Pete Sampras was never the guy who wanted the limelight. He was the guy who wanted the trophy, the serve-and-volley perfection, and then a quiet exit to the locker room. So, it makes total sense that the woman he’s been married to for over two decades, Bridgette Wilson-Sampras, is just as low-key, despite being a certified 90s icon.
You probably remember her. Maybe as the tough-as-nails Sonya Blade in Mortal Kombat or the teacher everyone had a crush on in Billy Madison. She was everywhere for a minute. Then, she kinda just… disappeared? Not really, though. She just traded the red carpet for a much more private life with the greatest grass-court player of his generation.
Lately, though, the Sampras name has been back in the news for a much heavier reason than tennis. In late 2023, Pete broke his usual silence to share that Bridgette has been fighting a serious health battle. It’s a story about a Hollywood starlet, a tennis legend, and a marriage that has proven to be way tougher than any five-set thriller at Wimbledon.
How Pete Met Bridgette (It Was Basically a Rom-Com)
Most people think famous people meet at some fancy gala or through a high-powered agent. For Pete and Bridgette, it was a lot more relatable. Pete was literally sitting in a movie theater in Los Angeles in 1999. He was watching a movie called Love Stinks.
Bridgette Wilson was on the screen.
Pete turned to his friend, John Black (who was the PR director for the Lakers at the time), and jokingly said, "You've got to fix me up with that girl." Most of the time, that’s just talk. But Black actually had the connections to make it happen. He got her number. Pete called.
Honestly, their first date wasn't some grand production. They met for drinks, which turned into dinner, and the rest is history. Pete later admitted that he knew within months she was the one. He wasn't just attracted to her looks; he loved that she was a "tomboy" from a small town in Oregon who valued family over the Hollywood grind.
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They got married on September 30, 2000. It was a backyard wedding at Pete’s Beverly Hills home. Simple. Private. Very Pete and Bridgette.
From Miss Teen USA to Sonya Blade
Before she was Pete Sampras' wife, Bridgette Wilson was a massive star in her own right. She grew up in Gold Beach, Oregon—a tiny coastal town where she spent her time fishing and chopping wood with her dad. She wasn't a "pageant girl" by trade, but she ended up winning Miss Teen USA in 1990.
That crown was her ticket to Los Angeles.
Her Iconic Roles
If you grew up in the 90s, she was a staple of your TV and movie screen:
- Saved by the Bell: She played Ginger, one of the many girls in the Bayside High universe.
- Billy Madison: As Veronica Vaughn, she became a cult classic legend opposite Adam Sandler.
- Mortal Kombat: She did her own stunts as Sonya Blade. That’s legendary.
- I Know What You Did Last Summer: She played Elsa Shivers, the sister of Sarah Michelle Gellar’s character.
- The Wedding Planner: She played Fran Donolly, the woman whose wedding Jennifer Lopez was supposed to be planning.
She was working constantly. But here’s the thing: Bridgette always said she wanted to be a housewife and a mom. In interviews as early as 1993, she told reporters that family was the most important thing to her. She wasn't lying. Once she and Pete started their family, she stepped away from the industry almost entirely.
The 2023 Ovarian Cancer Diagnosis
In October 2023, the tennis world stopped for a second. Pete Sampras, a man who rarely posts on social media and keeps his family life under a heavy lock and key, released a statement through the ATP.
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He revealed that Bridgette had been diagnosed with ovarian cancer the previous December.
It had been a year of major surgery, grueling chemotherapy, and "targeted maintenance therapy." Pete described it as an "exceptionally challenging time." For a couple that has spent twenty years avoiding the paparazzi, this was a massive deal. Pete said he’s a private person but felt it was important to share why he hadn’t been around and to ask for prayers.
The Family Response
The Sampras' have two sons: Christian, who is now 23, and Ryan, who is 20. Pete was incredibly open about how the boys have stepped up. Seeing your mother go through chemo is brutal, but Pete noted that watching them support her (and him) was inspiring.
Bridgette has always been the rock of that house. Even while undergoing treatment, Pete said she continued to be an "incredible mom and wife." As of early 2026, the family continues to focus on her healing journey. Ovarian cancer is often called the "silent killer" because symptoms are so subtle, which is why their transparency has actually helped raise a ton of awareness.
Life Away from the Court
So, what does their life actually look like when they aren't dealing with health crises? It’s pretty normal, all things considered. They live in the Lake Sherwood area of California, near Westlake Village.
Pete retired in 2002, right before their first son was born. He famously said he wanted to be a present father. Bridgette felt the same way. They didn't want nannies raising their kids while they were off on film sets or at tournaments.
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- Parenting Styles: Bridgette once told People that she and Pete had to give each other "permission" to be different parents. Pete is the disciplined athlete; Bridgette is the nurturer.
- Privacy: You won't find Bridgette on Instagram posting "Get Ready With Me" videos. She doesn't have a public profile. They don't do reality TV. They don't sell photos of their home.
- Support: When Pete was inducted into the International Tennis Hall of Fame, Bridgette was there, but she stayed in the background. That’s their dynamic. She’s the support system for the man who spent years being the face of American tennis.
Why Their Marriage Lasts
In a town like Los Angeles, a 25-year marriage is basically a miracle. Why does it work?
Part of it is that they both wanted the same thing at the same time. Pete was tired of the grind and the travel. Bridgette had checked all the boxes in her acting career and was ready for a different chapter. They both valued "home" more than "fame."
Also, they’ve navigated the transition from being "the big deal" to being "just parents" together. That’s a hard shift for a lot of celebrities. When you’re used to 20,000 people screaming your name at Arthur Ashe Stadium, a quiet Tuesday night at home can feel empty. For Pete, Bridgette filled that space.
Actionable Takeaways for Fans
If you've followed Bridgette Wilson-Sampras since her Mortal Kombat days or you're a die-hard Pete fan, there are a few things to keep in mind regarding their current situation:
- Respect their privacy: Pete asked for "good thoughts and prayers," but they aren't looking for a media circus. They likely won't provide frequent updates.
- Awareness matters: Bridgette's battle highlights the importance of regular check-ups. Ovarian cancer symptoms (bloating, pelvic pain, feeling full quickly) are often ignored. If you or a loved one are experiencing these, see a doctor.
- The Power of Maintenance Therapy: Pete mentioned she is on "targeted maintenance therapy." This is a relatively new and effective way to prevent recurrence in ovarian cancer patients, showing how far medical science has come.
Bridgette Wilson-Sampras might have stepped out of the Hollywood spotlight, but her role as the heart of the Sampras family is clearly her most important one yet.
Next Steps for Readers
To learn more about the early detection of the condition Bridgette is facing, you can visit the Ovarian Cancer Research Alliance (OCRA) website. They provide resources on symptoms and how to support families going through treatment. You can also follow the ATP Tour official channels for any rare public statements from the Sampras family regarding their charity work or health updates.