Bijou Phillips

Bijou Phillips was born on April 1, 1980, in Greenwich, Connecticut, the youngest child of musician John Phillips of The Mamas and the Papas and model/actress Geneviève Waïte. Her early life included time in New York, California, and South Africa, where she specialized in equestrian sports. At the age of 13, Phillips began modeling, notably appearing on the covers of “Interview” Magazine and “Italian Vogue,” and featuring in advertising campaigns for Calvin Klein. This early entry into the fashion world provided a path away from boarding school. By 17, she secured a record deal, leading to the release of her debut album, “I’d Rather Eat Glass,” produced by Jerry Harrison of Talking Heads.

Phillips’ acting career commenced with recognition for her candid performances. Director James Toback cast her in “Black & White” (1999), where her work garnered critical praise. Her role in Larry Clark’s “Bully” (2001) earned her a spot on “The Hollywood Reporter’s” list of “Shooting Stars of Tomorrow” in 2002. She continued to undertake varied film projects, including appearances in “The Door in the Floor” (2004) alongside Jeff Bridges and Kim Basinger, and a leading role with Anne Hathaway in the Stephen Gaghan-written “Havoc” (2005).

Her career continued with diverse roles, portraying Lorna Doom in “What We Do Is Secret” (2007), a biographical film about The Germs, and appearing in horror films like “Venom” (2005) and “Hostel: Part II” (2007). Phillips also worked on “Choke” (2008), featuring Anjelica Huston and Sam Rockwell, and a comedy titled “Made for Each Other” (2009). Her television work includes a recurring role in “Raising Hope” from 2010 to 2013, as well as guest appearances in “Hawaii Five-0” (2010) and “Law & Order: Special Victims Unit” (2012). Beyond her professional endeavors, Phillips has dealt with kidney disease, undergoing a transplant in 2017, and has shifted focus towards family and health in recent years.