Junior Bridgeman Family: All About His Wife, Children, and Parents

The world lost a true legend when Ulysses Lee “Junior” Bridgeman passed away at the age of 71. More than just an exceptional basketball player and a billionaire businessman, Junior was a devoted husband, father, and son. His story is one of resilience, ambition, and family values—a testament to the legacy he built both on and off the court.

While the Milwaukee Bucks and the basketball community continue to mourn his passing, Junior’s spirit lives on through his family. He is survived by his wife, Doris Griffith, and their three children, Justin, Ryan, and Eden Bridgeman, who have all followed in their father’s business footsteps. Let’s take a deeper look at the people who made up Junior Bridgeman’s family and the legacy they continue to uphold.

Who Was Junior Bridgeman’s Wife?

Junior Bridgeman was married to Doris Griffith, a woman who has managed to maintain an incredibly private life despite being married to one of the wealthiest former NBA players. Unlike her husband, Doris preferred to stay away from the public eye, choosing to support her family from behind the scenes.

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Although not much is known about how and when Junior and Doris met, one thing is clear: their marriage was a strong and enduring partnership. They built a life together, raising three children who have gone on to make significant contributions to their father’s business empire.

Doris’s influence on the family is undeniable. While Junior was busy carving out his path in basketball and business, she played a crucial role in maintaining a strong and supportive home. Now, as she navigates life without her husband, she remains a central figure in the Bridgeman legacy.

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Meet Junior Bridgeman’s Children: Justin, Ryan, and Eden

Junior Bridgeman was not only a savvy businessman but also an excellent father who passed down his wisdom and work ethic to his children. His three kids—Justin, Ryan, and Eden Bridgeman—have all played vital roles in continuing their father’s business success.

Justin Bridgeman: The Private One

Unlike his siblings, Justin Bridgeman prefers to stay out of the limelight. There is very little public information about him, as he has chosen to keep a low profile. However, given his father’s business acumen, it wouldn’t be surprising if Justin is working diligently behind the scenes to contribute to the family’s success.

Eden Bridgeman Sklenar: CEO of Ebony and Jet Magazines

Junior’s only daughter, Eden Bridgeman Sklenar, has made waves in the media industry. She is the CEO of Ebony Magazine and Jet Magazine, two of the most iconic publications in Black media history. Under her leadership, these magazines continue to thrive, with a projected revenue of $26.1 million in 2025.

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Eden’s work in media showcases the diversity of the Bridgeman family’s business empire. Her ability to successfully lead and expand these brands is a testament to the business knowledge and leadership skills she inherited from her father.

Ryan Bridgeman: The Business Visionary

Of all Junior’s children, Ryan Bridgeman seems to have inherited his father’s sharpest business instincts. Since taking over as CEO of Manna Inc. in 2017, Ryan has restructured and streamlined the restaurant empire his father built.

Manna Inc. once operated over 450 Wendy’s and Chili’s locations across 20 states. However, Ryan implemented a strategic downsizing plan, focusing on more manageable growth. The result?

Many of the Wendy’s franchises now generate over $2 million per location, and his Golden Corral outlets have also seen strong sales growth in recent years. His keen business acumen has ensured that the Bridgeman legacy remains strong.

Junior was incredibly proud of Ryan’s leadership, once stating, “Very proud of Ryan and all that he has accomplished since taking over the restaurant business. It continues to thrive, and, most importantly, the culture and people continue to flourish.”

Who Were Junior Bridgeman’s Parents?

Junior Bridgeman didn’t just build a legacy—he was carrying forward the values instilled in him by his parents, Ulysses Lee Bridgeman Sr. and his mother (whose name remains undisclosed to the public).

His father, Ulysses Lee Bridgeman Sr., worked in the steel industry, just like his father before him. Steel mills dominated East Chicago, Indiana, and generations of Bridgemans made a living through the physically demanding work. However, Ulysses Sr. had different aspirations for his son.

Recognizing Junior’s intelligence and athletic abilities, his father encouraged him to focus on education and basketball instead of working in the mills. That decision changed the course of Junior’s life, allowing him to earn a basketball scholarship to the University of Louisville, play in the NBA, and ultimately become a billionaire entrepreneur.

Junior often credited his father for teaching him the value of discipline, hard work, and perseverance. These lessons not only helped him succeed but were also passed down to his children, ensuring the Bridgeman name remains synonymous with excellence.

The Bridgeman Legacy Lives On

Though Junior Bridgeman passed away in 2025 at the age of 71, his impact is everlasting. He wasn’t just an NBA star or a business mogul; he was a devoted husband, father, and son who built a family empire from the ground up.

His wife, Doris Griffith, provided unwavering support. His children, Justin, Ryan, and Eden, have carried on his business acumen and entrepreneurial spirit. And his parents, especially his father, Ulysses Sr., set him on the path to greatness by steering him away from the steel mills and into a future of limitless possibilities.

The world may have lost a legend, but the Bridgeman name continues to thrive. Whether it’s through Ryan’s restaurant empire, Eden’s leadership at Ebony and Jet, or the quiet contributions of Justin, Junior Bridgeman’s influence is far from over.

His story is one of determination, wisdom, and family values—a legacy that will undoubtedly inspire future generations.

What are your thoughts on Junior Bridgeman’s incredible journey? Share your memories and thoughts in the comments!