Nicole Kidman Vulnerably Details Moment She Learned of Her Beloved Mother’s Passing: ‘I Was Completely Devastated’
The loss of a mother carries a weight that lingers, quietly reshaping life in ways that are difficult to put into words. For Nicole Kidman, that grief arrived at one of the most unexpected moments. Kidman, 57, had just been honored for her performance in Halina Reijn’s “Babygirl.” But what should have been a celebratory milestone quickly turned into a moment of profound loss.
In a note read aloud to the audience by Reijn at the Venice Film Festival in September 2024, Kidman shared that she had just learned of her mother’s passing and described herself as heartbroken. As per NBC, her note read:
“Today I arrived in Venice to find out shortly after that my beautiful, brave mother, Janelle Ann Kidman, has just passed. I am in shock, and I have to go to my family, but this award is for her; she shaped me, she guided me, and she made me. I am beyond grateful that I get to say her name to all of you through Halina, the collision of life and art is heart-breaking, and my heart is broken. We love you all.”
Now, two years after the loss, she is sharing more details of her mother, Janelle Ann Kidman’s death, describing the experience as deeply overwhelming.
A Harrowing Moment Far From Home: Kidman Details The Exact Moment She Found Out About Her Mother’s Death
“I’d won best actress at the Venice Film Festival. This seems to be such a common theme through my life. I was about to go on stage, and I found out my mother had died,” she said, as quoted by The Hollywood Reporter.
She added, “I went right back to the room in Venice, got into bed, and was completely devastated.”
Kidman shared that the loss left her feeling disoriented and deeply alone in a foreign city.
“She was so much a part of my existence, so the idea of being there at that particular moment was harrowing,” she said.
Recalling the hours that followed, she added, “I remember getting into a boat in the canal, and literally at night trying to find my way to the airport, and then turning around and going, I can’t even do this. And then went back into the bed, and I was alone. My husband wasn’t there. My children weren’t there. I’d gone to win an award. What should have been a beautiful thing ended up with that.”
Even in the midst of that grief, Kidman said the experience revealed a quiet strength within her.
“But there is the contrast of life, and that’s what I always say to people. I say that’s when I know I’m resilient. That’s when I know I can survive pretty much anything.”
Why Kidman Is Exploring Becoming a Death Doula
As she continues to process her loss, Kidman shared that she is exploring a new path that reflects her deep sense of empathy.
“I did this talk recently where I said I’m expanding into learning to be a death doula, which seemed to have people confused or intrigued,” she said.
She described the work as something that resonated with her on a personal level.
“It’s really fascinating. It’s very beautiful, and you have to be a certain personality to be able to do it. But I found out I actually have that personality. It’s very important to me.”
Kidman said the role is about offering comfort and presence when it matters most.
“There is always suffering, but if there are people there who can help with that, help those final stages be less painful — if you feel the connection in your heart, then that’s lovely. So that’s what I’m exploring.”
Kidman also reflected on how her personal experiences continue to shape her outlook on life and work.
“I don’t think I ever sought peace. I sought exploration of the human condition,” she said, as per The Hollywood Reporter.
She added that she views herself less as a celebrity and more as someone committed to her craft.
“I’m a worker bee, I love to be in the world working, and I love to provide work if I can for others, and I love to do the work.”
Through grief, Kidman’s tribute stood as a reminder of the deep love and strength that guide her life.