‘Workaholic’ Nicole Kidman not going slow with her busy schedule despite still grieving over mom's death

NEW YORK CITY, NEW YORK: Nicole Kidman is showing no signs of slowing down, even as she continues to grieve the death of her mother, Janelle.

While her incredible work ethic has long been admired, insiders close to the star are expressing growing concerns about her mental health as she pushes herself through an endless stream of demanding projects.

Nicole Kidman’s gruelling work schedule

“Lots of jokes have been made this past year about how much of a workaholic Nicole is, and it is starting to get a bit out of hand. She needs a break,” an insider revealed, as Radar Online reported.

At 57, Kidman released six major projects this year alone, including the Netflix series 'The Perfect Couple', Paramount+’s 'Lioness', and 'Babygirl', a film where her character has a tumultuous affair with a younger intern.

And her 2025 calendar is equally packed, with five more projects lined up, including Season 3 of 'Big Little Lies', 'Welcome to Holland' with Gael García Bernal, and a highly anticipated sequel to 'Practical Magic' alongside Sandra Bullock.

“It’d be one thing if Nicole was doing fun, light-hearted comedies or taking on supporting roles,” the source continued.

“But most of the stuff she’s got coming up is heavy material, and more often than not, she’s the lead. Surely it’s going to take a toll. She’s not superwoman," they added.

Adding to the concern is Kidman’s reluctance to slow down, with the insider noting, “Knowing Nicole, she will add a few more projects onto her plate by this time next year too.”

Nicole Kidman processes the grief of losing her mother

Nicole Kidman’s unrelenting schedule comes after a particularly heart-wrenching moment in September when her mother, Janelle Kidman, died just hours before 'The Perfect Couple' star was awarded Best Actress for 'Babygirl' at the Venice Film Festival.

Kidman had to leave the event early, carrying the weight of both her grief and her professional commitments.

During a candid interview with 'CBS News Sunday Morning', Kidman revealed her mother’s poignant last words to her: “I was going to get on a plane and go back to see her. And she was like, ‘Maybe wait a minute. Because I think, you know, you just need to take care of yourself right now, Nikki.’”

The words left a profound impact on Kidman, who shared, “I say that to other people in the world, and particularly women. I think we tend not to take care of ourselves. We’ll take care of everybody else, but the last person is here.”

She also compared her mother’s final advice to her grandmother’s parting words: “My grandmother left me with, ‘Be happy.’ And my mom said, ‘Take care of yourself'."

Despite her mother’s urging, Kidman’s relentless drive has led loved ones to question if she has truly allowed herself the time to grieve.

Keith Urban rallies behind wife Nicole Kidman 

Those closest to Nicole Kidman, including her husband Keith Urban, are reportedly worried about how much more she can take.

One insider shared, “The big worry on everyone’s mind is, how much can she take?” Urban, for his part, is said to be stepping back from his career to offer support.

“He owes everything, including his life to Nicole, so quitting big live shows is an easy choice,” the source added.

Kidman’s mental health has also become a topic of concern among her inner circle.

Another source explained, “All Nicole can talk about is how she feels cast adrift without the woman she considered her guardian angel and guiding light, wherever she was in the world. She’s devastated, and her team and loved ones are praying her mental health is going to hold up.”