The past decade has been a challenging one for Nicole Kidman, who has faced the devastating loss of both her parents. In a recent GQ cover story, the 57-year-old actress opened up about her grieving journey following the death of her mother, Janelle Ann Kidman, in September 2024, and her father, Dr. Antony Kidman, in September 2014.
A Journey of Grief and Reflection
In the interview published on Nov. 18, Nicole shared how deeply her parents’ passing has affected her.
“So life is, whew. It’s definitely a journey. And it hits you as you get older,” she revealed. Describing her emotions, Nicole added, “It’s a wake up at 3 a.m. crying and gasping kind of thing. If you’re in it and not numbing yourself to it. And I’m in it. Fully in it.”
Her reflections have grown even more profound as she navigates parenthood and marriage, raising her daughters Sunday (16) and Faith (13) with her husband, Keith Urban.
Nicole explained, “Mortality. Connection. Life coming and hitting you. And loss of parents and raising children and marriage—all of the things that go into making you a fully sentient human. I’m in all of those places.”
A Heartbreaking Moment in Venice
Nicole learned of her mother’s passing just before a planned appearance at the Venice Film Festival for her upcoming movie Babygirl.
Instead of attending the event, director Halina Reijn read a heartfelt letter from Nicole during what would have been her acceptance speech for Best Actress:
“Shortly after arriving, I learned that my beautiful, brave mother, Janelle Ann Kidman, had just passed.”
Remembering Her “Compass”
Speaking to Vanity Fair in a separate interview on Nov. 13, Nicole described her mother as her guiding light:
“She was my compass in a way. It’s like losing that, but at the same time going, ‘Okay, well, this is for her then.’”
Nicole also highlighted her mother’s influence on her and her sister, Antonia, adding:
“So much of what she wanted for my sister and I was to create women in this world who felt like they could express themselves and have opportunities, especially things she didn’t have from her generation.”
A Legacy Left Unfinished
Nicole’s mother passed before she could witness the actress’s latest projects, including her performances in Babygirl and The Perfect Couple.
“I wish she could have seen this part of it. She was very excited to see Babygirl, and she was excited to see The Perfect Couple too, but she didn’t get to see either of those,” Nicole said.
At the Lioness Season 2 premiere on Oct. 23, Nicole shared her ongoing grief:
“I wish my mama was here. That’d be the one thing I’d say. Everything is great with work, but I wish my mama was here.”
Finding Strength Amid the Loss
Despite the pain, Nicole continues to push forward, honoring her parents through her work and personal life. Her journey is a reminder of the universal challenges of grief, as well as the strength found in cherishing memories and loved ones.
As she poignantly expressed, “This is for her.”
Nicole Kidman’s Enduring Legacy
Nicole Kidman remains a powerful force in Hollywood, with her resilience shining through both her personal and professional life. Her reflections offer an intimate glimpse into how she balances grief, family, and career.
For those mourning loved ones, her story resonates deeply, reminding us that even in loss, we can find purpose and connection.
