Nicole Kidman is an Australian-American actress and producer born on June 20, 1967. She’s been in loads of movies and TV shows, making her one of the highest-paid actresses ever. She’s won a bunch of big awards, like an Oscar, a BAFTA, and a bunch of Golden Globes. In 2024, she became the first Australian to get the AFI Life Achievement Award.
She got her start in Australia with a movie called “BMX Bandits” back in 1983. Then she hit it big with roles in movies like “Dead Calm” and a TV show called “Bangkok Hilton” in 1989. She got even more famous after being in movies like “Days of Thunder,” “Far and Away,” and “Eyes Wide Shut.” She won an Oscar for playing Virginia Woolf in “The Hours.”
Apart from the big blockbuster movies like “Moulin Rouge!” and “Aquaman,” she’s also done some smaller, more experimental films like “Dogville” and “Birth.” She’s been in lots of TV shows too, like “Big Little Lies” and “The Undoing,” where she won Emmy Awards.
Kidman isn’t just about acting though. She’s been a goodwill ambassador for UNICEF and UNIFEM for years. She married Tom Cruise in 1990, then Keith Urban in 2006. In 2010, she started her own production company called Blossom Films. She’s even been named one of the most influential people in the world by Time magazine, and one of the greatest actors of the 21st century by The New York Times.
| Full Name | Nicole Kidman |
| Date of Birth | June 20, 1967 |
| Place of Birth | Honolulu, Hawaii, U.S. |
| Occupation | Actress, Producer |
| Height | 5 ft 10 in (1.8 m) |
| Spouse | Keith Urban (m. 2006), Tom Cruise (m. 1990–2001) |
| Children | Isabella Jane Cruise, Connor Cruise |
| Net Worth | $250 million |
Nicole Kidman’s Early Life and Education
Nicole Mary Kidman was born on June 20, 1967, in Honolulu, Hawaii. Her parents were from Australia and were studying in the United States at the time. Her mom Janelle Ann Kidman worked as a nursing instructor and edited her dad’s books, while her dad Antony Kidman was a biochemist and psychologist. She has a younger sister named Antonia Kidman, who works in journalism and TV.
Because she was born in Hawaii to Australian parents, Kidman has citizenship in both Australia and the United States. She has ancestors from England, Ireland, and Scotland. She was given the Hawaiian name “Hōkūlani,” which means “heavenly star,” inspired by a baby elephant born at the same time in the Honolulu Zoo.
When Nicole Kidman was born, her dad was studying at the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa. Later, he worked at the National Institute of Mental Health in the U.S. Her parents were against the Vietnam War and took part in protests while living in Washington, D.C. They moved back to Australia when Kidman was three.
She grew up in Sydney, attending Lane Cove Public School and North Sydney Girls’ High School. Kidman started ballet at three and showed her acting skills during school. She dreamed of being an actress after watching Margaret Hamilton as the Wicked Witch of the West in “The Wizard of Oz.” Despite being shy as a child and dealing with a stutter, she found solace in acting.
Career
In 1983 at just 16 years old, Nicole Kidman started her film career in a remake of the Australian classic “Bush Christmas.” Shortly after she took on a supporting role in the TV series “Five Mile Creek.” In 1984, when her mother was diagnosed with breast cancer Kidman paused acting to study massage therapy and support her mother’s recovery. Despite this break, she gained notice in Australia throughout the 1980s for her roles in movies like “BMX Bandits” and “Windrider.” She also won awards for her work in the miniseries Vietnam.
Her big break came with the thriller “Dead Calm” where she starred alongside Sam Neill and Billy Zane. This role brought her international acclaim. Following this success she appeared in the miniseries “Bangkok Hilton” and later starred with Tom Cruise in the film “Days of Thunder.” Their pairing in this movie marked her breakthrough into Hollywood.
In the early 1990s, Nicole Kidman continued to build her career with films like “Flirting,” “Billy Bathgate,” and “Far and Away.” She showcased her versatility in roles ranging from drama to comedy. Her performance in “To Die For” earned her a Golden Globe for Best Actress solidifying her reputation as a skilled and versatile actress.
She acted in “The Portrait of a Lady” with Barbara Hershey and John Malkovich. Then she played a smart lady in “The Peacemaker” with George Clooney. One movie she was in with Sandra Bullock called “Practical Magic” didn’t do well at the box office even though it opened as the most popular movie that weekend in North America. Nicole Kidman also did some theater in London and got nominated for an award.
Nicole Kidman’s career soared in the late 1990s and early 2000s with notable films such as “Moulin Rouge!” where she won her second Golden Globe and The Others which showcased her talent in psychological thrillers. Her portrayal of Virginia Woolf in The Hours earned her critical acclaim and numerous awards including an Academy Award for Best Actress.
After her Oscar win Kidman starred in diverse roles in films like “Dogville,” “The Human Stain,” and “Cold Mountain.” These performances continued to highlight her range and ability to embody complex characters.
In 2004, Nicole Kidman starred in the movie “Birth” which caused controversy because of a scene where she shares a bath with her 10-year-old co-star Cameron Bright. At the Venice Film Festival Kidman addressed this explaining that her intention was not to depict something inappropriate but rather to explore the theme of love in the film.
During this time, Kidman also appeared in several other films. She starred in “The Stepford Wives” a dark comedy with Matthew Broderick and others. She also acted in “The Interpreter” with Sean Penn playing a UN translator and in “Bewitched” alongside Will Ferrell. Despite mixed success in the US both films did well internationally.
Alongside her acting, Kidman became the face of Chanel No. 5 perfume. She appeared in high-profile ad campaigns directed by Baz Luhrmann and reportedly set a record for earning $12 million for a three-minute commercial. She was also ranked as one of the most powerful celebrities and highest-paid actresses in the mid-2000s.
In the following years, Nicole Kidman continued to diversify her roles. She starred in “Fur” as photographer Diane Arbus and voiced a character in the animated hit “Happy Feet.” She appeared in movies like “The Invasion” “Margot at the Wedding” and “The Golden Compass” achieving success with international audiences.
Nicole Kidman reunited with Baz Luhrmann for “Australia” in 2008 a historical drama set during World War II. Despite mixed reviews, the film did well at the box office. She also appeared briefly in the musical “Nine” alongside Daniel Day-Lewis and a star-studded cast.
In the early 2010s, Kidman produced and starred in “Rabbit Hole” a film about a mother coping with loss earning her critical acclaim and award nominations. She appeared in other films like “Just Go with It” and “Trespass.”
In 2012, Kidman starred in “Hemingway & Gellhorn” and “The Paperboy” receiving nominations for her performances. She also recorded an audiobook and starred in “Stoker” and “Grace of Monaco” in the following years.
Nicole Kidman’s career continued to flourish with roles in films like “The Railway Man,” “Before I Go to Sleep,” and “Paddington.” She also starred in “Strangerland,” “Queen of the Desert,” and “Secret in Their Eyes.” Her return to the West End stage in “Photograph 51” was well-received earning her accolades and nominations for her performance.
Nicole Kidman has had a prolific career across film and television. In the movie “Lion” from 2016 she played Sue who adopts an Indian boy separated from his birth family. This role resonated with her as a mother of adopted children. Kidman received acclaim for her performance earning her first Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actress. The film was a big success making over $140 million worldwide.
In 2017, Kidman starred in “Big Little Lies” a TV series based on a novel where she also served as an executive producer. Her portrayal of Celeste a lawyer hiding an abusive relationship earned her critical praise and several awards including an Emmy. That year, she also appeared in films like “The Beguiled” and “The Killing of a Sacred Deer” both well-received at Cannes.
Moving into 2018, Kidman starred in dramas “Destroyer” and “Boy Erased” showcasing her versatility. She also played Queen Atlanna in the blockbuster “Aquaman” her highest-grossing film. Her career continued to flourish earning her a spot among the highest-paid actresses globally.
Nicole Kidman has tackled diverse roles from the psychological thriller “The Undoing” to the biographical drama “Being the Ricardos” where she won a Golden Globe for her portrayal of Lucille Ball. She’s been active in both film and television with upcoming projects spanning various genres and platforms.
Net Worth
Nicole Kidman has an estimated net worth of $250 million, according to Celebrity Net Worth. The main source of Nicole Kidman’s net worth mainly comes from her successful acting career. She has starred in many hit movies and TV shows, earning substantial salaries for her roles.
In addition to acting, Kidman makes money from endorsement deals with major brands like Chanel and Omega. She also co-owns a production company called Blossom Films, which adds to her income. Investments in real estate, including properties in Australia and the U.S., further boost her wealth.
Overall, her diverse sources of income from acting, endorsements, business ventures, and investments have significantly contributed to her net worth.
Personal Life
Nicole Kidman has had some interesting twists and turns in her love life. She was married to Tom Cruise from 1990 to 2001 and then tied the knot with Keith Urban in 2006. She met Cruise while they were working on a movie together and they adopted two kids during their marriage. They split up in 2001, and Kidman later clarified that reports of a miscarriage during their marriage were wrong.
Even after their divorce, Kidman admitted she still cared for Cruise, but she was surprised by the breakup. There were rumors that Scientology played a role in their split, with claims of wiretapping and interference. Kidman said the attention from her divorce actually boosted her career, and she won an Oscar not long after.
Before Tom Cruise, Nicole Kidman had relationships with other actors like Marcus Graham and Tom Burlinson. There were rumors about her and Jude Law during Cold Mountain, but they were untrue, and Kidman took legal action. She also dated Lenny Kravitz and was engaged to him before they decided to go their separate ways. She had a fling with rapper Q-Tip too.
Nicole Kidman revealed she was secretly engaged to Kravitz before meeting Keith Urban. They got together in 2005 and got married in 2006 in Australia. They have two daughters, Sunday Rose and Faith Margaret, born in 2008 and 2010 respectively, with the help of a surrogate. They have homes in several places, including Nashville, Beverly Hills, Sydney, and Manhattan.
Philanthropy
Nicole Kidman has done a lot to help kids in need all over the world. Back in 1994, she became a Goodwill Ambassador for UNICEF, which means she helps raise awareness and money for kids who need help.
She’s also supported breast cancer care by joining the Little Tee Campaign. This campaign sells T-shirts to raise money to fight breast cancer, something that’s important to Kidman because her mom had breast cancer too.
In 2006, Nicole Kidman became a Goodwill Ambassador for the United Nations Development Fund for Women (UNIFEM). She went to Kosovo to learn about how conflict affects women and what UNIFEM is doing to help them.
Nicole Kidman is also a big advocate for ending violence against women. She’s the international spokesperson for UNIFEM’s Say NO – UNiTE to End Violence against Women initiative. She even presented over five million signatures to the UN Secretary-General to support this cause.
In 2010, Kidman helped break ground on a new international center for preventing family violence in San Francisco.
In 2014, she designed a special Paddington Bear statue to be auctioned off to raise money for the National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children (NSPCC).
And in 2016, she donated $50,000 to UN Women to support their work helping women around the world.
Awards
Nicole Kidman has starred in some successful movies, according to Rotten Tomatoes, a site that gathers reviews from critics and audiences. Some of her top-rated films are Paddington, Flirting, To Die For, Rabbit Hole, Lion, The Others, The Family Fang, Dead Calm, Boy Erased, The Killing of a Sacred Deer, and The Northman.
She’s also been in some big money-making movies like Aquaman, Happy Feet, The Golden Compass, Batman Forever, and Paddington, according to The Numbers, a site that tracks box office sales.
Other movies she’s been in include Eyes Wide Shut, Moulin Rouge!, The Hours, Dogville, Cold Mountain, Birth, Australia, The Paperboy, The Beguiled, Destroyer, Bombshell, and Being the Ricardos.
Nicole Kidman has received several nominations and awards from the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences. She was nominated for Best Actress for Moulin Rouge! and Rabbit Hole, won Best Actress for The Hours, and got nominations for Best Supporting Actress for Lion and Best Actress for Being the Ricardos.
In 2003, Kidman got a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame for her work in movies. Along with her Academy Award, she’s won and been nominated for many other awards, including BAFTA Awards, Laurence Olivier Awards, Primetime Emmy Awards, Screen Actors Guild Awards, Critics’ Choice Awards, and Golden Globe Awards.
In April 2024, Nicole Kidman received the American Film Institute Life Achievement Award, becoming the first Australian actor to get this honor. At the ceremony, stars like Meryl Streep, Morgan Freeman, Reese Witherspoon, and Kidman’s husband, Keith Urban, spoke about her talent and dedication. Kidman thanked her colleagues for their support and praised their influence on her career and personal life. Russell Crowe also praised her acting during the event.
