Nicole Kidman Reveals Major Career Switch-Up to Become Death Doula

The 'Moulin Rouge!' actress, 58, is embarking on a new era after her mother's passing.

Apr. 13, 2026 at 2:36pm by

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An extreme close-up of shimmering, high-contrast sequins in a studio setting, conceptually representing the shift in Nicole Kidman's career from acting to end-of-life care.As Nicole Kidman embarks on a new career path as a death doula, the glitz and glamour of her Hollywood fame gives way to a more introspective and compassionate calling.San Francisco Today

Nicole Kidman, the acclaimed actress known for roles in films like 'Moulin Rouge!' and 'Big Little Lies', has announced a major career shift - she is training to become a death doula. Kidman shared that her mother's passing in 2024 profoundly influenced this decision, as she wished there were more people to provide solace and care during the end-of-life process. In addition to this new endeavor, Kidman recently filed for divorce from her husband of 19 years, country singer Keith Urban.

Why it matters

Kidman's decision to become a death doula shines a light on the growing need for end-of-life support services, as many families struggle to adequately care for loved ones in their final days. Her career change also reflects a broader trend of public figures seeking more meaningful work later in life. Additionally, Kidman's divorce from Urban adds to the ongoing discussion around the challenges of maintaining high-profile relationships in Hollywood.

The details

According to reports, Kidman announced her plans to become a death doula during a speaking engagement at the University of San Francisco. She acknowledged that the career switch 'sounds a little weird', but explained that it was inspired by her mother's passing in 2024. Kidman shared that her mother was lonely in her final days, and Kidman wished there were more people available to provide comfort and care. In addition to this new pursuit, Kidman also recently filed for divorce from her husband of 19 years, country singer Keith Urban.

  • Kidman's mother, Janelle Ann Kidman, passed away in September 2024 at the age of 84.
  • Kidman announced her plans to become a death doula during a speaking engagement in San Francisco on April 11, 2026.
  • Kidman filed for divorce from Keith Urban on September 30, 2025 after 19 years of marriage.

The players

Nicole Kidman

A renowned actress known for her roles in films like 'Moulin Rouge!' and 'Big Little Lies', who is now embarking on a new career path as a death doula.

Janelle Ann Kidman

Nicole Kidman's mother, who passed away in September 2024 at the age of 84, inspiring Kidman's decision to become a death doula.

Keith Urban

A country singer who was married to Nicole Kidman for 19 years before they filed for divorce in September 2025.

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What they’re saying

“As my mother was passing, she was lonely, and there was only so much the family could provide. Between my sister and I, we have so many children and our careers and our work, and wanting to take care of her because my father wasn't in the world anymore, and that's when I went, 'I wish there was these people in the world that were there to sit impartially and just provide solace and care.'”

— Nicole Kidman, Actress

“My mother obviously was a major guide through my life and probably my compass in terms of everything that I did. I would always check in with her, but I've also had great teachers. I've had a lot of really, really wise women who have stepped up and shown me the way through.”

— Nicole Kidman

What’s next

Kidman is currently in the process of training to become a certified death doula, a role that will allow her to provide emotional and practical support to individuals and families during the end-of-life process.

The takeaway

Nicole Kidman's decision to become a death doula highlights the growing need for end-of-life support services, as well as the ways in which personal experiences can inspire public figures to pursue more meaningful work later in life. Her career shift also adds to the ongoing conversation around the challenges of maintaining high-profile relationships in Hollywood.