Nicole Kidman Recalls Height Obstacles in Acting Career During Vogue Australia Shoot

Nicole Kidman, 59, graces the cover of Vogue Australia, where she reflects on past career obstacles, particularly her height, and showcases her abs in a Chanel bikini.

In the interview, prompted by filmmaker Baz Luhrmann asking about youthful obstacles that became strengths, Kidman revealed, "My height was an obstacle. I was the tallest in the class, taller than all the boys. I couldn’t fulfill being a ballet dancer because I was too tall. Even as an actress, I was told, 'You’re too tall, because you’re taller than the leading man.'"

She continued, "And then, suddenly, when you are cast first in something, you’re not too tall; everyone has to adjust around you. That was kind of amazing when that happened. My whole life, it was just, 'You’re going to be too tall.' But it gave me my fire."

Kidman, who stands at 5 feet 11 inches, also discussed the balance between her career and family life when questioned by actor Zoe Saldaña. Kidman stated, "There’s no such thing as perfection in any area. You do your best and you show up... As I always say to my daughters, if push came to shove, that all goes out the window. There is nothing more important than you. That is so important for a child to hear."

The interview also featured questions from her friends Naomi Watts, who asked about rules Kidman has broken, and Margot Robbie, who inquired about her favorite Australian TV ad. Kidman humorously mentioned her long-held desire to be in a McDonald's commercial.

Chanel welcomed Kidman back as a global ambassador last year, and the shoot coincided with the fashion house bringing its resort '27 collection to Australia for the first time. The editorial was photographed in New York by Lachlan Bailey and styled by Vogue Australia editor-in-chief Christine Centenera. The November issue of Vogue Australia goes on sale on November 2.

Kidman was previously married to Tom Cruise for 11 years and has been married to Keith Urban since 2006.