Inside Nicole Kidman’s Nonstop Year: How the Grief of Losing Her Mother is Overpowered by Work

Nicole Kidman has been on an intense and relentless work schedule this past year, drawing concern from those closest to her. Following the heartbreaking loss of her mother, Janelle, in September, the Hollywood icon hasn’t shown any signs of slowing down. However, her loved ones are worried that she may be using work as a distraction rather than allowing herself time to process her grief fully.

Despite enduring one of the most painful losses of her life, Kidman’s career has remained a driving force. The actress, known for her roles in films like Eyes Wide Shut and Big Little Lies, has continued to take on lead roles in emotionally taxing projects. In fact, this year alone, she has juggled six major roles, including Netflix’s The Perfect Couple, Paramount+’s Lioness, and the intense film Babygirl, where she played a lead in a complex, emotionally charged narrative.

Her grueling schedule shows no signs of letting up, with five more projects lined up for 2025, including Big Little Lies Season 3, a sequel to Practical Magic with Sandra Bullock, and Welcome to Holland. A source close to Kidman even suggested that she may take on additional projects before the year ends, saying, “Knowing Nicole, she will add a few more projects onto her plate by this time next year too.”

While Kidman’s work ethic has always been admired, her non-stop schedule this year has raised alarms. Those close to her, including her husband, Keith Urban, are increasingly concerned. “It’s starting to get a bit out of hand. She needs a break,” an insider shared. “Most of the stuff she’s got coming up is heavy material, and more often than not, she’s the lead. It’s going to take a toll. She’s not superwoman.”

This fear is especially heightened given the emotional state Kidman has been in since her mother’s passing. In a poignant moment following Janelle’s death, Kidman cut short a celebration at the Venice Film Festival, where she was honored for her role in Babygirl. Janelle’s final words to her daughter, urging her to prioritize self-care, seem to have gone unheard as Kidman continues to push forward at an unsustainable pace.

Even Urban, known for his own demanding career, has considered stepping back from his touring commitments to support his wife. “The big worry on everyone’s mind is, how much can she take?” a source revealed. Urban has expressed his deep gratitude to Kidman, even contemplating halting his live shows to provide her with the emotional support she needs.

Despite these concerns, Kidman has opened up in private about feeling “untethered” without her mother. She described Janelle as her “guardian angel” and “guiding light,” acknowledging the deep void left by her loss. While Kidman’s work has become her refuge, it remains unclear whether this pace is truly helping her heal or simply distracting her from the emotions she’s yet to fully confront.

As Nicole Kidman continues to face life without her mother, it’s clear that her work has become both a source of strength and a potential source of strain. Her loved ones can only hope that, in time, she will find a balance between honoring her grief and prioritizing her well-being.