Hollywood star, Nicole Kidman pleasantly surprised theatergoers by carrying out a charitable act when she attended the Broadway production of “The Music Man.”
The production stars the actress’ longtime friend, Hugh Jackman, playing an iconic role that other theater heavyweights had portrayed.
During her visit to the show, Kidman made a $100,000 bid for part of the “Wolverine” star’s costume. The money she donated will go to a nonprofit organization named Broadway Cares/ Equity Fights AIDS.
Kidman was previously chosen as the next awardee of the AFI Life Achievement Award for her contribution to film and television.
Read on to learn more.
Nicole Kidman Made Hefty Donation For Charity
On Saturday, Kidman shocked audiences when she attended the Broadway production of The Music Man. The 55-year-old Hollywood actress made the appearance to support her longtime friend Jackman who was starring in the production.
Jackman portrayed the character Professor Harold Hill, a con artist who takes on the cover of a traveling salesman. The role was previously played by Craig Bierko, Van Johnson, and Robert Preston across different production of the play.
During her appearance at the current revival of the play, Kidman further astounded observers when she made a $100,000 bid to own Jackman’s iconic flat top hat, which he wore for his part.
Footage posted by Jackman on his Instagram page showed Kidman making the bid off-camera, causing the audience to go wild as they discovered that the actress was in their midst.
After the bid, Kidman walked to the stage to embrace Jackman amid resounding applause from the audience, who were clearly in awe.
‘Thank You Nic For Your Friendship And Support!’
In his Instagram post, Jackman penned a sweet tribute of appreciation to the “Queen of the Desert” star for supporting him.
“The generosity and love emanating from Nicole leaves me speechless,” Jackman wrote in his post “Thank you Nic for your friendship and support!”
Kidman also replied in the comments section, expressing her affection for her buddy and praising his generosity.
She wrote, “Darling Hugh, To my friend of 30 years, Right back at you such a generous gorgeous man, it was a brilliant night in the theatre and an honor to be able to donate to @bcefa!+ Congratulations to the talented cast.”
The money Kidman donated will be given to Broadway Cares/ Equity Fights AIDS. This group aids in giving Americans around the country access to medicine, healthcare, wholesome meals, counseling, and emergency financial aid.
Nicole Kidman Was Recently Chosen For An AFI Life Achievement Award
Kidman’s appearance at the Broadway production comes after the American Film Institute chose the veteran actress to receive their prestigious Life Achievement Award.
Established almost four decades ago, the honor is awarded to one person for their lifetime commitment to enhancing American culture via film and television.
The “Strangerland” actress will receive the prize on June 10, 2023, in a high-profile ceremony. She has become the first Australian in entertainment history to be selected to receive the highly-rated award.
Hollywood big names, including Robert de Niro, Al Pacino, Jane Fonda, George Clooney, and Meryl Streep, have previously received the award.
After receiving the news, Kidman shared the announcement with her fans on her Instagram.
“What an honour! Thank you to the American Film Institute,” she wrote on her Instagram Story alongside her glamorous picture, per 7news. “And to all who have been a part of this journey. Looking forward to seeing you in June.”
Nicole Kidman’s Career Timeline
Since her breakthrough role in Phillip Noyce’s “Dead Calm,” Kidman has risen to become one of Hollywood’s most respected actresses.
During her career, Kidman has won a BAFTA Award and two Primetime Emmys, one of which was for her role in HBO’s Big Little Lies. She has also garnered six Golden Globes from 17 nominations, five Oscar nominations, and one win for her starring role as Virginia Woolf in 2003 Stephen Daldry’s “The Hours.”
Her top-grossing film features include “Aquaman,” “Happy Feet,” “The Golden Compass,” “Batman Forever,” and “Paddington,” making her one of the highest-grossing stars in Hollywood.
Earlier in the year, she starred in Robert Eggers’ Viking epic “The Northman.” She will reprise her role of Queen Atlanna in the sequel to “Aquaman,” dubbed “Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom.”
The actress will also star in, and executive produce the “Expats,” “Pretty Things,” “Hope,” and “Things I Know To Be True,” all four being tv series.