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Actress Nicole Kidman has revealed she is pursuing a new and unexpected path following the death of her mother, Janelle Ann Kidman, in 2024.
Speaking during a live discussion at the University of San Francisco, Kidman shared that the experience of losing her mother after a prolonged illness inspired her to train as a death doula, a role focused on providing emotional and practical support to individuals nearing the end of life.
Reflecting on her mother's final moments, she said, "As my mother was passing, she was lonely, and there was only so much the family could provide." She explained that balancing family responsibilities and careers made it difficult to be constantly present,
adding, "Between my sister and I, we have so many children and our careers and our work, and wanting to take care of her because my father wasn't in the world anymore."
The experience left a lasting impact on the actress, who realised the value of having additional support during such moments. "That's when I went, 'I wish there was these people in the world that were there to sit impartially and just provide solace and care,'" she said.
Kidman acknowledged that her decision "may sound a little weird," but described it as part of her personal growth. "So that's part of my expansion and one of the things I will be learning," she added.
A death doula, also known as an end-of-life doula, is a non-medical companion who supports individuals and their families through death, loss and grief by offering emotional, spiritual and practical care.
Kidman has often spoken about the deep grief she experienced following the loss of both her parents. Her father, Antony Kidman, died in 2014. When her mother passed away, the actress was attending the Venice Film Festival, where she was set to be honoured for her role in Babygirl.
She later dedicated the award to her mother, writing, "This award is for her. She shaped me, she guided me and she made me."
Now, Kidman is turning that personal loss into something meaningful, hoping to support others during one of life's hardest moments.
