Having started her acting journey at just 16, Nicole Kidman always had a strong support system in her mother, Janelle Ann Kidman. Amid her health setbacks, Janelle pushed Nicole to lead a sterling Hollywood career spanning over four decades. Naturally, her mother’s passing on September 7, 2024, weighed heavily on Nicole, who was out in Venice to receive a prestigious honor. Speaking during a History Talks panel in Philadelphia, Kidman recounted the emotional night when she was miles away from her home.
Nicole Kidman discusses tough moments in Venice
On April 18, Nicole Kidman sat down for a panel discussion with Hoda Kotb at the Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts in Philadelphia. Their conversation took an emotional turn when Kotb asked how Kidman handled the crushing news about her mother, who died at age 84. The Aussie-American actress revealed she was about to accept the Volpi Cup for Best Actress at the 2024 Venice Film Festival for Babygirl when she learned about the ordeal.
“I was about to go out on stage, and I found out that my mother had passed. I went right back to my room in Venice, was getting into bed, and I was completely devastated.” A heartbroken Kidman recalled thinking, “‘I’m not sure how I’m going to move forward or function now.’ She was so much a part of my existence.”
Additionally, Kidman shared that she attempted to leave Venice the same night. As she got into a boat and navigated the canals at night to reach the airport, she realized it was better to head back to the accommodation and wait.
“Then I went back to bed. And I was alone,” she added. “My husband wasn’t there; my children weren’t there. I was there to win an award, which should’ve been a beautiful thing. That there is the contrast of life.”
Later in the conversation, Kidman revealed that those moments built her resilience, making her confident enough to overcome whatever challenges may come next. Crediting her mother for her own strength, the Babygirl actress remembered her mother’s advice not to let “anyone break your spirit.” Kidman added that her mother was “exceptionally smart” but never had an opportunity to lead a career of her choice.
Instead, Janelle dedicated most of her life to supporting her husband and raising kids. It was only later that she served as a nursing instructor and joined the Women’s Electoral Lobby, an Australian feminist group. Unsurprisingly, Janelle was the driving force in Nicole’s life, urging the actress to continue her Hollywood career that had become stagnant in her 40s. It inspired Kidman’s journey both as an actress and a producer. In 2006, she produced and starred in Rabbit Hole as Becca Corbett, earning her third Oscar nomination.
As for her upcoming projects, Kidman reunited with Sandra Bullock for Practical Magic 2. She will also feature in two OTT shows, including the Apple TV+ original Margo’s Got Money Problems and the Prime Video series Scarpetta.
