve decided to share what’s been going on,” he began the statement, which was published on x (formerly known as Twitter).

“Last December, my wife, Bridgette, was diagnosed with ovarian cancer,” he continued. “She has since had major surgery, gone through chemotherapy and continued targeted maintenance therapy.”

The former ATP World No. 1 then praised the support of his sons and the strength and determination of his wife.

“It’s hard to watch someone you love go through a challenge like this. However, it was amazing to see our guys step up and support Bridgette, themselves and each other so strongly,” said Sampras. “Watching Bridgette continue to be an amazing mom and wife through it all has been very inspiring… That said, I will end this humbly asking for good thoughts and prayers for our family as Bridgette continues to move forward on her healing journey. Thank you.”

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