Nicole Kidman has shared that her mother, Janelle Ann Kidman, has died. She was 84.
The actress, 57, had to leave the Venice Film Festival early on Saturday before accepting her best actress win for her new film “Babygirl” due to the devastating news.
Halina Reijn, the director of the erotic thriller, accepted the award on Kidman’s behalf and read a statement from the Oscar winner about Janelle’s death.
“Today, I arrived in Venice to find out shortly after that my beautiful, brave mother, Janelle Ann Kidman, has just passed,” Reijn read to the crowd. “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 statement continued. “The collision of life and art is heartbreaking, and my heart is broken.”
Reijn wrapped her remarks with her own words: “We love you all, Nicole.”
HuffPost has reached out to Kidman for comment.
James D. Morgan via Getty Images
Kidman’s rep confirmed Janelle’s death to People. “The family is heartbroken and asks for privacy at this time.”
The “Aquaman” star praised her mom for supporting her Hollywood career.
“She’s given me the fire to pursue the career I have because I’ve always wanted to please her… but she also carved her own path and wanted her daughters to have the same opportunity to carve their own paths,” Kidman said in a 2020 interview with The Sydney Morning Herald.
“Mum didn’t necessarily get the career that she wanted, but she was determined that her daughters would have opportunities that were equal,” she added.
Support Free Journalism
Already contributed? Log in to hide these messages.