The pursuit of a “side hustle” is a common modern phenomenon, but for Hollywood stars like Nicole Kidman, it is taking a deeply personal and unconventional turn. The acclaimed actress recently shared that she is training to become a death doula, a role focused on providing emotional, spiritual, and physical support to individuals approaching the end of life.
A Personal Motivation for a “Weird” Pursuit
Speaking at the University of San Francisco’s Silk Speaker Series, Kidman acknowledged that the concept might seem unusual to some. However, her decision was born from a profound personal experience following the passing of her mother, Janelle Ann Kidman, in September 2024.
Kidman described the difficulty of balancing family responsibilities and career demands while trying to provide adequate care for a dying parent.
“As my mother was passing, she was lonely, and there was only so much the family could provide,” Kidman noted. “I wish there were these people in the world that were there to sit impartially and just provide solace and care.”
By seeking this training, Kidman aims to fill a perceived gap in the caregiving process—providing a dedicated presence for those who may feel isolated during their final moments.
A Growing Trend in the Entertainment Industry
Kidman is far from alone in this movement. Several high-profile figures have turned to end-of-life education following personal tragedies, suggesting a shift in how even the most public figures approach mortality.
- Riley Keough: Following the death of her brother, Benjamin Keough, in 2020, the actress completed training through The Art of Death Midwifery. She has advocated for “conscious dying,” comparing the need for death education to the rigorous preparation society undergoes for childbirth.
- Chloé Zhao: The Hamnet director is also undergoing training in the U.K. Her interest was sparked by the themes of her film, which explores the grief surrounding the death of William Shakespeare’s son.
- Rainn Wilson: The The Office star has also expressed interest in the practice, joining a growing list of individuals embracing the “wellness” aspect of death care.
The Context: Why Death Doulas are Gaining Traction
The rise of death doulas reflects a broader cultural tension regarding how modern society handles mortality. As director Chloé Zhao pointed out to The New York Times, death has become increasingly medicalized.
In many modern cultures, death is often treated as a clinical event to be managed by hospitals rather than a natural part of the human experience. This shift can lead to:
1. Isolation: Patients may feel lonely in clinical settings.
2. Stigma: A societal tendency to avoid discussing death, creating a sense of “shame” around the topic.
3. Lack of Preparation: While society is highly prepared for “the entrance” (birth), there is often very little guidance for “the exit” (death).
Death doulas act as a bridge in this system, offering the non-medical, human connection that clinical environments often lack.
Conclusion: The growing interest in death doulas among public figures highlights a shifting cultural desire to reclaim death as a natural, supported, and less isolated human experience.
