Why Nicole Kidman is Training to Become a ‘Death Doula’
Beyond the Screen: Why Nicole Kidman is Training to Become a ‘Death Doula’
Nicole Kidman is known for her transformative roles, from the haunting grace of The Others to the raw intensity of Big Little Lies. However, the Oscar-winning actress recently revealed a new role that has nothing to do with Hollywood: she is training to become a death doula.
Speaking at the University of San Francisco earlier this month, the 58-year-old star shared that her decision was born out of a profound personal loss. Following the death of her mother, Janelle Ann Kidman, in September 2024, Kidman felt a calling to provide the kind of support she realized many families struggle to find during life’s final chapter.
Turning Grief Into Compassion
Kidman’s announcement was both vulnerable and candid. She admitted that while the term might sound “a little weird” to some, her experience watching her mother pass away at age 84 opened her eyes to a gap in end-of-life care.
“As my mother was passing, she was lonely, and there was only so much the family could provide,” Kidman explained during the university’s Silk Speaker Series. Despite having a supportive sister and a large family, Kidman noted that the pressures of careers and daily life can make it difficult for loved ones to provide the constant, impartial presence that a dying person often needs.
What Exactly is a Death Doula?
While many are familiar with birth doulas who assist during the beginning of life, the concept of a death doula (also known as an end-of-life doula) is just now entering the mainstream.
A death doula is a non-medical companion who provides holistic support—emotional, spiritual, and practical—to individuals nearing the end of their lives, as well as to their families. Their role often includes:
- Providing Presence: Offering a calm, impartial presence to ensure the person doesn’t feel lonely.
- Legacy Work: Helping individuals document their stories or write letters to loved ones.
- Practical Guidance: Assisting with end-of-life planning and navigating the logistics of the dying process.
- Respite for Families: Giving family members the space to step away and rest, knowing their loved one is in compassionate hands.
A Growing Trend in Hollywood
Kidman isn’t the only high-profile figure drawn to this path. Oscar-winning director Chloé Zhao has also previously shared that she trained as a death doula to develop a healthier relationship with mortality. For Kidman, this training isn’t a career pivot away from acting—she still has major projects like the Scarpetta series and Practical Magic 2 in the works—but rather a personal “expansion”.
By using her platform to discuss death doulaship, Kidman is helping to demystify a topic that remains a taboo for many. Her journey serves as a reminder that even amidst the busiest careers, finding purpose in service and compassion can be the most rewarding role of all.
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