Nicole Kidman and Tom Cruise’s marriage was once considered one of Hollywood’s most glamorous love stories. They met on the set of Days of Thunder in 1989, quickly fell in love, and married in December 1990.
At the time, Nicole was just 23 years old, while Tom was already an established movie star. Their relationship captured the attention of millions, with many believing the couple had found lasting love.
However, just over a decade later, their fairytale came to an end with a highly publicized divorce in 2001.
Over the years, Nicole has opened up about their relationship and what ultimately caused their marriage to unravel.
Reflecting on those years, she admitted that getting married so young played a significant role in their split. In an interview years later, Nicole described herself as “a child” when she married Tom.
She explained that she hadn’t yet fully grown into herself and that the experience of being so closely tied to another person at that age left little room for personal growth.
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Nicole spoke about the unique intensity of their bond, particularly as two major movie stars facing the pressures of fame together.
According to her, living in that bubble—where they mostly relied on each other—felt incredibly romantic but also isolating.
While it brought them close, it may have also prevented them from developing individually. This codependent dynamic eventually became unsustainable as they grew older and their lives began to move in different directions.
While Nicole has consistently pointed to her youth and their overwhelming connection as reasons for the divorce, persistent rumors have suggested another possible factor—Tom Cruise’s strong connection to the Church of Scientology.
Some media outlets and sources have speculated that the church may have played a role in the breakdown of their marriage.
However, neither Nicole nor Tom has ever publicly confirmed this theory, and Nicole has remained careful not to blame external forces, choosing instead to focus on her personal journey and growth.
When the divorce was finalized, it was Tom who filed, citing “irreconcilable differences.” The split came as a shock to fans, and speculation ran wild over who ended the relationship and why.
Paparazzi photos from that time showed Nicole leaving her attorney’s office smiling, with many interpreting her expression as relief. Still, the true meaning behind that moment remains unclear.
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During their marriage, Tom and Nicole adopted two children—Isabella Jane and Connor Anthony. After the divorce, the children remained with Tom and became involved in Scientology.
Over the years, there have been rumors about a strained relationship between Nicole and her children due to their involvement in the church.
However, both Nicole and her daughter Isabella have addressed these rumors. Isabella publicly stated that she does maintain a relationship with her parents, and Nicole has always emphasized her unconditional love for her children, expressing respect for their choices, including their faith.
Nicole has since moved forward, finding lasting love with country singer Keith Urban, whom she married in 2006.
She has described Keith as her “great love” and has spoken openly about the happiness and stability she found later in life—something she didn’t fully experience in her first marriage.
In the end, Nicole Kidman and Tom Cruise’s divorce is a story about growing up, the complexities of love under the spotlight, and the challenges of navigating personal identity while being part of one of the world’s most famous couples.
Their split remains a significant moment in Hollywood history, not because of scandal or bitterness, but because it reflects a deeply human journey of love, change, and finding oneself.
