Bridgette LeAnn Wilson-Sampras, born on September 25, 1973, in Gold Beach, Oregon, is an American former actress, singer, model, and beauty queen.
She gained prominence after being crowned Miss Teen USA in 1990 at the age of 16, marking her as the second winner from Oregon.
Wilson transitioned from pageantry to a multifaceted career in entertainment, appearing in numerous films and television shows during the 1990s and early 2000s.
She is also recognized for her musical endeavors, having released two albums, and for her personal life as the wife of tennis legend Pete Sampras, with whom she has two sons.
Siblings
Bridgette grew up with a sister named Tracy Wilson in Gold Beach, Oregon, under the care of their parents, Kathy and Dale Wilson.
Tracy, like Bridgette, pursued a career in acting, though her work has been less prominent in the public eye.
Tracy is known for roles in films and television shows such as The Master of Disguise (2002), where she appeared alongside Dana Carvey, and guest appearances on series like 24 and Cold Case.
Career
Wilson’s career began after her 1990 Miss Teen USA victory, which opened doors to acting opportunities.
She debuted as Lisa Fenimore on the soap opera Santa Barbara from 1992 to 1993, appearing in 20 episodes.
Her early television work also included a recurring role as Ginger on Saved by the Bell in 1992.
Also Read: Glenn Close Siblings: Meet the Siblings Squad Behind the Actress
Wilson transitioned to film in 1993, making her big-screen debut as Whitney Slater/Meredith Caprice in Last Action Hero alongside Arnold Schwarzenegger.
In 1995, she took on prominent roles, including Veronica Vaughn in the Adam Sandler comedy Billy Madison, Sonya Blade in the action film Mortal Kombat, and a cameo in Higher Learning.
Her role as Sonya Blade was particularly significant, as she stepped in after Cameron Diaz withdrew due to injury, and she later provided voice work for the character in the 2020 video game Mortal Kombat 11.
Wilson’s filmography grew with roles in horror films like I Know What You Did Last Summer (1997) as Elsa Shivers and House on Haunted Hill (1999) as Melissa Marr, as well as romantic comedies such as The Wedding Planner (2001) and Shopgirl (2005).
Her television credits include guest appearances on Murder, She Wrote, Frasier, CSI: Miami, and a recurring role on The \$treet (2000–2001).
Beyond acting, Wilson pursued music, releasing two albums under King Records: I Only Wanna Be with You (1994) and Gimme a Kiss (1996).
She also contributed a spoken-word performance to Tommy Shane Steiner’s 2002 country single “What We’re Gonna Do About It,” which reached number 43 on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart.
Additionally, Wilson starred off-Broadway in The Rocky Horror Show and served as a judge for the 2006 Miss Universe competition.
Accolades
Wilson’s most notable accolade is her 1990 Miss Teen USA title, which marked a significant milestone in her early career and served as a springboard into acting.
While she did not receive major acting awards, her performances in films like Billy Madison and Mortal Kombat earned her a lasting fan base, particularly among 1990s pop culture enthusiasts.
Her role as Sonya Blade in Mortal Kombat remains iconic, with her likeness and voice reprised in the Mortal Kombat 11 video game in 2020, reflecting her enduring impact in the franchise.
Her involvement in philanthropy, including support for MADD, the American Oceans Campaign, and AIDS organizations, further highlights her contributions beyond entertainment.
Email your news TIPS to Editor@Kahawatungu.com — this is our only official communication channel
