Nicole Kidman Reflects on the Moment She Learned of Her Mother’s Passing
Nicole Kidman is sharing her feelings about the moment she learned of her mother Janelle Kidman‘s passing just before going on stage to receive an award.
In an interview with Variety on Saturday, April 18, Nicole, 58, recounted learning of the tragedy at the Venice International Film Festival while preparing to accept a best actress award for her role in Babygirl.
“I was about to go out on stage, and I found out that my mother had passed,” Nicole shared with the publication. “I went right back to my room in Venice, got into bed, and was utterly devastated.”
As she absorbed the heartbreaking news, Nicole reflected, “I’m not sure how I’m going to move forward or function now. She was such a significant part of my life.”
In September 2024, the Big Little Lies actress left Venice early to return home to Australia after hearing of Janelle’s demise.
During her conversation with Variety on Saturday, Nicole described her “harrowing” experience leaving Venice in the middle of the night to get back home.
“I remember getting into a boat in the canal, literally at night, trying to navigate my way to the airport, then turning around saying, ‘I can’t even do this.’ I went back to bed. I was alone. My husband wasn’t there, my children weren’t there. I was there to win an award, which should’ve been a joyous occasion. That’s the contrast of life.” (Nicole was married to Keith Urban at the time, with whom she shares daughters Sunday Rose, 17, and Faith Margaret, 14. Nicole and Urban finalized their divorce in January.)
At that moment, Babygirl director Halina Reijn confirmed Janelle’s death by reading a statement on behalf of Nicole during a Venice International Film Festival panel.
“Today I arrived in Venice only to soon find out that my beautiful, brave mother Janelle Ann Kidman has just passed,” Reijn, 50, shared on Nicole’s behalf. “I am in shock and need to be with my family, but this award is for her; she shaped me, guided me, and made me who I am.”
The statement concluded, “I am beyond grateful that I can say her name to all of you through Halina; the collision of life and art is heart-wrenching, and my heart is shattered.”
Less than a week after their mother’s passing, Nicole and her sister Antonia, 55, took to Instagram to express gratitude for friends and fans’ condolences and well wishes.
“My sister and I, along with our family, want to thank you for the outpouring of love and kindness we have felt this week,” Nicole and Antonia wrote. “Every message we have received from those who loved and admired our mother has meant more to us than we can ever convey. Thank you from our entire family for respecting our privacy as we care for each other ❤️.”
