For all of her immense success, Nicole pinpoints her one great regret over the past 25 years: “I wish I’d had more children, but I wasn’t given that choice,” says the mother of four, who opens up about raising empowered daughters and her own upbringing surrounded by staunch feminists.
“I would’ve loved 10 kids,” admits Nicole, who has spoken openly about her past fertility struggles and miscarriages. “But that’s OK because I get to mother other children. I have six nieces and nephew and I’m godmother to 12. I love mothering, I love kids: they’re quirky, funny and unfiltered. And then you get to see them grow and send them on their way.”
The most defining moment of the last quarter-century was meeting her husband, country music legend Keith Urban, admitting it was “an absolute miracle” they found each other. “Two Aussies born in the same year, but living in different worlds and cities, how did that happen? It was meant to be.”
With Keith back on The Voice’s judging panel after a nine-year hiatus, and Nicole fiercely promoting upcoming Australian female filmmakers and writers via her company Blossom Films, the couple are equally committed to unearthing local talent. “When you get to this point in your career, it becomes your greatest joy,” says Nicole, who championed Asher Keddie for the role of Heather in Nine Perfect Strangers when American financiers refused to back “an unknown”. “Part of my mission is to give chances to creatives, women especially, who haven’t really had the opportunity; it’s my greatest thrill.”
For our exclusive cover story, pick up marie claire’s special 25th birthday edition, out on August 26.
The first three episodes of Nine Perfect Strangers will launch on Amazon Prime Video today, with new episodes launching weekly.
