Nicole Kidman Nearly Traded Hollywood Stardom for a Quiet Farm Life in Nashville
Nicole Kidman once considered walking away from her acting career to embrace a simpler life on a farm. The 57-year-old actress revealed during a Dec. 15 episode of CBS Sunday Morning that she was ready to leave Hollywood behind after welcoming her first daughter, Sunday Rose, with her husband, Keith Urban, in 2008.
“When Sunday was born, I thought, ‘That’s it. I’m done,’” Kidman shared. “We had moved to Nashville and were living on a farm. I truly believed my acting chapter was closing.” However, it was her mother’s wise counsel that made her rethink that decision. “My mom told me, ‘Don’t give it up entirely. Keep one foot in the door,’” she said. Despite Kidman’s initial resistance, her mother encouraged her to continue acting on a smaller scale rather than leaving the industry altogether.
Taking her mother’s advice proved to be the right decision. Since then, Kidman has taken on acclaimed roles in movies like Rabbit Hole, Just Go With It, and Bombshell, as well as starring in popular TV series such as Big Little Lies, The Undoing, and Nine Perfect Strangers.
While Kidman’s career continues to thrive, she embraces a down-to-earth lifestyle when she’s home in Tennessee with her family. Known in her community as just another resident, she spends her time contributing to local causes, such as donating diapers for school drives and visiting children’s hospitals. Speaking about her role in the community, she once told Elle, “I love being involved in something that has nothing to do with my career. It’s just about being part of the world. My kids appreciate seeing that side of me, too.”
Beyond her quiet life in Nashville, Kidman remains one of Hollywood’s most celebrated actresses. She’s known for standout performances in Being the Ricardos, Moulin Rouge!, and Cold Mountain. In 2010, she expanded her reach in the industry by launching her own production company, Blossom Films, which has been behind several notable projects, including Big Little Lies and Expats.
Despite her glamourous appearances at events—like attending the New York premiere of Expats in a stunning Atelier Versace gown—Kidman admits that she prefers the comfort of home. “Sometimes it all feels surreal,” she told Elle. “I can’t wait to take off the dress, put on my pajamas, and just be myself again. It’s like a reverse Cinderella story. Home is where I feel the most real.”
Family remains at the heart of Kidman’s life. She is a mother to four children—daughters Sunday Rose and Faith Margaret with Urban, and Bella and Connor, whom she shares with her former husband, Tom Cruise. Reflecting on her priorities, Kidman said, “My life is full of love and connection. I’m a wife, a mother, a sister, and a friend. For me, that’s the essence of life—cherishing relationships, leaving behind a meaningful legacy, and respecting the world we’re a part of.”
