Nicole Kidman Says If You Need to Keep Your Blankie Until You’re 85, Keep It: “There’s No Medal For Giving That Up.”

During a conversation with Zendaya for Variety’s “Actors on Actors,” recorded in December 2024, Nicole Kidman pushed back on the idea that becoming an adult means giving up the things that comfort you.

The two were talking about self-care when Kidman landed on a philosophy she says she shares with kids: comfort isn’t something you’re supposed to outgrow to prove you’re a real adult.

She’d just praised Zendaya, 28 at the time, for seeming grounded and having a solid support system — right down to bringing her dog along to the conversation. Then she turned the thought into advice.

Nicole Kidman: “I always say to kids… your comfort is your comfort.”

Nicole Kidman: “If you need to keep your blankie till you’re 85, you keep your blankie. There’s no medal for giving that up.”

Nicole Kidman: “Who says you have to be this sort of perfect grownup? You’re allowed to have these things.”

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