Keith tells me to stay sensitive and he’ll be my buffer, reveals smitten Kidman

NICOLE Kidman and Keith Urban have one of the most enduring relationships in showbusiness after 11 years of marriage. And in the new issue of Glamour magazine, the 50-year-old Oscar winner reveals the secrets to what keeps their relationship alive and kicking.

The Big Little Lies star said that the country singer acts like the ‘tough’ one so she can be more ‘sensitive’ and ‘raw’ – allowing her to be less guarded and more ‘curious’.

Ms Kidman, pictured with Urban, was one of several women who graced the cover of the Glamour Women’s issue. Also honoured were supermodel Gigi Hadid, singer Solange Knowles and talk-show host Samantha Bee. Ms Kidman, who was interviewed by director and wife of Daniel Day-Lewis, Rebecca Miller, was very open about Urban, who she wed in 2006 several years after divorcing from Tom Cruise.

The UN Women Goodwill Ambassador had plenty to say about her happy life with the country crooner.

She said: ‘Keith always says to me, “You stay raw and sensitive, and I’ll buffer things for you”, which is a beautiful offering.

‘He is always told, “You’re so tough”, and he says, “That’s not what I want for you, Nicole. You don’t need to get a thick skin”.’

And that makes Kidman feel comfortable to be vulnerable for her films. ‘I think, for me, it’s about having a place that’s safe to nurture you, where the tears can be shed,’ the Australian added.

‘That way I can actually go back open and curious and willing. And at times scarred and a little damaged, but not with a sword like, “I’m seeking revenge”. Because that just doesn’t interest me.’ The Emmy winner also revealed that she wants to work with a female director every 18 months. ‘As an actor, you’re only as good as the things you’re offered,’ she said.

‘And there just weren’t any women offering me things. So, when you dissect that, you realise there aren’t women offering you things because they don’t have the opportunities. I work to raise money for women’s cancers; I use my voice for violence against women. And so I was like, “I need to be a part of the movement that will, hopefully, change the statistics of the field”.’

The Hours actress also said that she feels the need to roll her sleeves up and get work done.

‘I also can’t be talking about it and not doing it,’ she said.

‘Because, to be an advocate, you have to actually put things into action. It’s like, “OK, Rebecca. You’re making a movie? Let’s go”.’

She added: ‘Or “OK, Karyn Kusama” – I’m working with her next – “we may not have an enormous budget, but let’s go do it”.’