Tom Cruise and Nicole Kidman’s split in the early 2000s is etched into Hollywood lore. The pair’s split in the early 2000s became one of the most famous celebrity breakups, and the Undoing actress has opened up about their past marriage several times over the years.
More than 20 years later, fans still wonder what went wrong. Now, in 2025, another major chapter has unfolded: after 19 years of marriage, Nicole has filed for divorce from her second husband, country star Keith Urban.
Amid the shocking news, here’s a look back at why things didn’t work out between Tom and Nicole first.
Why Did Nicole Kidman and Tom Cruise Divorce?
Nicole has long maintained that age played a major role in why her marriage to Tom didn’t last. The two tied the knot in 1990, when she was just 23, and split more than a decade later. In a 2013 interview with Vanity Fair, Nicole explained, “You know, with no disrespect to what I had with Tom, I’ve met my great love now… I was a child, really, when I got married. And I needed to grow up.” At the time, she was referring to her second husband, Keith, as her “great love.”
Reflecting on their relationship, the Aquaman star recalled how intensely close they were at the time. “There is something about that sort of existence that, if you really focus on each other and you’re in that bubble, it’s very intoxicating, because it’s just the two of you,” she said. “And there is only one other person that’s going through it. So, it brings you very close, and it’s deeply romantic.”
Although Nicole has attributed the split to her youth, multiple outlets have reported that Tom’s deep ties to the Church of Scientology may have also played a role. Neither Nicole nor Tom has ever publicly confirmed that speculation.
Did Tom Cruise Break Up With Nicole Kidman?
In 2001, the Mission Impossible franchise star filed for divorce from the Academy Award winner and cited “irreconcilable differences” as the reason. Throughout the years, many have speculated over who was the one to end the marriage.
After finalizing the divorce from Tom, Nicole was photographed walking out of her attorney’s office looking enthusiastic and, what some claimed, relieved. However, it’s still unclear whether or not she was reacting to the divorce.
Have Many Kids Do Nicole and Tom Have?
During their marriage, Nicole and Tom adopted two children: Isabella Jane and Connor Anthony. Despite rumors claiming that Nicole doesn’t have any relationship with Isabella or Connor, Isabella cleared the air in 2016 during an interview with New Idea. At the time, she said, “Of course we talk, they’re my parents.”
In 2018, Nicole spoke with Who magazine about Isabella and Connor’s ties to scientology. “I’m very private about all that,” Nicole pointed out. “I have to protect all those relationships. I know 150% that I would give up my life for my children because it’s what my purpose is. … They are able to make their own decisions. They have made choices to be Scientologists and, as a mother, it’s my job to love them.”
