What Working For Nicole Kidman Is Really Like
Highlights
- Nicole Kidman is proud of her success in an ageist industry, and is grateful for the opportunities she has been given to play complicated and diverse roles.
- Co-star Manny Jacinto describes Kidman as introverted and shy, but also appreciates her willingness to be open and vulnerable on set.
- Despite being described as "crazy" by some co-stars, Kidman's dedication to her craft and her calm and healing energy on the set of 'Nine Perfect Strangers' left a strong impression on her colleagues.
Nicole Kidman is one of the most successful lead actresses in Hollywood. Many of her films have grossed over $100 million at the box office. At the age of 56, she said it's "really special" to be doing so well in an ageist industry.
In 2019, while accepting her prize at London's Tate Modern, the Big Little Lies alum said: "I am seeking out roles that are very complicated and diverse and being allowed to play them, being given the financing, being given the opportunities, is really, really special."
"So to be acknowledged for them is even better because it creates more opportunities not just for me but for the generations to come," she continued, noting that she's "incredibly proud" to be part of the #MeToo movement that's been "allowing women to take control of their destinies."
But with numerous accolades like an Oscar for playing Virginia Woolf in The Hours, it's intriguing to know what it's really like working with her. While some say she's always been professional, a co-star once described her as "crazy." Here's why.
Manny Jacinto Could Relate To Nicole Kidman's Introverted Nature
During Manny Jacinto's chat with Nicole Kidman on Interview magazine, the former expressed how it was an honor to have worked with the latter on Nine Perfect Strangers. "I mean, obviously, being able to work with you. I always say if Nicole Kidman comes calling, you pick up the phone and you go play," he said.
He also shared his observation of the Rabbit Hole star's need to connect with somebody" as she "was in this completely different headspace" while filming the series. "I was just like, 'I need to be there for Nicole because that’s what she needs right now,'" he said, "especially in that first huge monologue that you had."
The Top Gun: Maverick actor continued: "You needed some sort of anchor. I’m more than happy to just play with you and be there for you." In an interview with People, Jacinto also recalled Kidman being "shy" meeting him at first, as well as realizing that they're both "actually very introverted."
"When I first met her, she was actually really quite shy," the Filipino Canadian actor remembered. "She's actually very introverted, and that surprised me because I'm an introvert. I'm a very shy person and that gave me a lot of hope, if anything."
He added: "If this lady can have such an incredible body of work as an introvert, maybe there's hope for other introverts out there. That was the biggest surprise, her shyness, but yet her willingness to be open."
Nicole Kidman Was 'Crazy' On The Set Of Nine Perfect Strangers
In August 2021, Samara Weaving told KIIS FM's Kyle and Jackie O about her experience acting alongside the "crazy" Kidman on Nine Perfect Strangers. "And I learned a lot from watching her and watching everyone on that set actually," the former said of working with the Australian producer.
The statement came after Nicole Kidman admitted that she was "batsh-t crazy" on the set of the Amazon show. "I'd only respond as Masha," she during a TCA panel. "I wanted a very calm healing energy to emanate all the time so I remember going over to people and sort of putting my hand on their heart, holding their hand, they would talk to me or use my name Nicole when I would completely ignore them."
She explained that "the only way I could actually relate to people was that way because I felt like otherwise I would be doing a performance and I didn't want to feel that way." When asked about the project's genre at that time, she responded: "When people say define what it is, we still can't, I mean I dare you to ask any of us, what genre this is, we have no idea."
Jason Momoa Had A 'Beautiful Experience' With Nicole Kidman In Aquaman
Game of Thrones alum Jason Momoa enjoyed working with Kidman in DC's Aquaman. But although he had "one of the greatest acting experiences" with her, he admitted in 2018: "I was extremely scared because I was like, 'Oh my God, she's so amazing.' I've never worked with anyone that came close to an Academy Award."
He also commended the Eyes Wide Shut star for her excellent performance in every take. "It was just beautiful," he said. "She was so intelligent with her choices and it was cool." Speaking to ET Canada at that year's San Diego Comic-Con, he called Kidman a "pro" for handling tough scenes with so much grace.
"I've never seen anyone with that kind of work ethic," he said at that time, revealing that they did many takes in "under extreme conditions" but that with Kidman: "It was just beautiful to watch. I almost feel like a spectator because we're that close, just watching her. She's a pro."
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