Nicole Kidman reveals unusual career shift: Embracing 'death doula' role

Nicole Kidman is considering a new career path.

The 58-year-old actress revealed she's pursuing training to become a death doula during a talk at the University of San Francisco's War Memorial Gym on Saturday (April 11), the San Francisco Chronicle reported.

In a discussion with investigative journalist and USF alumna Vicky Nguyen as part of the school's Silk Speaker Series, Kidman explained that although "it might seem a bit unusual," her journey began following the passing of her mother, Janelle Ann Kidman, died aged 84 in September 2024.

"As my mother was approaching the end, she felt lonely, and there was only so much the family could offer," Kidman told the audience, via the Chronicle. The Holland actress is a mom to four kids, while her younger sister Antonia Kidman, aged 55, has six.

She continued, "With so many children between my sister and me, along with our careers and other responsibilities, trying to care for her as best as we could because our father was no longer with us, that's when I realised the need for people who can be there impartially to offer comfort and care."

"So that's part of my growth, and it's something I want to learn."

Death doulas, commonly referred to as end-of-life doulas, offer support to individuals and their families at the end of life. 

According to the International End-of-Life Doula Association, "An end-of-life doula champions self-determined care and offers emotional, spiritual, practical, and psychosocial support to maintain dignity throughout the dying journey."

Meanwhile, Kidman has openly addressed the sorrow she experienced after losing both her mother and father, Dr. Antony Kidman, who passed away in 2014.

A month after her mother's death, Kidman referred to her as a "guiding star" and a "profound guide" in her life, and shortly after expressed how she would sometimes wake up "crying and gasping" over the loss of both parents.

Kidman learned of her mother's passing while attending the Venice Film Festival ahead of a scheduled appearance for her movie Babygirl and departed early to be with her family.

At that time, the film's director, Halina Reijn, read a letter on Kidman's behalf during what would have been her acceptance speech for best actress.

In the letter, Kidman mentioned her trip to Venice happened just before learning "shortly after that my beloved, courageous mother, Janelle Ann Kidman, had just passed."

In March 2025, she honored her mother on what would have marked her 85th birthday.