Nicole Kidman Embarks on a Unique New Career as a Death Doula
In a surprising revelation, acclaimed Australian actress Nicole Kidman has disclosed a new career direction that she herself describes as "a little weird". The 58-year-old star shared during a talk at the University of San Francisco that she is currently training to become a death doula, a decision deeply influenced by the loss of her mother, Janelle, in 2024 at the age of 84.
What Is a Death Doula?
A death doula is a non-medical companion who offers holistic support to individuals and families navigating terminal illness, the dying process, and death. This role encompasses a range of services designed to create a more personalised and dignified end-of-life experience. Key responsibilities include:
- Care planning to address physical, emotional, and spiritual needs
- Emotional support for both the individual and their loved ones
- Organising home vigils to provide comfort and presence
- Assisting with funeral planning to honour the deceased's wishes
Kidman explained that her interest in this field emerged from her personal experiences, particularly during her mother's final days. "As my mother was passing, she was lonely, and there was only so much the family could provide," she told the audience, as reported by the San Francisco Chronicle. "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."
Motivation Behind the Career Shift
The actress, who also lost her father, Dr Antony Kidman, in 2014 after a fall in Singapore, expressed a desire for impartial support during such challenging times. "And that's when I went, 'I wish there were people in the world who were there to sit impartially and just provide solace and care'," Kidman said. "So that's part of my expansion and one of the things I will be learning." She acknowledged that the concept might seem unusual to some, but emphasised its importance in offering compassionate assistance.
Despite this new venture, Kidman remains active in her acting career. She recently starred in the crime drama Scarpetta and is set to appear in the upcoming sequel Practical Magic 2, scheduled for release later this year. Additionally, during the interview, she discussed her ongoing charity work with the United Nations, highlighting her commitment to humanitarian causes.
Notably, Kidman did not address personal matters such as her recent divorce from country singer Keith Urban or her past marriage to actor Tom Cruise, even when the interviewer made a subtle reference to leading men who were "not that tall". This focus on her professional and charitable endeavours underscores her dedication to new pursuits like death doula training, which she views as a meaningful extension of her life's work.
