Nicole Kidman Reveals Training as a Death Doula

The actress says she was inspired to provide end-of-life support after her mother's passing.

Apr. 14, 2026 at 12:50am by

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An extreme close-up photograph of Nicole Kidman's hands, captured in dramatic studio lighting to create a high-fashion, glamorous aesthetic. The image focuses on the intricate textures and details of her skin and fingers, abstractly representing the personal and emotional nature of end-of-life care.Actress Nicole Kidman's decision to train as a death doula reflects a growing societal interest in more compassionate end-of-life support.San Francisco Today

In a talk at the University of San Francisco, actress Nicole Kidman revealed that she is training to become a death doula, a non-medical companion who helps support people navigating death, loss and mortality. Kidman said the idea came after her mother died in 2024, when she wished there were people to provide solace and care during the difficult time.

Why it matters

Kidman's decision to train as a death doula highlights a growing interest in end-of-life support services, as people seek more compassionate and personalized ways to navigate the dying process. Her high-profile involvement could also help destigmatize death and raise awareness of the role death doulas can play.

The details

As part of the University of San Francisco's Silk Speaker Series, Kidman told the audience that she was inspired to become a death doula after her mother's passing at age 84 in 2024. She said her mother was 'lonely' during the end of her life, and Kidman wished there were people 'there to sit impartially and just provide solace and care.' Kidman's father had also passed away in 2014 after a fall. The actress, who has starred in recent films like 'Scarpetta' and 'Margo's Got Money Troubles,' said becoming a death doula is part of her 'expansion' and something she will be 'learning' going forward.

  • Nicole Kidman's mother passed away in 2024 at the age of 84.
  • Nicole Kidman's father passed away in 2014 after suffering a fall.

The players

Nicole Kidman

A renowned actress who has recently revealed she is training to become a death doula, inspired by the passing of her mother.

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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

The takeaway

Nicole Kidman's decision to train as a death doula reflects a growing societal interest in more compassionate and personalized end-of-life support services. Her high-profile involvement could help destigmatize discussions around death and dying, and raise awareness of the important role death doulas can play in supporting individuals and families during this difficult time.