Nicole Kidman Reveals Plans to Become a Death Doula

The Oscar-winning actress is training to provide personalized end-of-life support after her mother's passing.

Apr. 15, 2026 at 3:21am by

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An extreme close-up photograph of a rich, velvety black fabric, lit dramatically to create a high-contrast, high-fashion aesthetic, conceptually representing the intersection of Hollywood glamour and the solemnity of end-of-life care.The glamorous textures of Hollywood may soon be joined by the solemn fabrics of end-of-life care, as Nicole Kidman embarks on a new path as a death doula.San Francisco Today

Nicole Kidman, the acclaimed actress known for her roles in films like 'Practical Magic' and 'Big Little Lies,' has revealed that she is training to become a death doula. Kidman shared this news during a recent appearance at the University of San Francisco's 'Silk Speaker Series,' explaining that her decision was inspired by the loneliness her mother experienced at the end of her life and Kidman's desire to provide more compassionate support for those facing mortality.

Why it matters

Kidman's transition into the role of a death doula highlights the growing demand for personalized, non-medical end-of-life care. As more people seek alternatives to traditional hospice services, Kidman's high-profile involvement could help destigmatize and raise awareness of this emerging profession.

The details

According to the International End of Life Doula Association, a death doula is 'a nonmedical companion who provides personalized and compassionate support to individuals, families, and their circles of care as they encounter and navigate death, loss, and mortality.' Kidman shared that her decision to pursue this path was influenced by her mother Janelle's passing in 2024 at the age of 84, when Kidman felt there was a lack of impartial support available to provide solace and care.

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

The players

Nicole Kidman

An Oscar-winning actress known for her roles in films like 'Practical Magic' and 'Big Little Lies,' who is now training to become a death doula.

Janelle Kidman

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

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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

What’s next

Kidman will continue her training to become a death doula, while also maintaining her high-profile acting career. Her next major project is the upcoming release of 'Practical Magic 2,' which she is promoting alongside co-star Sandra Bullock.

The takeaway

Nicole Kidman's decision to become a death doula highlights the growing need for personalized, compassionate end-of-life care. Her involvement in this emerging profession could help destigmatize the role of the death doula and inspire others to consider providing this vital service to individuals and families navigating loss and mortality.