Nicole Kidman has talked about how her life and career were greatly impacted by her late mother, Janelle Ann Kidman. There was a huge hole in the actress's life after Janelle Ann died in September at the age of 84. Kidman expressed her sentiments in an interview with Extra, calling her mother a "compass" and a "major guide" during her trip.
Kidman has previously discussed how her mother laid the groundwork for her acting career in an interview with the Sydney Morning Herald in 2020. She said that her mother's support was essential in enabling her and her sister to forge their own careers, saying, "She's given me the fire to pursue the career I have because I've always wanted to please her."
Kidman also considered how her mother shaped her fashion sense. She remembered how her taste of fashion was greatly influenced by her mother's and grandmother's love of exquisite clothing as well as their sewing and embroidery abilities.
Kidman learned of her mother's passing in early September while attending the Venice Film Festival. The actress showed how close she was to her family by leaving the event right away to be with them. Despite her personal tragedy, Kidman garnered the festival's best actress prize for her performance in "Babygirl." Director Halina Reijn collected the prize on her behalf while she was away, reading a message from Kidman in which she expressed her surprise and dedicated the honor to her mother.
In a poignant Instagram message, Kidman and her sister Antonia thanked everyone for the overwhelming support and sympathies they got when her mother's death was announced. They posted a number of family portraits, expressing gratitude to the public for their support and requesting privacy during their time of grief.
During an appearance on the TODAY Show, Kidman's husband, country music artist Keith Urban, also expressed gratitude to the public for their support, praising the "amazing" outpouring and expressing sincere sorrow.
Kidman is grateful for her mother's love and lessons, which continue to guide her both personally and professionally as she navigates this difficult moment.