Australian actress Nicole Kidman has revealed that she is training to become a "death doula," or end-of-life companion, a profession that provides emotional, physical and psychological support to people in the final moments of life.
Kidman made the statement during a talk at the University of San Francisco, explaining that the decision was influenced by the death of her mother, Janelle Ann, in 2024, at the age of 84.
She said that during the last days of her mother's life, she realized how difficult it is for family members to always be there, adding that she would like to have people trained to provide comfort and care for the sick in those moments.
“As my mother was passing away, she was lonely and the family could only do a fraction of what was needed,” Kidman said.
The profession of end-of-life companions has become more widespread in recent years and consists of accompanying and supporting people in the final stages of life, without medical intervention.
Kidman isn't the only one in Hollywood who has chosen this path. Oscar-winning director Chloé Zhao has also trained as an end-of-life companion, saying her fear of death led her to seek a healthier relationship with this reality.
