Hollywood actress Nicole Kidman reveals her ongoing struggle with grief following the recent loss of her mother and the death of her father a decade ago.

According to People, the "Perfect Couple" star opened up about experiencing nighttime episodes of crying and gasping while processing the deaths of her parents in a recent GQ cover story interview.

The 57-year-old actress shared intimate details about her emotional journey since losing her mother, Janelle Ann Kidman, in September 2024, nearly a decade after her father, Dr. Antony Kidman's passing in September 2014. These losses have profoundly impacted her perspective on life, death, and family connections.

Mother's Passing Impacts Venice Film Festival Appearance

Kidman received the devastating news of her mother's death just before her scheduled appearance at the Venice Film Festival, where she was to promote her upcoming film "Babygirl." The timing of this personal tragedy forced her to alter her festival plans significantly. Film director Halina Reijn stepped in to read Kidman's acceptance speech for best actress, explaining the star's sudden departure due to her mother's passing.

The loss prevented Janelle from witnessing her daughter's latest artistic achievements in both "Babygirl" and "Perfect Couple." This missed opportunity adds another layer of poignancy to Kidman's grief. During an interview with Vanity Fair, Kidman shared her mother's excitement about these upcoming projects.

Speaking about her mother's influence, Kidman told Vanity Fair:

She was my compass in a way. It's like losing that, but at the same time going, 'Okay, well, this is for her then.' So much of what she wanted for my sister and I was to create women in this world who felt like they could express themselves and have opportunities, especially things she didn't have from her generation.

Navigating Personal Loss While Raising Teenage Daughters

The actress's experience of loss has become more pronounced as she raises her teenage daughters, Sunday, 16, and Faith, 13, with husband Keith Urban. Kidman acknowledges that her current life stage, involving parenting teenagers while processing grief, has intensified her emotional journey. These parallel experiences have deepened her understanding of mortality and family connections.

Kidman's candid discussion about her nighttime struggles reveals the raw reality of grief. Her description of waking up at 3 a.m. crying and gasping demonstrates the unpredictable nature of loss and its lasting impact. This vulnerability shows a different side of the acclaimed actress, away from the glamour of Hollywood.

The intersection of personal loss and professional commitments has created unique challenges for Kidman. Her experience exemplifies the difficult balance many face when dealing with grief while maintaining public responsibilities. The actress continues to work through these emotions while fulfilling her professional obligations.

Looking Forward While Honoring Parental Legacy

At the Los Angeles premiere of "Lioness" season 2 in October, Kidman's grief remained evident as she expressed her wish for her mother's presence. The actress maintained her professional commitments while openly acknowledging her emotional state. This balance between personal loss and professional obligations demonstrates her resilience.

The timing of both parental losses, exactly a decade apart, adds another layer of poignancy to Kidman's story. Her father's death in 2014 occurred during a visit to Singapore, where he was seeing Kidman's sister, Antonia. This earlier loss now intertwines with her more recent grief over her mother's passing.

These experiences have shaped Kidman's perspective on life's fundamental aspects. She views her current situation as a culmination of various life experiences, including mortality, connection, parenting, and marriage. These elements contribute to what she describes as becoming a "fully sentient human."

A Journey Through Love And Loss

Award-winning actress Nicole Kidman continues to process the profound impact of losing both parents, with her mother's passing in September 2024 reopening wounds from her father's death a decade earlier. Her candid sharing of nocturnal grief episodes and emotional struggles provides insight into her healing journey.

The timing of her mother's death, preventing her from seeing Kidman's latest work in "Babygirl" and "Perfect Couple," adds to the poignancy of the loss. As Kidman navigates this challenging period while raising her teenage daughters with Keith Urban, she demonstrates how personal grief intertwines with professional commitments and family responsibilities.

Lessons to Learn From This Tragedy

1. Openness about grief can facilitate healing; Kidman’s candidness serves as a courageous example of confronting rather than concealing emotional pain.
2. The support of the community and continuity of professional engagements, as seen by Kidman, helps maintain balance during times of personal turmoil.
3. It is crucial to acknowledge that grief impacts everyone, and one should not judge how individuals manage their pain.

Why This Story Matters

This story matters as it vividly illustrates the universal and relentless nature of grief that transcends social and economic boundaries. It highlights the significant mental health aspect of dealing with loss, a topic relevant to everyone, regardless of status.

In conclusion, Nicole Kidman's public sharing of her grief journey sheds light on the pervasive challenges of personal loss. Her experience is a testament to the resilience required to move forward while honoring lost loved ones in ongoing life and career achievements.