Bijou Phillips Seeks Living Kidney Donor as She Battles Complications

The actress, 45, is hospitalized and on dialysis as she awaits a second kidney transplant.

Published on Feb. 11, 2026

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Bijou Phillips, who was born with underdeveloped kidneys, is currently hospitalized and on dialysis as she searches for a living kidney donor. Phillips had her first kidney transplant in 2017, but is now facing complications including the BK virus, which led to a cellular and antibody rejection. She is appealing to her social media followers to help her find a living donor so she can have more time with her 11-year-old daughter.

Why it matters

Bijou Phillips' story highlights the ongoing challenges faced by those with kidney disease, including the need for transplants and the difficulty of finding suitable donors. Her situation also sheds light on the impact chronic health issues can have on a person's ability to care for their family.

The details

Phillips was born with underdeveloped kidneys and spent the first three months of her life on dialysis. She received a kidney transplant in 2017, which gave her 8 years with her daughter. However, she has since faced complications, including the BK virus, which led to a cellular and antibody rejection. Phillips is now back on dialysis and is searching for a living donor to undergo a second kidney transplant.

  • Phillips was born with underdeveloped kidneys and spent the first three months of her life on dialysis.
  • In 2017, Phillips received a kidney transplant from a friend.
  • After 8 years, Phillips began facing complications, including the BK virus, which led to a cellular and antibody rejection.
  • On February 11, 2026, Phillips posted a plea on Instagram asking for help finding a living kidney donor.

The players

Bijou Phillips

A 45-year-old actress who was born with underdeveloped kidneys and is currently hospitalized and on dialysis as she searches for a living kidney donor for a second transplant.

Fianna

Bijou Phillips' 11-year-old daughter, whom she is hoping to have more time with if she can find a suitable kidney donor.

Danny Masterson

Bijou Phillips' ex-husband and the father of her daughter Fianna.

Dr. Anjay Rastogi

The UCLA doctor currently overseeing Bijou Phillips' care as she awaits a second kidney transplant.

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What they’re saying

“I need help finding a kidney. I'm asking as a friend, a sister, an aunt, and most important, a single mother to an incredible and brave daughter”

— Bijou Phillips (Instagram)

“Time is of the essence.”

— Bijou Phillips (Instagram)

What’s next

Bijou Phillips is urging anyone interested in becoming a living kidney donor to apply through the link in her Instagram bio. Her doctor, Dr. Anjay Rastogi at UCLA, is overseeing her care as she awaits a second transplant.

The takeaway

Bijou Phillips' story highlights the ongoing need for organ donors, especially for those facing chronic kidney disease. Her situation also underscores the impact that health challenges can have on a person's ability to care for their family, and the importance of community support during difficult times.