Nicole Kidman

Nicole Mary Kidman was born on 20 June 1967, in Honolulu, Hawaii, while her parents were studying in the United States. Kidman has both American and Australian citizenship. Her mother, Janelle Ann, was a nursing instructor, and her father, Antony Kidman, was a biochemist and clinical psychologist. She has a younger sister, Antonia, who works as a journalist and television presenter. Kidman has English, Irish, and Scottish ancestry.

Kidman's family returned to Australia when she was three years old. She grew up in Sydney and attended local schools. From a young age, she demonstrated a natural talent for acting and enrolled in ballet classes at the age of three. Kidman's love for acting developed further when she saw Margaret Hamilton as the Wicked Witch of the West in The Wizard of Oz. Despite being naturally shy, she pursued acting, joining local theater groups during her teenage years.

Her acting career began in Australia with her debut in the 1983 film Bush Christmas. Kidman gained recognition through supporting roles in Australian television and films. However, her breakthrough came in 1989 with the thriller Dead Calm and the miniseries Bangkok Hilton. After these successes, she starred alongside Tom Cruise in the hit film Days of Thunder in 1990, marking her entry into Hollywood.

Throughout the 1990s, Kidman established herself as a leading actress with notable roles in films like Far and Away (1992), To Die For (1995), Batman Forever (1995), and Eyes Wide Shut (1999). Her performance in The Hours (2002), where she portrayed the writer Virginia Woolf, earned her an Academy Award for Best Actress, making her the first Australian to win this prestigious award.

Kidman continued to shine in the film industry with acclaimed performances in Moulin Rouge! (2001), The Others (2001), and Cold Mountain (2003). She also made her mark on television, winning Emmy Awards for her role in Big Little Lies (2017-2019) and producing the series. Over the years, Kidman has received numerous accolades, including multiple Golden Globe Awards, BAFTA nominations, and a Primetime Emmy Award.

In her personal life, Kidman was married to Tom Cruise from 1990 to 2001, during which they adopted two children. After their divorce, she married country music star Keith Urban in 2006. The couple has two daughters, Sunday Rose and Faith Margaret, the latter born via gestational surrogacy.

Kidman is actively involved in philanthropy, supporting various causes including women's rights and children's welfare through her work with UNICEF and UNIFEM. She has also been recognized for her contributions to the arts and humanitarian efforts, receiving the Companion of the Order of Australia in 2006.

As of 2024, Kidman continues to work in film and television, portraying complex characters and pushing the boundaries of her craft. She remains a key figure in Hollywood, known for her transformative performances and commitment to social causes.

With a career spanning over four decades, Nicole Kidman is often celebrated as one of the greatest actresses of her generation, known for her versatility and dedication to her craft.