In the 1990s, they were the epitome of a perfect couple, or at least they appeared to be. Nicole Kidman and Tom Cruise symbolized a Hollywood power couple.
However, in 2001, their seemingly idyllic union came to an end. After twelve years of marriage and the adoption of two children, Connor and Isabella, the couple decided to part ways. The specific reasons behind their breakup remained shrouded in mystery, but speculations abounded. Rumors included Tom Cruise's involvement in Scientology, his eccentric behavior, and the impact of their joint role in the 1999 erotic thriller "Eyes Wide Shut," directed by Stanley Kubrick, where they played a married couple grappling with issues of infidelity.
Just two years after that film, their marriage unraveled. Many in the media suggested that their relationship had been on shaky ground during the filming. Now, Nicole Kidman, who has previously been reticent about discussing her former spouse and their marriage, has addressed these rumors in an interview with The New York Times, denying any connection between the film and their real-life separation.
She stated, "I understand that it aligns with the narrative the public has crafted, given what happened afterward, but I don't see it that way. At that time, Tom and I were happily married. We were working with one of the greatest filmmakers, learning about our lives, and enjoying our time on set."
"I understand that it aligns with the narrative the public has crafted, given what happened afterward, but I don't see it that way. At that time, Tom and I were happily married. We were working with one of the greatest filmmakers, learning about our lives, and enjoying our time on set."
Nicole Kidman, now married to musician Keith Urban with whom she shares two daughters, reminisces about the moments during the filming, sharing, "We had two children, and we lived primarily in a trailer on set. We'd cook spaghetti because Stanley Kubrick liked to join us for meals sometimes." Originally slated for a three-month shoot, the film extended to a year and a half.
Despite the prolonged filming, Nicole, at 53, looks back on those days as happy moments, recounting, "When we finished shooting those scenes, we'd rent a go-kart track and race at 3 in the morning. I don't have much more to say about it. Perhaps I lack the inclination to reflect and analyze it. Or maybe, I simply prefer not to."
"When we finished shooting those scenes, we'd rent a go-kart track and race at 3 in the morning. I don't have much more to say about it. Perhaps I lack the inclination to reflect and analyze it. Or maybe, I simply prefer not to."
The star of "Big Little Lies" has rarely delved into her love story with Tom Cruise. A couple of years ago, she told People magazine that discussing her previous marriage felt almost disrespectful to her current partner. However, in a 2012 interview with Dujour magazine, Nicole did open up about her relationship with Tom, describing their love as deep and all-encompassing, saying, "I was completely in love, madly and passionately. He was so spontaneous and innocent. We were in our little bubble, just the two of us, and we became heavily reliant on each other. I was smitten with Tom, I would've gone to the ends of the Earth for him."
Perhaps this is why Tom's decision to leave left a profound impact on her, as she confessed, "It took me a long time to recover. It was a shock to my system."
