What Keith Urban Finds Scary About Nicole Kidman
Full disclosure: We stan Keith Urban and Nicole Kidman. Talk about a power couple! The veteran actor Kidman rose to prominence in the late 1980s and 1990s with films such as "Dead Calm," "Batman Forever," and "Eyes Wide Shut" — officially solidifying her place amongst the Hollywood greats throughout her illustrious career.
Country music star and hubby Urban, on the other hand, grinded throughout the '90s to make a name for himself. Releasing a self-titled album in 1991, the record did well in his native Australia and pushed him to greener pastures in Nashville, Tennessee (via Biography). There, he worked as a session musician before ending the decade with his self-titled American debut, launching him into the stratosphere of country music stardom.
The duo first met at G'Day LA in 2005 (via Taste of Country), and while the couple eventually hit it off, they did play a bit of emotional tag at first. "I remember thinking, I had such a crush on him, and he wasn't interested in me," Kidman told Ellen DeGeneres in 2017. In 2010, Urban told Oprah Winfrey that he "plucked up the courage" to talk to Kidman at the 2005 event "very nervously," wondering "Why would she want to talk to me?" Thankfully, it all panned out well for both parties involved. But even 11 years and a marriage later, Keith Urban still finds himself in fear of Nicole Kidman — but for one reason you wouldn't expect.
Nicole Kidman took her role as Lucille Ball very seriously
"I Love Lucy" is one of the most iconic television series in American history. In fact, the story of Lucy and Ricky Ricardo is so culturally significant that soon it is set to be enshrined on-screen with the upcoming film "Being the Ricardos." "Dune" star Javier Bardem will portray Ricky, while revered actor Nicole Kidman will play his counter in Lucy.
Noted for her exceptional acting ability, Kidman took on the role as professionally as possible, though she did express her doubts of exceeding expectations. "I actually sent [director] Aaron [Sorkin] an email saying, 'I think I'm actually the wrong person now. I know I said 'yes,' but I'm now saying 'no,'" Kidman told the New York Post. In response, Sorkin retorted, "You don't get to say 'no' now!"
Per her professionalism, she absorbed the role to a tee — revealing she worked with a movement coach to learn Lucy's mannerisms while also perfecting Lucy's iconic voice, which ultimately proved to be unsettling for husband Keith Urban. "Vocally, I started with the Lucy voice," Kidman stated, which "was so far out of reach that it was terrifying." She further noted that "I'd do it for my husband, who has a great ear, 'cause he's a musician, and he'd be, like, 'Hmmmm.' Kinda scary." If you want to see and hear Kidman's Lucy for yourself, "Being the Ricardos" is set for release on December 10.
Fear hasn't hindered Keith Urban's love, however
To say Keith Urban and Nicole Kidman have a tight-knit relationship would be an understatement. Despite his initial trepidation and current fear surrounding Kidman, Urban's love for his actor wife far outweighs the former. Boasting a 15-year marriage (an eternity in Tinseltown!), the power couple has welcomed two daughters — Sunday Rose and Faith Margaret — and make no qualms about gushing over each other.
Appearing on "Live with Kelly and Ryan" in December, Kidman expressed her love for Urban, whom she deemed "her favorite person." Noting their affinity for "hanging out" with one another, the actor recalled a story in which Urban flew around the world just to spend a few hours together amidst her pregnancy with their first daughter. "When I was pregnant with Sunday, he got on a plane to fly to Australia to see the first ultrasound, and was there for six hours," Kidman revealed. "Saw the heartbeat, and then had to fly back to do a show." Now that's enduring love!
Keith Urban and Nicole Kidman always have each other's backs through thick and thin
Keith Urban and Nicole Kidman tied the knot in June 2006, but the couple soon found themselves in the woods after Urban's drug addiction spiraled out of control. By October of that year, the "Eyes Wide Shut" actor had staged an intervention for Urban — but thankfully, after years of drug abuse, the singer was able to kick his addictions thanks to Kidman.
"I caused the implosion of my fresh marriage," he told Rolling Stone in 2016. "It survived, but it's a miracle it did. I was spiritually awoken with her. I use the expression 'I was born into her,' and that's how I feel," he continued. Urban, whom the outlet noted was a frequent cocaine and ecstasy user, also revealed that "for the first time in my life, I could shake off the shackles of addiction."
In a 2014 interview with the publication, Urban stated, "I didn't give a s*** about anything except turning a corner in my life and doing whatever it took for that." He further noted that he was "very, very blessed to have Nic call an intervention on me. I had a tight group of friends around me for the intervention. And off I went."
If you or anyone you know is struggling with addiction issues, help is available. Visit the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration website or contact SAMHSA's National Helpline at 1-800-662-HELP (4357).