Actress Bridgette Wilson-Sampras has been diagnosed with ovarian cancer, husband Pete Sampras revealed. The retired tennis star, 52, shared details about his wife’s illness in a statement released via the ATP Tour.
“As most have come to know, I am a pretty quiet and private person. However, this past year has been an exceptionally challenging time for my family, and I have decided to share what’s been going on,” Sampras began in a statement Sunday via the ATP Tour on X, formerly Twitter.
The 14-time Grand Slam champion revealed that “The Wedding Planner” star, 50, was diagnosed with ovarian cancer in December. “Since then, she has had major surgery, pushed through chemotherapy and continues with targeted maintenance therapy,” he said.
USA TODAY has reached out to reps for Wilson-Sampras. Sampras opened up about the emotional toll Wilson-Sampras’ diagnosis has taken on him and their family in his statement. The couple married in 2000 and share sons Christian, 20, and Ryan, 18.
“It is hard to watch someone you love go through a challenge like this. However, seeing our boys step up and be such strong supporters of Bridgette, myself and each other has been amazing,” he said. “Watching Bridgette continue to be an incredible mom and wife through it all has been inspiring.”
The former tennis star said that although he finds it difficult to ask for support, he is “humbly asking for good thoughts and prayers for our family as Bridgette continues to thrive on her healing journey.”
Wilson-Sampras began her career as an actress in the early ’90s and has over 30 acting credits listed on IMDB. She was a star in the soap opera “Santa Barbara,” and made appearances on “Saved by the Bell,” “The $treet” and “CSI: Miami.” In film, she acted in 2001’s “The Wedding Planner” as bride-to-be Fran Donolly opposite Jennifer Lopez and Matthew McConaughey, “Mortal Combat,” “Billy Madison,” “I Know What You Did Last Summer” and more.
Prior to her acting career, Wilson-Sampras gained attention as the winner of Miss Teen USA in 1990.
In other news – Springbok player Eben Etzebeth and his wife are expecting their first baby together
Springbok rugby player Eben Etzebeth and his wife, singer Anlia, are expecting their first child together. The couple revealed the news after an incredible fourth World Cup win for the Springboks. Anlia unveiled her pregnancy bump when stepping on the field to congratulate her partner and team members.
When celebrating Eben’s 32nd birthday on Sunday, Anlia shared a picture of Eben holding her baby bump and the Rugby World Cup trophy. Read More