Actress Nicole Kidman's mother dies at age 83

A beloved Hollywood actress finds herself mourning during what was supposed to be a joyful time of career achievement, leaving fans to offer expressions of sympathy.

Nicole Kidman was awarded the prize for best actress at the Venice Film Festival this weekend, but the news was marred by the nearly simultaneous revelation that her mother had died at the age of 83, as Variety reports.

Celebration turns to sadness

Kidman had just been announced as the winner in the festival's top category for female performances for her turn in Babygirl.

Unfortunately, she was not present to accept the honor, with the film's director, Halina Reijn taking the stage on her behalf to deliver remarks prepared by the actress.

Through Reijn, Kidman told fans, “Today, I arrived in Venice to find out shortly after my brave and beautiful mother, Janelle Anne Kidman, had just passed.”

Her statement continued, “I'm in shock and I have to go to my family, but this award is for her.”

“She shaped me, she guided me and she made me. I am beyond grateful that I get to say her name to all of you through Halina. The collision of life and art is heartbreaking. My heart is broken,” Kidman concluded.

Mother and role model, remembered

Janelle Kidman worked for many years as a nursing instructor and was known as a staunch advocate for women's rights.

As the Daily Mail notes, Mrs. Kidman was plagued by health issues in recent years, though they only seemed to draw her family -- including her famous daughter -- even closer together than ever.

During a 2022 interview, Nicole Kidman specifically recalled the delight she took in taking her mother to see a Matisse exhibit at the Art Gallery of New South Wales during a time the facility was closed to the public.

Despite the struggles with illness they were facing, the actress and her mother were able to enjoy what she called the “soothing balm” offered by the artworks.

Janelle Kidman was predeceased by her husband, renowned psychologist Antony Kidman, who died in 2014, but she clearly leaves behind a legion of friends and family who will treasure her memory for years to come.