"I know I want to have a family and be a housewife" - When Pete Sampras' wife Bridgette Wilson opened up about her 'most important' goal beyond acting
Pete Sampras' wife Bridgette Wilson once revealed that her ultimate life ambition was to have a family. The former Miss Teen USA, known for her roles in films like 'Billy Madison,' 'I Know What You Did Last Summer' and 'The Wedding Planner, prioritized this goal over her acting career.
Wilson's acting career played a pivotal role in her first encounter with Sampras, as the American requested his friend to arrange a meeting with the star after being enamored by her performance in the 1999 film 'Love Stinks,' which he described as a "life-changing" experience.
However, in a 1993 interview, Bridgette Wilson revealed that her greatest aspiration was not to continue acting but to become a homemaker and raise a family.
"I know I want to have a family and be a housewife. That's really the most important thing with me," she said (via digilander.libero.it)
Later, Pete Sampras' brother Gus shared that Bridgette Wilson's dedication to her family was a major factor in his brother's attraction to her.
Furthermore, his sister Stella suggested that their mutual interests and shared desire to start a family created a strong connection between them. She also expressed her belief that Wilson would be an excellent wife and mother.
"Him seeing how important her family is to her really attracted him," Gus said.
"I think Pete and Bridgette clicked because they both enjoy doing similar things -- such as movies, dinners and hanging out at the house. They are comfortable with each other. They want to have a family, and she has the qualities that will make her a good wife and mother," Stella said.
Bridgette Wilson did take a step back from her acting career after tying the knot with Pete Sampras in September 2000. She also achieved her long-held dream of motherhood with the birth of their first son Christian in November 2002 and their second son Ryan in July 2005.
Pete Sampras: "My wife pretty much put her career on hold to travel with me because we wanted to be together"
After winning his 13th Grand Slam title at the 2000 Wimbledon Championships, Pete Sampras experienced a lean period, as he didn't win a single title in 2001. During that time, the American faced incessant questions about retirement and whether his recent marriage to Bridgette Wilson was affecting his performance.
In an old interview, Sampras expressed frustration regarding the relentless inquiries, shedding light on his desire to win just one more Major title.
"Every time I walked into a press conference or did interviews about retirement and stopping and marriage, I was so tired of it. I had enough and I just wanted to win one more Major," Pete Sampras said.
The American also emphasized that Wilson had sacrificed her acting career to travel with him on tour, but admitted that this was "taxing" on their marriage because the media blamed her for his poor run of form.
"My wife pretty much put her career on hold to travel with me because we wanted to be together. But it was hard, it was taxing on our marriage. There's no question. I wasn't doing well, few people in the press blamed her, and that bothered me. You can criticize me but don't criticize my family," he added.
Pete Sampras achieved his goal, winning his 14th and final Grand Slam title in his last professional match, claiming a 6-3, 6-4, 5-7, 6-4 win over Andre Agassi in the 2002 US Open final.