Nicole Kidman Training to Become Death Doula

Actress cites personal loss as motivation to provide end-of-life support

Apr. 14, 2026 at 7:23pm by

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An extremely abstracted, out-of-focus photograph of a dimly lit room with the warm glow of candles and natural light filtering through a window, conceptually representing the peaceful and contemplative nature of end-of-life care.As the end-of-life doula movement gains momentum, Nicole Kidman's personal journey to provide comfort and care during loss reflects a growing desire for more compassionate support during the dying process.San Francisco Today

Actress Nicole Kidman revealed that she is training to become a death doula, a non-medical companion who provides emotional, spiritual, and practical support to terminally ill people and their families. Kidman said the decision came after the death of her mother, when she wished there were people to provide solace and care during the grieving process.

Why it matters

Kidman's decision to become a death doula highlights the growing awareness and need for end-of-life support services. As people grapple with the profound grief and challenges of losing a loved one, death doulas can play a crucial role in providing compassionate, non-medical care to empower dignity throughout the dying process.

The details

Kidman announced her new career path while speaking at an event at the University of San Francisco. She explained that after her mother's passing in 2024, she wished there were people 'there to sit impartially and just provide solace and care' during the difficult time. Kidman acknowledged that the concept of a death doula 'sounds a little weird,' but she is driven by the desire to help others navigate loss and mortality. The actress is not the only Hollywood figure interested in becoming a death doula, as filmmaker Chloé Zhao has also expressed a desire to take on the role.

  • Kidman's mother passed away in 2024.
  • Kidman announced her plans to become a death doula during a talk at the University of San Francisco on Saturday, April 14, 2026.

The players

Nicole Kidman

An acclaimed actress known for films like Dogville and Moulin Rouge!, who is now training to become a death doula following the death of her mother.

Chloé Zhao

A filmmaker who has also expressed interest in becoming a death doula, citing a desire to develop a healthier relationship with death.

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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.”

— Nicole Kidman, Actress

“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

“Because I have been terrified of death my whole life. I still am. And because I've been so afraid I haven't been able to live fully.”

— Chloé Zhao, Filmmaker

What’s next

Kidman is currently in training to become a certified death doula, a process that typically involves coursework, hands-on experience, and mentorship from experienced practitioners. Once certified, she will be able to provide end-of-life support services to individuals and families.

The takeaway

Nicole Kidman's decision to become a death doula highlights the growing recognition of the important role these compassionate caregivers can play in supporting individuals and families during the difficult process of losing a loved one. Kidman's personal experience with grief has motivated her to help others navigate this challenging time with dignity and care.