Nicole Kidman: ‘It is not over at 40. It is not even over at 50’

Glamour Women Of The Year Awards - Outside Arrivals

There’s been a lot of talk about Nicole Kidman this year, and how it feels like she’s come into her own… yet again. She had this kind of career-resurgence after she divorced Tom Cruise too, and it lasted for about five years and then it went away. You can really tell that Nicole is feeling herself these days, and it’s fascinating to watch after all this time. I have to admit: I’m even finding her rather inspirational these days, and I never thought I would say that about Kidman.

Anyway, these are some photos of Nicole at Tuesday night’s British Glamour Awards in London. She won an award for “Best Film Actress,” even though I would argue that her stand-out performance from the past year was on television, not film. Her dress here is Erdem, and at first I sort of hated this, but after repeated viewings, I sort of like it. It’s very “Nicole Kidman.” During her speech, Kidman talked for a moment about how she’s feeling ahead of her 50th birthday in a few weeks:

“I want to tell all the women out there—it is not over at 40. It is not even over at 50. I’m going to take this as a birthday present—I’m about to turn 50 in two weeks, and I never thought this would be one of my best years.”

[From E! News]

I’m not turning 40 until… well, I don’t want to say. But it’s looming away and I can see it. And I’m not happy about it. I feel like when I hit that marker, my life is going to fall apart. It’s not so much that I’m afraid of ageing – as the years go by, the fewer f–ks I have to give about my appearance – but it’s just a general fear that my body and my life is going to break down at 40. It’s inspirational for me to see Nicole Kidman up there, saying sh-t’s not over at 40 or 50.

Also: Nicole and Ewan McGregor sat down for a dual-interview with Variety. It was charming.

The Glamour Women of The Year Awards - Arrivals

Photos courtesy of WENN.

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44 Responses to “Nicole Kidman: ‘It is not over at 40. It is not even over at 50’”

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  1. alona says:

    It´s over when you die and not a second before that.

  2. third ginger says:

    I guess when you are young, 40 is old. I was pregnant when I was 40. So now, approaching 65, I have happy associations with turning 40. Aging not only depends on a person’s attitude, it depends on what you do with each age. In that way, Nicole is right. Also, she’s doing some great work right now.

    • Kitten says:

      That’s cool that you had your first at 40. 🙂

      Loved your whole comment and THANK YOU!

    • minx says:

      I just turned 65. I also had a 6 month old baby when I turned 40 so that age was very happy for me, too.

    • AG-UK says:

      Had my son at 41 he’s 16 now. I don’t feel/act old now if my knees would cooperate I’d be good to go.

    • Sarah says:

      Really, it is so odd. Who said life is over at 40? Or 50? Or 60? My 87 year old mother goes out more than I do. So much ageism in western cultures. That Kidman even feels the need to say this is sad.

    • CynicalAnn says:

      I loved being 40-I didn’t even have my last kid until 42. I am having a tougher time with 50. I just need to find my groove.

  3. Kitten says:

    “I feel like when I hit that marker, my life is going to fall apart. It’s not so much that I’m afraid of ageing – as the years go by, the fewer f–ks I have to give about my appearance – but it’s just a general fear that my body and my life is going to break down at 40. ”

    OMG me too Kaiser. Please keep posting these kinds of threads for those of us who are closing in on the big 4-0. This is the only sh*t that makes me feel better.

    *sobs*

    • Hey to all you young ones out there I will be 42 this summer and two years ago hitting the big 40 loomed large.I am happy to tell you all that everything looks and feels no different after 40 and then there are the ultimate compliments you hear at times like”oh no way -you don’t look 40″Then again how do you look or feel 40-? Like what is it supposed to be about 40 do you give up your wardrobe for a house coat and slippers?Maybe others can relate to me on this one though-At 40+you are truly middle aged like my daughter is 14 but I could technically have a 20 something child if I’d started young or I could easily be pregnant with my first too.Its great if you can love yourself at any age but yes my “I don’t give a darn” attitude is so relaxing BTW I’m a long time reader here and rarely post but you are all like familiar friends when I read your comments and Kaiser’s articles😀Thanks for keeping things smart and fun on here!!!

      • Anna says:

        I love to hear about women who are past 40 doing well and living life to the fullest. It’s a reality for many women but I will say that as one who is now 44 and staring down 45, it sucks. I’m in a career rut with difficulty rallying any “youthful” vision of how to get past it–and thought 40s is when women really started making career strides–and my body is falling apart with weight gain as well as just generally beginning to feel more and more invisible in a sexual way. It feels as if my options are fading day by day and by the time I get the energy to make a change, it could be too late. I wonder how many “happy” over 40s are already partnered by the time they get to 40. Being in a loving partnership makes a big difference to how you feel. I honestly feel like my life is just winding down to nothing at this point.

    • CynicalAnn says:

      I was in the best shape of my life in my early 40s! Don’t despair.

  4. Sumodo1 says:

    I’ll be 61 in August. Life begins at 60.

  5. ok says:

    Her career is still going strong because she hustled and never neglected it. She also has real talent and range and a famous name. She’s the exception not the rule.

  6. Heylee says:

    Love this blog and the writers, but let’s shift away from the pity party for approaching 40 year old dames!

    Just don’t believe the hype ladies. Let’s all shed our insecurities and embrace the f@#k out of how awesome we are.

    Confidence, experience and the seeds of wisdom will do me just fine for my 4th decade.

    • Sarah says:

      I look at Jane Fonda and Lily Tomlin on “Grace and Frankie” and know that life just keeps getting better and better! And ageing is a blessing many people dont get. Embrace it! Young’uns!!!

  7. astrid says:

    I’d be more on board with her personal philosophy if she wasn’t botoxed/tweaked so tight. I liked her in that new HBO series

  8. andrea says:

    It’s funny to read “young” peoples fears about turning 40.

    Guys, you will be fine. Another 40-something here saying this is my best decade yet – physically, mentally and emotionally.

    • minx says:

      I can say my forties were my best, happiest decade. I think I looked my best–better than my 20s and 30s, seriously.

  9. Jenns says:

    Maybe I’m just woefully naive, but why on earth would it be over at 40? Or 50? Or even 60?

    I’m 38. And while I know things are changing as I age, I can also say that I’m in the best shape of my life and have never looked better. And I give zero f**ks about BS now. I refuse to believe everything goes to hell in 2 friggin years.

  10. Lucy says:

    Honestly, I’m happy to see she’s still around.

  11. Brittney B. says:

    I’m 29 and my birthday is next month. (I know, I know, this thread isn’t for me. But I’m trying not to cling to my 20’s, because it’s just a sexist social construct that tells me to care.)

    Anywayyyy… it’s not that difficult to look forward to 30, because I’ve spent a decade turning into an adult and learning so much about myself and the world around me. I even think I look better, because I know my body and face and I take care of myself now. Ten years ago, I was basically a self-destructive infant. Would LOVE to keep evolving at the same rate in my 30’s and 40’s; life will be so much richer.

    • Cee says:

      I turn 30 in 3 weeks and I’m relaxed about it. I’ve spent a decade trying to navigate life and even though I’ve made so many mistakes, I feel confident my 30s will be a better place for me.

  12. Harryg says:

    Of course it’s not over! She doesn’t look like she’s truly accepting aging, though, sorry but she looks overdone and always moves as if her bones were fragile.

  13. slowsnow says:

    Well, I find that the ups of being 40 are far better and more fulfilling than the downs. I like wrinkles, I find it much more attractive when people have the “smiling” wrinkles next to the eyes (there’s a name for those but I can’t remember). I like pepper and salt hair (my husband is going down that route and I love it unashamedly). I really like the no bullshit strength we get as a bonus.
    What I find strange is that for the first time in my life I am more disconnected with the 15 year old me. I have two sets of strong memories now, childhood, teens and young adult and then route towards 40. And thus I am more disconnected with that first layer of life. It’s very disconcerting but also comes with a certain wisdom about ourselves and the world.

  14. schmootc says:

    I’m 43 and what I tell everyone younger than I am is don’t let 40 scare you. And don’t be ashamed of it, (All the people who play coy and say they’re turning 26 again or whatever just irritate me.) What’s nice about the 40s for me is that I’ve reached a place in my life where I’m secure in myself and my choices and I’m not going to say I care less what people think, but I don’t care as much as I used to for sure. And it’s nice to not have to worry about money as much as I did when I was younger!!

  15. pinetree13 says:

    I am struggling big time with aging. I don’t know why, I’m only in my mid-thirties, but the last year I’ve aged drastically. Like I’ve aged more in the last year than I have the previous five. I am trying very hard to say it doesn’t matter, it’s the inside that counts, which is true, but when you’re used to being seen as very attractive it’s a struggle. Honestly. My eyelids are starting to droop and when I look at pictures from five years ago I am blown away by how much better I looked just a short time ago. I used to be very photogenic and now not so much.

    • april says:

      You may try changing your diet and reading up on antiaging supplements and any other supplements you might need. It helped me a lot.

    • Suzy free says:

      Dont freak out! Start drinking more water than you ever thought possible…limit alcohol and refined sugar…get enough sleep…dont stress…all of these will make a huge difference. Moisturize. Get anti aging facials. Get a non invasive procedure, such as a collagen stimulating deep tissue treatment …you tube and perform facial exercises. Try to be happy. Noone looks young forever. You can always look good, though. You are still beautiful. I am 50. I look younger in the face, and my body has never looked stronger/better. You can do it!!

  16. Jem says:

    Alot of this anxiety over aging is based on the mysogynistic pretext that a woman’s youthful appearance is the basis for her value as a human being. If that’s the case, then yes aging will be very stressful and depressing and life will suck.

    But if u release yourself from those social and cultural confines, u may find aging to be an altogether different experience.

    I’m 51 and life just gets better. I don’t feel old at all and I’ve never been more at home in my own skin. Yes, my old wrinkly skin – I love every inch of it!! I can’t believe I have to say this, but there is nothing ‘bad’ about aging. It is entirely natural and normal and nothing to be afraid of.

    • Ellie says:

      Many people believe men peak in their 20s, too. I think a fit 26-year-old man beats any other man hands down. It’s not necessarily misogyny.

  17. themummy says:

    Your body will not just break down at 40. 🙂 I turned 40 last month. I teach yoga, run marathons, and do fitness/natural bodybuilding competitions. I feel healthier and stronger now than I did in my 20s (and I was an athlete then, too). I remember being younger and feeling like 40 was old, but honestly, now that I am there, I feel the same as I did at 20…actually, better than at 20. And beyond the physical level, I feel emotionally and emotionally better than ever.

    40 rocks.

    • LT says:

      Agreed – I’m in my mid 40s and have taken up MORE sports than in my youth. I ski better now than I did in my 20s. The whole “life is over at 40” myth is just that – a myth.

  18. Molly says:

    Life can and should get better after 40. I’m lucky that I’m in the kind of field–academia–where, if one is lucky enough to land tenure and promotion, things get settled and steady and grounded in one’s 40s and 50s. I love Kidman and I am happy to see her doing well.

    • Anna says:

      And if you are one of the 75% of so-called “part-time” adjunct academics who basically work full time for barely even passable income–and only during the semester, no year-round salary–then *nothing* is “steady and grounded” in the 40s and 50s. Adjuncts have to get food stamps, take up multiple extra jobs to make ends meet, and carry the intellectual and emotional load of teaching huge classes while not even making in an entire semester’s pay what *one* student pays for taking the class. So get to that point and 40s are painful, debilitating, stressful, anger-inducing, and demoralizing. I do my work and I constantly get positive feedback so believe me, no students nor institution suffering due to my low pay or lack of support. I am the only one suffering as the toll of doing this year after year saps every last bit of strength from my body (I and 75% of “part-time” adjunct college/uni professors in the USA). I teach and I come home and sleep. I never go out on weekends; I barely make it to events where my own work is featured. Everything I have goes into doing the best job I can–awarded, btw–but it is completely imbalanced set-up that values only the tenure-track and those who play the academic game.

  19. What's Inside says:

    It’s 50 that is the wake up call….after that every year that goes by it just a bit more different.

  20. Zaratustra says:

    Quoting Goldie Hawn’s character from “The Exwives club”:

    “There are three ages in Hollywood for women: Babe. District Attorney. Miss Daisy and her chauffeur.”

    I suppose as long as the fillers and surgical procedures do the trick you needn’t audit for parts like Miss Daisy yet.

    I really admire Meryl Streep. She had some very subtle procedures. But she always plays parts that fit both her physical age and her looks-wise age.

  21. Anna says:

    I really appreciate things like this. I’m not even in my late 20s and I feel old due to our crappy society towards women. Yet men in their mid 30s are “bachelor’s”. Thank you celebitchy!

  22. lace says:

    Have you watched James Corden’s “The Late Late Show” with Nicole Kidman pressuring Kit Harington to propose to Rose Leslie? She’s like your annoying aunt who pokes you at a family function and asks, “Why aren’t you married yet?”, lol.