Nicole Kidman Reveals Bad Breath Hinders Kissing Scenes

Nicole Kidman has revealed a surprising non-negotiable for her on-screen romances: fresh breath. The Oscar-winning actress recently shared a story about requesting a co-star avoid falafel before intimate scenes, sparking a conversation about personal boundaries and professional demands in the world of film.

A Falafel-Free Zone

During an appearance on the podcast Las Culturistas, Kidman recounted an incident on the set of HBO’s The Undoing (originally titled Big Little Lies in some markets) with Alexander Skarsgård. She asked Skarsgård to refrain from eating falafel prior to any kissing scenes, citing a strong aversion to disappointing breath. “I really can’t stand bad breath,” Kidman stated, according to reports from LTN and Line Today. “It’s just completely unacceptable to me. Even if you’re the most handsome, most charming man in the world, if you have bad breath, I will say no.”

The actress described a scenario where she might have to physically turn away from a co-star’s breath, deeming it “terrifying.” She reportedly told Skarsgård, “No, no, no! I said no. I’m supposed to be falling in love with you and kissing you, position that falafel away!” Kidman jokingly added that she’s confident Skarsgård hasn’t eaten falafel since. “I said, ‘You are not allowed to eat falafel, not before kissing, not before sex!’”

The Undoing and Beyond: A Collaborative Success

Despite this lighthearted demand, Kidman and Skarsgård enjoyed a successful working relationship on The Undoing. The series, which premiered in 2020, garnered critical acclaim and earned both actors Emmy nominations. Kidman won the Emmy for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Limited Series or Movie for her performance. Skarsgård appeared in a guest role in the second season. A third season of the series is currently in development, with the first two seasons available on HBO Max.

Kidman’s career has spanned decades, marked by a willingness to take on diverse and challenging roles. Born Nicole Mary Kidman on June 20, 1967, in Honolulu, Hawaii, she began acting in Australia before achieving international recognition. Her breakthrough role came in 1989 with the film Dead Calm, and she continued to build a strong filmography throughout the 1990s, including roles in Days of Thunder and To Die For.

A String of Awards and Acclaim

The early 2000s saw Kidman reach new heights of critical and commercial success. She won the Academy Award for Best Actress in 2003 for her portrayal of Virginia Woolf in The Hours, likewise earning a BAFTA Award for the same role. Other notable films include Moulin Rouge! (2001) and Cold Mountain (2003). More recently, Kidman has received praise for her work in television series like Big Little Lies and Nine Perfect Strangers, demonstrating her versatility as an actress.

Kidman’s personal life has also been subject to public scrutiny. She was married to Tom Cruise from 1990 to 2001 and is currently married to country singer Keith Urban, whom she wed in 2006. The couple has two daughters, Sunday Rose and Faith Margaret, the latter born via gestational surrogate in 2010, as noted in her Wikipedia entry. Kidman also has two adopted children from her marriage to Cruise.

The Business of Boundaries

Kidman’s anecdote highlights the often-unseen negotiations and compromises that occur on film sets. Actors frequently have specific requests to enhance their performance or maintain their comfort, and studios generally accommodate them to ensure a smooth production. While a request regarding food choices might seem unusual, it underscores the importance of creating a safe and respectful working environment. The incident also speaks to the level of immersion actors require to convincingly portray intimacy on screen.

What’s Next for Nicole Kidman

Kidman is currently involved in several upcoming projects. She recently starred in Expats, a drama series based on Janice Y.K. Lee’s novel, which premiered on Amazon Prime Video in January 2024. She also received the Best Actress award at the 2024 Venice Film Festival for her role in the film On the Fringe of Wildness (also known as A Fine Girl’s Guide to Murder). Details regarding her involvement in the third season of The Undoing remain limited, but her continued presence suggests a strong commitment to the franchise. Further announcements regarding future projects are expected as development progresses.