Bijou Phillips is opening up about a deeply personal health crisis — and why she decided to speak publicly despite wanting to keep her life private.
“I’ve always wanted my life to be as private as I can make it,” she shared in a recent interview with Us Weekly, explaining that talking about her kidney failure felt frightening but necessary.
Phillips, 45, was born with underdeveloped kidneys and spent her first months on dialysis before recovering with limited kidney function.
At age 36, she received a lifesaving transplant from friend Chris Wadhams.
But in February, Phillips revealed she had been hospitalized and placed on dialysis again, forcing her to urgently search for another donor.
“To put my health out there publicly was terrifying,” she said, noting that loved ones encouraged her to seek help openly.
A Community Steps Up
After she shared her situation online, Phillips said the response overwhelmed her.
“So many people reached out — it’s just beautiful,” she said.
More than 1,000 people volunteered to be tested, with dozens potentially compatible.
She hopes her story raises awareness about kidney donation, noting that thousands of Americans are waiting for transplants and that dialysis is not a permanent solution.
Phillips’ support network includes her siblings, boyfriend Jamie Mazur, and longtime friends like Nicky and Paris Hilton and Kimberly Stewart, who have helped coordinate care and advocate on her behalf.
Phillips also spoke candidly about the financial and insurance challenges she has faced.
She said she had to fight for coverage during her first transplant and now carries multiple policies after previously being left with significant medical bills.
“It’s insane that you have to strategize insurance while fighting for your life,” she said, adding that some medications still aren’t approved despite being necessary.
Living Day by Day
Physically, Phillips said dialysis has helped stabilize her, but emotionally she’s preparing for the unknown.
Her brother Aron Wilson attempted to donate but wasn’t a match, though he may try through a kidney exchange program.
Despite the uncertainty, Phillips says she remains hopeful.
“I’m a pretty happy-go-luck person,” she said, explaining that she tries to focus on the positive even while facing serious health issues.
Her biggest motivation now is her daughter, Fianna.
Phillips said motherhood has strengthened her determination to keep fighting and stay present.
By sharing her experience, Phillips hopes to encourage others to learn about organ donation — and to remind people facing illness that they’re not alone.
