Nicole Kidman Reveals Plans to Become a Death Doula

The Oscar-winning actress is studying to provide end-of-life support after the passing of her mother.

Apr. 14, 2026 at 6:53pm by

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An extreme close-up photograph of Nicole Kidman's hands, featuring intricate textures and dramatic lighting to create a high-fashion, glamorous aesthetic that conceptually represents the emotional weight and personal journey behind her decision to become a death doula.Nicole Kidman's hands, captured in a dramatic close-up, reflect the personal growth and empathy behind her decision to become a death doula.San Francisco Today

Nicole Kidman has announced that she plans to become a death doula, a non-medical professional who provides emotional, physical, and spiritual support to terminal patients and their families. The decision comes after the passing of Kidman's mother, Janelle Anne Kidman, in 2024, which inspired the actress to want to help others through the dying process with dignity and comfort.

Why it matters

Kidman's decision to become a death doula highlights the growing awareness and need for specialized end-of-life care. As more people seek holistic support during the dying process, Kidman's high-profile move could help destigmatize the role of death doulas and encourage others to consider this type of career path.

The details

During a recent appearance at the University of San Francisco, Kidman revealed that she was motivated to become a death doula after witnessing the loneliness her mother experienced at the end of her life. Kidman said she wished there had been someone impartial to provide solace and care during that difficult time. The actress plans to learn more about the role of a death doula, though it's unclear if she intends to practice professionally.

  • Kidman's mother, Janelle Anne Kidman, passed away in September 2024 at the age of 84.
  • Kidman discussed her plans to become a death doula during a recent appearance at the University of San Francisco.

The players

Nicole Kidman

An Oscar-winning actress who has decided to study to become a death doula after the passing of her mother.

Janelle Anne Kidman

Nicole Kidman's mother, who passed away in 2024 at the age of 84.

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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

“I literally got off the phone with my 17-year-old who was having a meltdown. She'll kill me for saying that. But I was parenting, mothering and coaching her into, 'It's OK. Step by step. Some days are going to be harder than others. You're going to look back at this week, and you'll have a different perspective on it next week.'”

— Nicole Kidman, Actress

What’s next

Kidman plans to continue her studies to become a death doula, though it's unclear if she intends to practice professionally or simply expand her knowledge on the subject.

The takeaway

Kidman's decision to become a death doula highlights the growing need for specialized end-of-life care and support. Her high-profile move could help destigmatize the role of death doulas and encourage others to consider this type of career path, providing comfort and dignity to terminal patients and their families.