Bijou Phillips was spotted in Malibu, California, with her boyfriend this past Sunday, marking her first public appearance since receiving a life-saving kidney transplant earlier this month.
The actress, 46, shared the happy news of her organ transplant on Tuesday, July 8th, and seems to be doing well. She was seen enjoying a drink outside with her boyfriend of two years, Jamie Mazur, 45.
I spotted Phillips looking really relaxed and comfortable – she had on a big sunhat, a simple vest top, and shorts. She was chatting away with Mazur, who, as you might know, used to be with Alessandra Ambrosio. It was nice to see her looking so at ease, especially since she’s at the beginning of a long recovery after her surgery.
As someone who closely follows developments in transplant medicine, I’ve learned that people who receive kidney transplants typically stay in the hospital for about three days before being allowed to go home, according to the Cleveland Clinic. It’s reassuring to see these recovery timelines becoming clearer.
It typically takes around six weeks to recover from a kidney transplant. During this time, patients should rest at home and avoid strenuous activities like lifting heavy objects, driving, or playing contact sports. Lifting restrictions usually last at least eight weeks, and driving should be avoided for at least six weeks.
I was so thrilled to see Phillips share her wonderful news on Facebook! She posted a gorgeous photo of herself, all smiles, right from her hospital bed while recovering from surgery. It really brightened my day!
She excitedly wrote in her post how incredibly thankful she was for everyone who quickly came to her aid and offered to donate. She called them all heroes.
Earlier this year, Phillips asked for the public’s help finding a kidney donor. A previous transplant, which she received in 2017, had failed. While needing dialysis, she shared with her social media followers in February that her situation was urgent.
The actress, who divorced Danny Masterson in 2023 following his conviction and lengthy prison sentence for rape, shared that she received help from her brother and others which ultimately led to her receiving a healthy kidney.
My brother participated in a kidney exchange program – he donated a kidney, which ultimately saved someone’s life! And amazingly, that person had someone donate for them just a few weeks later. Through the voucher program, I then received a perfect match! It feels like receiving a kidney from family; it’s incredibly personal.
Earlier this year, Phillips revealed she was in very serious health, explaining a kidney infection could be fatal within days. Now, she’s happy to share that her surgery was a complete success.
I just have to say, Dr. Veale is incredible! I’m amazed by everything he’s done with the kidney exchange program and the voucher system, and his skill as a surgeon is just phenomenal. What really impressed me was how minimally invasive his technique was – he only cut the fascia, not the muscles! Because of that, I barely needed any pain medication, just regular Tylenol. It’s truly amazing!
The actress said she felt just as healthy five days after a procedure as she did four months after her 2017 transplant.
‘The technique he developed is brilliant and he is a lifesaver!’ she said of her surgeon.
Phillips ended her message by expressing gratitude to the doctors, coordinators, nurses, and all the staff at UCLA Health, who she described as wonderful and amazing. She then sent a special message to her brother, Aron Wilson.
‘love you Aron! Thank you the most! 🥰🙏,’ she added.
Oh my gosh, you won’t BELIEVE this! I was reading that Kelly Phillips was saying her brother immediately offered to give her a kidney – how sweet is that?! But sadly, the doctors said they weren’t a good enough match, so it couldn’t happen. I’m just heartbroken for her, but so glad he tried!
His generous donation to someone else needing a transplant actually started the process of finding a transplant for Phillips himself.
Along with a cheerful photo of herself taken in the hospital, she also shared a heartwarming picture of her brother Aron visiting her.
Phillips shared a heartwarming photo taken by her daughter, Fianna, showing her family’s support during her health challenges.
Her half-sister, Chynna Phillips of Wilson Phillips, was part of the group, along with Chynna’s husband, actor Billy Baldwin.
Oh my gosh, you guys, I was so relieved to see the latest update! She posted this adorable little video of herself, beaming – seriously, her smile could light up a room! – and she was actually walking! Not needing a walker or anything, just strolling through the hospital lobby. And get this – someone was pushing a wheelchair ahead of her, and it was piled high with the most beautiful flowers! It just… it meant she’s really getting better, and I honestly cried a little. Seeing her like that, even just walking, was everything.
In February, Phillips shared that a severe infection could be life-threatening, and she might only have a few days to live if it happened.
After being on medication to weaken her immune system for a long time, she explained to Us Weekly that she faces tough choices: she could potentially manage with dialysis for a few years, or a sudden infection could be life-threatening. While she remains optimistic, she stressed the situation is very critical.
I’m so sorry to share that Phillips has had to resume dialysis. For those unfamiliar, dialysis is a life-sustaining treatment people need when their kidneys are no longer able to effectively filter their blood – it essentially does the work of the kidneys for them.
I’m feeling much better now that I’ve started dialysis. My brother, Aron Wilson, offered to donate a kidney, but unfortunately, we weren’t a match. There’s a chance he might be able to participate in the kidney exchange program, but it’s not guaranteed – his first application was denied, so he’s reapplying.
Phillips said she was ‘sort of hanging by a thread’ as her wait for a donor continued.
For the past year, I’ve been waiting for an organ transplant and my health is very fragile. My father, John Phillips from The Mamas & the Papas, had a liver transplant when I was a child, and later needed dialysis at UCLA. He passed away in 2001 at the age of 65.
The drugs used after an organ transplant – whether it’s a heart, liver, or kidney – are very harmful to the kidneys. Because of this, many transplant recipients end up needing another kidney transplant within ten years. My father, for example, started dialysis after his liver transplant and tragically died just three days later from an infection, as his immune system was severely weakened. That’s why starting dialysis at UCLA was so frightening for me.
In the wake of the ordeal, Phillips said she had found solace in religion.
She’s been focusing on prayer lately, joining a small group for morning rosary after taking her children to school. She also plans to observe Lent in a traditional way by fasting on Wednesdays and Fridays. A spokesperson clarified that reports linking her to Scientology are false; she has no affiliation with the church beyond her estranged husband, Danny Masterson, who is a longtime member.
On a typical day, Phillips said she is able to retain a semblance of normalcy.
Today, I drove my daughter to school and then came straight home for a quick snack before heading to my dialysis appointment. After that, it’s usually time to pick her up from school, take her to any after-school activities she has, or either get dinner out or cook at home – that’s typically how my day goes. On days I don’t have dialysis, I spend the time running errands and getting groceries.
Phillips has dealt with a health problem since infancy. She was born with kidneys that didn’t fully develop and needed dialysis for the first three months of her life because her kidneys weren’t functioning properly, as reported by Us Weekly.
I’ve always believed in making the most of every day, and I recently learned about a woman who truly embodies that spirit. She received a kidney transplant at 36 and was thriving, really living life to the fullest. Sadly, she’s faced some health challenges in the past year, but her story is a powerful reminder to cherish each moment.
She explained that before learning her kidneys were failing again, she was actively performing and releasing music. She was even working on a new album and preparing to film a movie in Bulgaria—a role she was very enthusiastic about—but had to withdraw due to her illness.
In 2017, Danny Masterson announced on social media that his wife, Bijou Phillips, had undergone a successful kidney transplant and was recovering well thanks to a generous donor.
I was really moved last month when I saw Phillips bravely open up on Instagram asking for support. She put out a heartfelt call – she needs a living donor and asked her followers to spread the word, and even think about whether they might be a match. It takes incredible courage to ask for help like that, and I want to do everything I can to amplify her message.
She revealed she was under the care of a doctor at UCLA and was on dialysis again.
According to her representative, the actress was hospitalized for a second kidney transplant and needed a donor, as reported by Variety.
Phillips asked her followers to read and share her post, and encouraged anyone considering organ donation to complete a short form linked in her Instagram bio. She expressed gratitude for their support, sharing photos of her daughter, Fianna Francis Masterson, whom she shares with Masterson.
Phillips shared a personal story about her ongoing struggle with kidney disease. She explained that she was born with immature kidneys and required dialysis during her first three months, spending that time in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU).
‘In 2017, I received the incredible gift of a kidney from a dear friend.
The organ transplant allowed me five wonderful years with my daughter, but I’ve faced several health issues afterward. This included a serious viral infection called BK virus, which caused my body to reject the new organ in two different ways.
‘I am currently under care of Dr Anjay Rastogi at UCLA and back on dialysis
I urgently need a kidney from a living donor to spend more precious time with my loved ones – my daughter, family, and friends. Every moment counts.
2026-07-20 17:51