Bijou Phillips Seeks Kidney Donor After Health Complications

The actress and model is in need of a second kidney transplant after her body rejected a previous donation.

Published on Feb. 11, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Bijou Phillips, a 45-year-old model and actress, is seeking a kidney donor after complications from a previous transplant. Phillips revealed on social media that a BK Polyomavirus has caused her body to reject a kidney she received in 2017. She is currently back on dialysis and is asking for help finding a living donor so she can have more time with her daughter.

Why it matters

Kidney transplants are critical procedures that can greatly improve the quality of life for those suffering from kidney failure. Phillips' public plea highlights the ongoing need for organ donors and the challenges faced by those awaiting transplants, especially high-profile individuals who may have unique medical needs.

The details

Phillips was born with underdeveloped kidneys and spent the first three months of her life on dialysis in the NICU. She received a kidney transplant in 2017 from a dear friend, which gave her 8 years to be a mother to her daughter. However, she has since faced many complications, including the BK virus, which led to both a cellular and antibody rejection of the transplanted kidney. She is now back on dialysis and is being treated by a doctor at UCLA.

  • Phillips received her first kidney transplant in 2017.
  • In September 2023, Phillips filed for divorce from her husband, Danny Masterson.
  • In October 2025, Phillips petitioned a California court to change her daughter's name, Fianna Francis Masterson, by dropping her ex-partner's surname.

The players

Bijou Phillips

A 45-year-old model and actress who is seeking a kidney donor after complications from a previous transplant.

Danny Masterson

Phillips' ex-husband, who is currently serving a 30-year-to-life prison sentence for raping two women.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“I'm asking as a friend, a sister, an aunt, and, most importantly, a single mother to an incredible and brave daughter. I am in need of a kidney.”

— Bijou Phillips (Instagram)

What’s next

Phillips is currently being treated by a doctor at UCLA and is actively searching for a living kidney donor to help her continue to be a mother to her daughter.

The takeaway

This case highlights the ongoing need for organ donors and the challenges faced by those awaiting transplants, especially high-profile individuals who may have unique medical needs. It also underscores the importance of raising awareness about the critical role that organ donation can play in improving the quality of life for those suffering from kidney failure.