Actress Bijou Phillips Seeks Second Kidney Transplant

Phillips was born with underdeveloped kidneys and has faced ongoing health struggles.

Published on Feb. 12, 2026

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Bijou Phillips, the actress and daughter of musicians John Phillips and Geneviève Waïte, was born with underdeveloped kidneys and has been open about her health struggles over the years. She received her first kidney transplant in 2017 but is now seeking a second transplant after complications, including the BK virus, led to a rejection of the first transplant. Phillips is currently on dialysis and is asking for help finding a living donor so she can have more time with her daughter and loved ones.

Why it matters

Phillips' ongoing health issues highlight the challenges some people face with chronic kidney disease and the critical need for organ donors. Her story also sheds light on the difficulties celebrities can encounter in managing serious medical conditions while maintaining their careers and personal lives.

The details

Phillips was born with underdeveloped kidneys and spent the first three months of her life on dialysis in the NICU. She received her first kidney transplant in 2017 after dealing with kidney disease for several years, including weekly dialysis treatments. However, she later experienced complications, including the BK virus, which led to a rejection of the transplanted kidney. Phillips is now back on dialysis and is seeking a second kidney transplant from a living donor.

  • Phillips was born with underdeveloped kidneys and spent the first three months of her life on dialysis.
  • In 2017, Phillips received her first kidney transplant.
  • In 2023, after Masterson was sentenced to 30 years in prison, Phillips filed for divorce and was awarded full custody of their daughter.
  • In February 2026, Phillips confirmed she is seeking a living donor for a second kidney transplant.

The players

Bijou Phillips

An actress and the daughter of musicians John Phillips and Geneviève Waïte, who was born with underdeveloped kidneys and has faced ongoing health struggles, including needing a second kidney transplant.

Danny Masterson

Phillips' former husband, who spoke out about her health issues in 2017 and was later sentenced to 30 years in prison on sexual assault charges.

Dr. Anjay Rastogi

The UCLA physician currently overseeing Phillips' care as she seeks a second kidney transplant.

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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. In 2017, I received the incredible gift of a kidney from a dear friend.”

— Bijou Phillips (Instagram)

“Bijou was born with small kidneys and has been quietly dealing with kidney disease for the last five years, including being on the transplant list.”

— Danny Masterson, Phillips' former husband (Entertainment Tonight)

What’s next

Phillips is currently under the care of Dr. Anjay Rastogi at UCLA and is actively seeking a living donor for a second kidney transplant.

The takeaway

Phillips' ongoing health struggles and need for a second kidney transplant highlight the importance of organ donation and the challenges some individuals face in managing chronic medical conditions, even as public figures. Her story serves as a reminder of the vital role living donors can play in saving lives.