Bijou Phillips Faces 'Dire' Kidney Transplant Search with No Prospective Donors

The actress is currently receiving dialysis at UCLA Health as she waits for a kidney donor.

Published on Feb. 12, 2026

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Actress Bijou Phillips is in urgent need of a kidney transplant, but her friends and family have been unsuccessful in finding a match so far. Phillips, who previously received a kidney transplant in 2017, is now back on dialysis as her condition remains 'dire' according to reports. The 45-year-old has taken to social media to plead for help in finding a donor, stating that 'time is of the essence'.

Why it matters

Kidney disease is a serious and life-threatening condition, and Phillips' struggle highlights the ongoing challenges many face in finding suitable organ donors. Her situation also sheds light on the importance of raising awareness and encouraging more people to consider becoming organ donors.

The details

Phillips' previous kidney transplant in 2017 was successful, allowing her to live eight more 'precious' years with her daughter. However, that donated kidney has now failed, and she is currently receiving dialysis at CORE Kidney at UCLA Health while waiting for a new donor. Her friends and family have gone through the process to see if they are a match, but they were unsuccessful. Despite the lack of prospective donors, Phillips and her loved ones remain 'optimistic' about finding a match in the next 'couple of months'.

  • In 2017, Phillips received a kidney transplant from a friend.
  • The transplanted kidney has now failed, leading to Phillips' current health crisis.

The players

Bijou Phillips

A 45-year-old actress who is currently in need of a kidney transplant.

CORE Kidney at UCLA Health

The medical facility where Phillips is receiving dialysis while waiting for a kidney donor.

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What they’re saying

“I need help finding a kidney. I am in need of a kidney.”

— Bijou Phillips (Instagram)

“Time is of the essence as they search for donors.”

— Bijou Phillips (Instagram)

What’s next

Phillips and her loved ones remain 'optimistic' about finding a match in the next 'couple of months'.

The takeaway

Bijou Phillips' struggle to find a kidney donor highlights the ongoing need for more people to consider becoming organ donors, as many face life-threatening challenges in finding suitable matches. Her story serves as a reminder of the importance of raising awareness and encouraging compassion for those in dire need of transplants.