Nicole Kidman has revealed that the death of her mother, Janelle Ann Kidman, inspired her to explore a new path outside Hollywood: training to become a death doula.
The Oscar-winning actress recently shared more about her decision. She explained how her family's experience during her mother's final days changed her understanding of end-of-life care and the importance of having someone present to offer comfort and support.
Kidman first discussed her interest in the role during an appearance at the University of San Francisco in April 2026. She later provided further insight during a HISTORYTalks event in Philadelphia, where she spoke with journalist Hoda Kotb.
Nicole Kidman's Experience With Grief
Janelle Ann Kidman died aged 84 in September 2024. Her death deeply affected her daughter, who has since reflected on the challenges families can face when caring for a loved one approaching the end of life.
During her University of San Francisco appearance, Kidman explained that her mother had experienced loneliness while dying. Although she and her sister, Antonia Kidman, wanted to be there for their mother, their own family responsibilities and careers limited what they could provide.
'As my mother was passing, she was lonely, and there was only so much the family could provide,' Kidman said, according to reports by The Guardian and the San Francisco Chronicle.
The actress explained that the experience made her wish there were people who could offer impartial companionship and comfort to those nearing death.
'I wish there was these people in the world that were there to sit impartially and just provide solace and care,' she said.
Kidman's comments suggest that her interest in end-of-life support comes from a deeply personal experience rather than a desire to leave her acting career.
What Is a Death Doula?
A death doula, also known as an end-of-life doula, provides non-medical support to people who are dying and their families.
The role can involve offering companionship, helping families discuss end-of-life wishes, assisting with practical preparations and providing emotional or spiritual support. Death doulas do not replace doctors, nurses or palliative-care professionals, but can complement medical services by focusing on the personal and emotional aspects of dying.
For Kidman, this work represents an opportunity to help others through an experience that she found difficult within her own family.
'A Certain Personality' for the Role
At the HISTORYTalks event, Kidman said she found the training process fascinating and described the work as both beautiful and meaningful.
'It's helping people in the end stage of life. It's helping the families. It's being present, impartial,' she said, according to PEOPLE.
The actress also acknowledged that becoming a death doula requires a particular personality. She added that she had discovered she possessed the qualities needed for the role.
Although Kidman has expressed enthusiasm about the training, there is no indication that she intends to abandon acting. She continues to work in film and television while exploring this new area of interest.
Her decision has also drawn public attention to the growing conversation surrounding death doulas and the need for compassionate, personalised end-of-life support.
For Kidman, the loss of her mother appears to have offered a painful but important lesson: sometimes, families need more than medical care. They also need someone who can simply be present when it matters most.
