BRIDGETTE WILSON

Bridgette Wilson is an American actress, singer, model, and former beauty queen who gained prominence in the 1990s for her roles in both film and television. Born on September 25, 1973, in Gold Beach, Oregon, she has built a diverse career in the entertainment industry.

Early Life and Pageant Success

Bridgette Leann Wilson was born to Kathy and Dale Wilson in the coastal town of Gold Beach, Oregon. She grew up alongside her sister, Tracy Wilson. During her high school years at Gold Beach High School, she was an active member of the volleyball team. In 1990, at the age of 16, Bridgette won the Miss Teen USA title, becoming the second Oregonian to achieve this honor. This victory served as a springboard for her entry into the entertainment world.

Acting Career

Television Roles

Following her pageant success, Bridgette moved to Los Angeles to pursue acting. She landed her first significant role as Lisa Fenimore on the soap opera Santa Barbara, appearing from April 1992 to January 1993. Additionally, she had a recurring role as Ginger on Saved by the Bell. ​

Film Appearances

Bridgette made her film debut in 1993, portraying Whitney Slater in Last Action Hero. She gained further recognition with roles such as Veronica Vaughn in Billy Madison (1995) and Sonya Blade in Mortal Kombat (1995). Her filmography also includes appearances in Higher Learning (1995), Nixon (1995), I Know What You Did Last Summer (1997), House on Haunted Hill (1999), The Wedding Planner (2001), and Shopgirl (2005). ​

Stage and Voice Work

Beyond screen acting, Bridgette showcased her talents on stage, starring in an off-Broadway production of The Rocky Horror Show. In 2020, she lent her voice and likeness to the character Sonya Blade in the video game Mortal Kombat 11, reprising her role from the 1995 film. ​

Music Endeavors

In addition to acting, Bridgette pursued a career in music. She released two albums: I Only Wanna Be with You (1994) and Gimme a Kiss (1996). Her musical talents extended to collaborations, including a spoken-word contribution to Tommy Shane Steiner's song "What We're Gonna Do About It," which reached number 43 on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart in 2002.

Personal Life

On September 30, 2000, Bridgette married professional tennis player Pete Sampras. The couple has two sons: Christian Charles, born in 2002, and Ryan Nikolaos, born in 2005. They reside in Lake Sherwood, California. In December 2022, Bridgette was diagnosed with ovarian cancer, a fact publicly shared by her husband in October 2023. ​

Bridgette Wilson's multifaceted career and personal resilience continue to inspire many in the entertainment industry and beyond.