Bijou Phillips Seeks Kidney Donor Amid Health Battle

The actress, known for roles in "Almost Famous" and "Bully", faces kidney failure and is pleading for a living donor.

Published on Feb. 12, 2026

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Bijou Phillips, 45, is publicly seeking a kidney donor as she faces renewed health challenges stemming from a chronic kidney disorder. The actress, who received a kidney transplant in 2017, is now back on dialysis due to complications including the BK virus, which can cause organ rejection in transplant recipients. Phillips is currently hospitalized at UCLA Health and is urging potential matches to come forward to help her have more time with her 11-year-old daughter.

Why it matters

Phillips' story highlights the critical need for organ donors, as kidney disease affects millions worldwide. Her willingness to share her personal struggle may encourage others to consider becoming living donors. The actress's journey also underscores the emotional and logistical challenges faced by those navigating chronic health conditions and the family impacts.

The details

Phillips was born with underdeveloped kidneys and spent the first three months of her life in the NICU undergoing dialysis. She received a kidney transplant in 2017 from a friend, which allowed her eight years of motherhood. However, complications including the BK virus have led to the failure of that transplanted kidney and a return to dialysis. Phillips is currently hospitalized at UCLA Health, under the care of Dr. Anjay Rastogi, and receiving dialysis while awaiting a living donor.

  • Phillips was born with underdeveloped kidneys and spent the first three months of her life in the NICU undergoing dialysis.
  • Phillips received a kidney transplant in 2017.
  • Complications, including the BK virus, led to the failure of the transplanted kidney in 2025.
  • Phillips filed for divorce from actor Danny Masterson in September 2023.
  • Phillips posted her plea for a kidney donor on Instagram on February 11, 2026.

The players

Bijou Phillips

A 45-year-old actress known for her roles in films like "Almost Famous" and "Bully", who is currently facing kidney failure and is publicly seeking a living kidney donor.

Dr. Anjay Rastogi

The physician at UCLA Health who is currently overseeing Phillips' care and treatment.

Danny Masterson

Phillips' ex-husband, who was sentenced to 30 years to life in prison for rape in 2023, adding emotional strain to Phillips' health battle.

John Phillips

Phillips' father, who was a member of the musical group The Mamas & The Papas.

Geneviève Waïte

Phillips' mother, who is a singer.

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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 importantly, a single mother to an incredible and brave daughter. I am in need of a kidney.”

— Bijou Phillips (Instagram)

“Please help me find a living donor so that I can have more time with my daughter, family, and friends. Time is of the essence.”

— Bijou Phillips (Instagram)

What’s next

Phillips is currently hospitalized at UCLA Health and receiving dialysis while awaiting a living donor. The CORE Kidney program at UCLA Health, where Phillips is receiving care, focuses on integrative medicine with an emphasis on prevention and education, providing support and advocacy for patients navigating kidney disease.

The takeaway

Bijou Phillips' story highlights the critical need for organ donors, as kidney disease affects millions worldwide. Her willingness to share her personal struggle may encourage others to consider becoming living donors, and her journey underscores the emotional and logistical challenges faced by those navigating chronic health conditions and the family impacts.