Pete Sampras and Bridgette Wilson have shared a storied and enduring marriage that has captured the attention of the public. Their journey together began in 1999, when they were introduced by John Black, the former Vice President of Public Relations for the Los Angeles Lakers. Sampras, a legendary tennis player, described in his book A Champion's Mind how he became captivated by Wilson after seeing her in the film Love Stinks while he was recovering from an injury.
Sampras recounts, 'There was a bright spot to that otherwise terrible late summer — my injury was directly responsible for my wife and me meeting. While I was hurt, I was watching this movie, Love Stinks, with a friend, John Black. Bridgette Wilson, an actress in the film, caught my eye. Actually, she blew me away when I saw her. I thought she was stunning.'
Their first date confirmed Sampras' conviction that Wilson was the one for him. They got married just nine months later in the year 2000, and together they have two sons named Christian Charles and Ryan Nikolaos.
So, who is Bridgette Wilson and what is her relationship with Pete Sampras? Let's delve into the life of Pete Sampras' wife and learn more about this remarkable couple.
Bridgette Wilson was born on September 25, 1973, in Gold Beach, Oregon, to Kathy and Dale Wilson. In 1990, at the age of 17, she represented her home state in the Miss Teen USA pageant and emerged victorious as Miss Teen USA 1990.
During the pageant, when asked about the importance of family and career, Wilson emphasized the influence her own family had on her. She expressed, 'Even though I am very interested in the entertainment field, I would probably choose family because my family is so closely knit, and they've given me such a strong belief in myself. That's why I'm here today ... because I've had that solid background, and I would like to have children to give that same background to and have that same confidence in themselves.'
After her Miss Teen USA win, Wilson embraced her newfound fame and embarked on an acting career. She made her debut in 1992, starring in 20 episodes of the Emmy-Winning soap opera Santa Barbara and five episodes of the popular sitcom Saved By the Bell.
In 1993, she took on her first movie role, portraying Arnold Schwarzenegger's daughter in Last Action Hero. Wilson's film career gained momentum in 1995 with notable appearances in movies like Mortal Kombat and Billy Madison.
One of her most memorable roles was alongside Adam Sandler in Billy Madison, where she played Veronica Vaughn, Sandler's love interest and supportive third-grade teacher. Wilson's portrayal of the encouraging teacher earned her a spot among the most memorable teachers in pop culture, as recognized by PEOPLE.
Additionally, Wilson starred in movies such as I Know What You Did Last Summer in 1997 and The Wedding Planner in 2001, showcasing her versatility as an actress.
It was after Pete Sampras won his sixth Wimbledon title in 1999 that he suffered a leg injury during the RCA Championships in Indianapolis. However, this setback turned out to be a blessing in disguise, as it led him to meet Bridgette Wilson through a mutual friend. Sampras had watched the movie Love Stinks, in which Wilson starred, and was instantly captivated. With the help of his friend, Sampras arranged a date with Wilson, and despite an initially awkward encounter, their connection grew throughout the evening.
Describing their first meeting, Sampras candidly shared, 'Our first meeting was almost painful, it was so awkward. We were both tongue-tied, and we barely made eye contact. It was comical, or at least it would have been to anyone who wasn't us. [...] Back at home after our first date, I was smitten — and I knew she was the one.'
Sampras and Wilson exchanged vows in a lavish ceremony held in their California backyard on September 30, 2000. Among the 80 guests in attendance was legendary hockey player Wayne Gretzky. The wedding incorporated elements of Sampras' Greek heritage, including a plate-cracking ceremony. The celebration was topped off with a 45-minute performance by EGOT-winner Elton John, who serenaded the couple with the song 'Can You Feel the Love Tonight.'
In an interview with InStyle, Wilson reminisced about the most significant moment of their wedding. She said, 'The moment I loved was when I was walking down the aisle and I got to look Pete in the eye. And when he was repeating a few of the vows to me, I started to cry.'
Pete Sampras, often referred to as 'Pistol Pete' for his powerful serve, is undeniably one of the greatest tennis players of all time. He embarked on his professional tennis career at the tender age of 16 in 1988 and retired in 2002 with a record-breaking 14 Grand Slam titles. Sampras held the ATP No. 1 ranking for six consecutive years from 1993 to 1998.
Throughout their relationship, Wilson stood by Sampras and supported him during his most significant matches, including his final match at the US Open in 2002 when he won his 14th Grand Slam title. She also witnessed his induction into the Tennis Hall of Fame. In an interview with NBC before Sampras' retirement, Wilson expressed both admiration and sadness, stating, 'If he decides to not play again and the US Open was the last match that he played, I think it's wonderful. If he's happy and content, then I'm happy and content. There's another side of me, obviously that is really going to miss watching him play.'
Sampras and Wilson are loving parents to their two sons, Christian and Ryan. Christian was born on November 21, 2002, followed by the arrival of Ryan on July 29, 2005.
Choosing to prioritize their family life, both Sampras and Wilson retired from their respective careers and focused on creating meaningful connections with their children. In an interview with PEOPLE, Wilson spoke about the importance of adapting to each other's parenting styles and finding a balance. She stated, 'We had to give each other permission to be different as parents. That's why there's a mom and dad with two different approaches because you do need both.'
Wilson further emphasized her commitment to being present for her children, sharing, 'For now, I want to be there when [the boys] wake up, and I want to be there to put them to bed.'
On October 2, 2023, Pete Sampras revealed that his wife Bridgette Wilson had been diagnosed with ovarian cancer ten months prior, in December 2022. In a statement released via the ATP tour, Sampras expressed the challenging nature of the past year for their family. He acknowledged Wilson's strength and determination in fighting the disease, praising their sons for their unwavering support.
Sampras concluded his statement by humbly requesting good thoughts and prayers for their family as Wilson continues on her healing journey.
The love story between Pete Sampras and Bridgette Wilson has endured triumphs and challenges, closely followed by the public eye. Together, they have formed a remarkable bond that has withstood the test of time. As they navigate life's ups and downs, their love, resilience, and dedication to their family serves as an inspiration to us all.
