Kidman's Birthday Tribute to Dad

5 months ago 22nd Jun 03:40

Nicole Kidman marked her 42nd birthday on Saturday (20Jun09) by paying tribute to her dad.

The actress turned a year older a day before Father's Day (21Jun09) and decided to use the occasion to honour her dad, Anthony, who she credited for his "wonderful" help after her split from ex-husband Tom Cruise in 2001.

It wasn't until I was older that I really realised how special my father is, too

She told Britain's Daily Mail, "Dad's a psychiatrist and when I was younger he was always trying to give me advice that I wouldn't listen to.

"Now that I'm older, I really value his insight. When I was younger, I always felt closer to my mother than to my father. It wasn't until I was older that I really realised how special my father is, too.

"When my marriage to Tom Cruise fell apart, I really needed to reach out to my dad, and he was wonderful. He stood by me, comforted me; showed me, at a time when I really needed to see it, the way that a man can be strong, dignified and loving.

"I'm very grateful that I had such a good father to see me through thattime because it put me in good stead for trusting again the next time I fell in love. My father... is a very good and decent man".