20 Questions with Nicole Kidman
You'll never believe how this mega-star earned her first dollar.
Photo Credit: Gisela Schober
The Oscar winner shares what she learned from Stanley Kubrick, reveals a high-flying hobby, and confesses an unusual secret talent
1. What is on your kitchen counter? We always have a bowl of apples. And, I think, newspapers and coloring books.
2. What is the best gift you've ever received? My husband [Keith Urban] gave me an Aston Martin.
3. What is your fantasy itinerary? I've never been to Africa, so I'd love to go on safari.
4. What can you not miss on TV? Nashville—a lot of my friends are in that. But it was devastating when Breaking Bad finished. And I still watch Homeland and American Idol.
5. What is the best advice you've ever been given? Stanley Kubrick said, "If anyone throws out an idea, wait 20 seconds before you say either yes or no, because you have to let an idea digest."
Stay In The Know
Select the newsletters you’d like to receive. Then, add your email to sign up.
6. What movie do you think has the greatest ending? Gone with the Wind.
7. What is on your perennial to-do list? Becoming fluent in Italian. I speak a little, but I'm not fluent yet.
8. What is on your bookshelf? At the moment, I'm reading The Son [by Philipp Meyer]. It's set in Texas, and it covers a whole number of generations. It's violent but extraordinary.
9. What is on your feet right now? These are Nicholas Kirkwood [peep-toe platform pumps with cutouts]. But I wear Jimmy Choos as well.
10. What is your go-to karaoke song? "Your Song" by Elton John. Ewan McGregor sang it in Moulin Rouge, and I still love to sing it.
11. What is your beauty secret? For my hair, it's Swisse Ultiboost Hair Skin Nails supplements. My hair had gotten so thin and I was done putting in the [fake] pieces, so I cut it off and started taking those religiously—it's much thicker now.
12. What should every woman try at least once in her life? I have my skydiving license, so I would say jumping out of a plane.
13. Do you have a secret talent? I can do a really good cat vomit. [Mimics the sound of a cat coughing up a fur ball]
14. What makes you laugh? Keith.
15. What makes you mad? Injustice.
16. What charities do you support? UN Women, which works to eradicate violence against women. My husband and I do fundraising for Stanford Women's Cancer Center. And as the Swisse global ambassador, I helped raise money for Monash Children's Hospital in Australia.
17. What splurge is well worth it? Holidays. Whenever we take holidays, I never go, "Gosh, I wish we hadn't done that."
18. Do you have any pet peeves? I don't like bad breath—that's my one thing. I'll tell someone, "You need a mint."
19. How did you make your first dollar? As an usherette at Sesame Street Live, at the Capitol Theatre in Sydney. I was only 14, but I was paid an adult wage of about $400 a week, which was phenomenal.
20. What is one thing you wish you'd known when you were younger? That it all works out—that what's devastating today will all be OK.
More Celebrity Interviews:
20 Questions with Alicia Keys
20 Questions with Sarah Jessica Parker
20 Questions with Mindy Kaling
20 Questions with Michelle Dockery
Dedicated to women of power, purpose, and style, Marie Claire is committed to celebrating the richness and scope of women's lives. Reaching millions of women every month, Marie Claire is an internationally recognized destination for celebrity news, fashion trends, beauty recommendations, and renowned investigative packages.
-
Why Fans Think Drama May Be Ahead for the 'Love Is Blind' Season 7's Ashley and Tyler
The marketing director and account manager/military veteran have had the most blissful coupling thus far.
By Quinci LeGardye Published
-
Taylor Swift Just Surpassed Rihanna as the World’s Richest Female Musician
Her music catalog alone is worth an estimated $600 million.
By Kristin Contino Published
-
Meghan Markle and Prince Harry Have "Hit Their Stride" at Work and at Home
"It's as much a reflection on parenting priorities."
By Amy Mackelden Published
-
Actors Who Are Nothing Like Their Most Iconic Characters
Talk about awards-worthy, transformative performances.
By Katherine J. Igoe Published
-
The Question on Everyone's Lips: Did Beyoncé Skip the 2024 MTV VMAs?
It's been a few years since she last graced the carpet with her presence.
By Kelsey Stiegman Published
-
Why Isn't Selena Gomez at the 2024 VMAs?
Her absence became even more noticeable after her bestie Taylor Swift showed up.
By Hanna Lustig Published
-
Nicole Kidman Talks Kissing Batman, "Hardcore Horror" Movies, and Feeling "Really Deeply"
"The thing people don't understand is, it's not about the check."
By Amy Mackelden Published
-
Jennifer Lopez Thought Ben Affleck Was a "Changed Man" But Being Married to Him Was "Impossible"
"Friends think he is selfish, sullen, impossible to please most of the time and negative."
By Amy Mackelden Published
-
Nicole Kidman Admits “Secretly I’ve Been Excited” to Kiss Certain Co-Stars Onscreen
Meanwhile, Netflix just released a steamy trailer of her making out with her ‘A Family Affair’ co-star Zac Efron.
By Rachel Burchfield Published
-
Travis Kelce Lands First Major Acting Role in a Forthcoming Ryan Murphy Horror Series
Will Kelce follow in celebrities like Kim Kardashian’s footsteps and use a Murphy-produced project to launch an acting career?
By Rachel Burchfield Published
-
During a Rare Television Interview, Princess Beatrice Gives a Health Update on Her Mother, Sarah Ferguson
The Duchess of York was diagnosed with skin cancer in January after beating breast cancer last year.
By Rachel Burchfield Published