One bright morning, the day started like any other. Ruth was on her way to Wawa, the convenience store she shopped in regularly. What she didn’t know was that her weekly shop would soon turn into headlines.
![Wawa Wawa | Alamy Stock Photo by Joni Hanebutt](/wp-content/uploads/cmg_images/554201/rid_a54aa439970f58728ceed27d9eee8c10/2ARHHAM-RuthCouldntBelieveWhoseGroceriesSheEndedUpPayingforMakingHerStoryOneYouWishWouldHappentoYou-Wawa.jpg.pro-cmg.jpg)
Ruth lived in a very close community and it was most likely she would bump into someone she knew when shopping for her groceries. And this morning was no exception.
Ruth the Good Samaritan
The world can never have enough good deeds. There is always someone in need and in Medford, New Jersey there are a few good people to come to the rescue. Ruth Reed was one of them.
![Ruth the Good Samaritan Ruth the Good Samaritan | Facebook/@CleveBryanMedia](/wp-content/uploads/cmg_images/554201/rid_c9379ab866ebf6f0a2d00901f0188ef2/RuththeGoodSamaritan-RuthPaidforaStrangersGroceriesbutWhatHappenedNextWillMakeYouWishThisHappenedtoYou.jpg.pro-cmg.jpg)
What first started as a simple small favor, turned into a viral affair on social media and transformed Ruth from a total anonymous woman to one holding the hands of a first-class celeb.
It Was Her Way of Life
Ruth was a simple regular woman. She was a retired teacher who spent all of her life giving to others. Her life was relatively quiet and calm with nothing abnormal happening.
![It Was Her Way of Life It Was Her Way of Life | Youtube.com/@PicklerandBen](/wp-content/uploads/cmg_images/554201/rid_0e4edf5940a54c476bcd7ea1ed203e27/YTRuthReed-RuthCouldntBelieveWhoseGroceriesSheEndedUpPayingforMakingHerStoryOneYouWishWouldHappentoYou.png.pro-cmg.jpg)
She was happy and satisfied with her life and always looked out for an opportunity to help. It was a pact that Ruth and her husband made, promising to always spread generosity around them.
After Her School Days
After Ruth retired from teaching middle school, she looked for something to do that would enable her to give to others in the same way. She dedicated he life to inspiring young children and she was blessed with kindness and compassion. She didn't want it to end.
![After Her School Days After Her School Days | Youtube.com/@CBSEveningNews](/wp-content/uploads/cmg_images/554201/rid_2ee089a9b82cb2c7a0984ae8dafaab25/YTRuthReed10-RuthCouldntBelieveWhoseGroceriesSheEndedUpPayingforMakingHerStoryOneYouWishWouldHappentoYou.png.pro-cmg.jpg)
This is why taking an important role in charity organizations and just helping people that came her way was so natural for her. This satisfied her tremendously.
Wawa
One bright morning, the day started like any other. Ruth was on her way to Wawa, the convenience store she shopped in regularly. What she didn't know was that her weekly shop would soon turn into headlines.
![Wawa Wawa | Alamy Stock Photo by Joni Hanebutt](/wp-content/uploads/cmg_images/554201/rid_a54aa439970f58728ceed27d9eee8c10/2ARHHAM-RuthCouldntBelieveWhoseGroceriesSheEndedUpPayingforMakingHerStoryOneYouWishWouldHappentoYou-Wawa.jpg.pro-cmg.jpg)
Ruth lived in a very close community and it was most likely she would bump into someone she knew when shopping for her groceries. And this morning was no exception.
The Opportunity Came Her Way
An opportunity to help someone was about to come her way. She was queuing at the checkout counter, getting ready to put her groceries on the belt. She then realized that something was happening with the person in front of her.
![The Opportunity Came Her Way The Opportunity Came Her Way | Alamy Stock Photo by Colleen Michaels](/wp-content/uploads/cmg_images/554201/rid_01ef03c9bc420e5de98d3895528cf92a/2J9N6KN-RuthCouldntBelieveWhoseGroceriesSheEndedUpPayingforMakingHerStoryOneYouWishWouldHappentoYou-checkoutlinestoreconveniencestore.jpg.pro-cmg.jpg)
It looked as if the man was about to pay for his shopping but didn't have enough money or couldn't find his credit card. Anyone would feel terribly awkward and embarrassed, especially when there are people waiting behind.
She Offered to Pay
The customer that couldn't pay was unknowingly lucky to have Ruth around. She wasn't going to let this man put his groceries back as most people would, so she offered to help.
![She Offered to Pay She Offered to Pay | Alamy Stock Photo by Sean Prior/Wavebreak Media ltd](/wp-content/uploads/cmg_images/554201/rid_6b5f2f576df5f0ff788bf147abcb7a46/HN7423-RuthCouldntBelieveWhoseGroceriesSheEndedUpPayingforMakingHerStoryOneYouWishWouldHappentoYou-handofcustomerpayingbillbycash.jpg.pro-cmg.jpg)
Believing this would all be done with after paying his bill, Ruth was in for a surprise as the person she came across, was no stranger. Not to her and not to most people.
A Lifetime Decision
Years ago, Ruth and her husband made a decision to always help people that needed help and especially soldiers. She said in one interview; "We decided when we saw military people we would treat them at Wawa or Dunkin Donuts or whatever."
![A Lifetime Decision A Lifetime Decision | Youtube.com/@PicklerandBen](/wp-content/uploads/cmg_images/554201/rid_854e8eec226d1f2d201c555d1dd8af39/YTRuthReed2-RuthCouldntBelieveWhoseGroceriesSheEndedUpPayingforMakingHerStoryOneYouWishWouldHappentoYou.png.pro-cmg.jpg)
So when she spotted the opportunity, there was no way of ignoring it and she grabbed everyone that came her way. When the man who couldn't pay asked someone for five dollars, that was her cue.
He Was Very Grateful
After paying the stranger's bill, assuming she could go on with her day, Ruth was showered with appreciation and thank-yous from the strange man, who suddenly looked very familiar to her.
![He Was Very Grateful He Was Very Grateful | Youtube.com/@CBSEveningNews](/wp-content/uploads/cmg_images/554201/rid_1f84300e1e8f13144ccc4bf026da71dc/YTRuthReed3-RuthCouldntBelieveWhoseGroceriesSheEndedUpPayingforMakingHerStoryOneYouWishWouldHappentoYou.png.pro-cmg.jpg)
They continued to speak to each other, and Ruth couldn't take in anything of what he said. She was overwhelmed by the fact that she had seen this man before. Who was he?
Meet Keith
He then properly introduced himself and said that his name was Keith. That's when the dime dropped. This guy looked exactly like Keith Urban. You know, the guy from "The Voice". The country singer. Nicole Kidman's husband.
![Meet Keith Meet Keith | Instagram/@keithurban](/wp-content/uploads/cmg_images/554201/rid_98a09c9e7c6274054abe994077fa2a28/KeithUrbanandNicoleKidman-RuthCouldntBelieveWhoseGroceriesSheEndedUpPayingforMakingHerStoryOneYouWishWouldHappentoYou.jpg.pro-cmg.jpg)
How funny was that? Two people in the world who were the spitting image of one another and both were called Keith. What were the odds?
They Were So Much Alike
The more she looked at him the more she was confused. She couldn't help herself and she asked him politely if someone has ever told him that he looked just like Keith Urban.
![They Were So Much Alike They Were So Much Alike | Youtube.com/@CBSEveningNews](/wp-content/uploads/cmg_images/554201/rid_22b325d3fe0d9be44110eaab5fd0c18c/YTRuthReed4-RuthCouldntBelieveWhoseGroceriesSheEndedUpPayingforMakingHerStoryOneYouWishWouldHappentoYou.png.pro-cmg.jpg)
She then got the answer she never thought she would ever hear. He very calmly replied, that he, in fact, was Keith Urban. Ruth couldn't believe what she had just heard and was convinced that someone was pulling a prank on her.
Keith Who?
What would someone as famous as Keith Urban do wandering around a Wawa branch in the middle of Medford, New Jersey which is as close as you can get to the middle of nowhere?
![Keith Who? Keith Who? | Kathy Hutchins/Shutterstock](/wp-content/uploads/cmg_images/554201/rid_fd4703dedb6ad03360d649666269a4e8/shutterstock_613863467-RuthPaidforaStrangersGroceriesbutWhatHappenedNextWillMakeYouWishThisHappenedtoYou-KeithUrban.jpg.pro-cmg.jpg)
Aren't there enough top celeb supermarkets or glitzy celebrity hangouts that Keith Urban would prefer to shop in? Wasn't the rich and the famous society enough for him that he had to come and mingle in ours? And besides, Ruth was sure he was wealthy enough to have someone do the shopping for him.
He Was Who He Said He Was
Ruth had to get to the bottom of this. She continued to ask him questions as she didn't believe he was who he said he was. It was unlikely that out of all the people in the world she would find THE Keith Urban shopping at her local store.
![He Was Who He Said He Was He Was Who He Said He Was | Youtube.com/@CBSEveningNews](/wp-content/uploads/cmg_images/554201/rid_43daa940d4e39bd3d6d7be739bc5420c/YTRuthReed5-RuthCouldntBelieveWhoseGroceriesSheEndedUpPayingforMakingHerStoryOneYouWishWouldHappentoYou.png.pro-cmg.jpg)
Without putting too much thought into it, she asked him where was his wife, Nicole. If he was really Keith Urban, then shouldn't his celebrity wife be with him? Or, he should at least know her whereabouts.
The Bodyguards Revealed the Truth
It would take just a few more questions to turn this whole bizarre scenario into something real. Ruth looked around her and then realized that this strange man in front of her was surrounded by bodyguards.
![The Bodyguards Revealed the Truth The Bodyguards Revealed the Truth | Alamy Stock Photo by Richard Milnes](/wp-content/uploads/cmg_images/554201/rid_e7286a832d7d361e8f5373fa83ac8e83/2C6N7XA-RuthCouldntBelieveWhoseGroceriesSheEndedUpPayingforMakingHerStoryOneYouWishWouldHappentoYou-KeithUrban.jpg.pro-cmg.jpg)
She then realized what had happened, and couldn't come to terms with it. She offered to pay the grocery bill for the one and only, greatest country singer in the world, Keith Urban. And if she couldn't believe it, then how would anybody else?
She Still Had Doubts
Ruth froze on the supermarket floor. She was speechless. Not only did she not immediately recognize the singer, but she also doubted him when he introduced himself to her.
![She Still Had Doubts She Still Had Doubts | Youtube.com/@CBSEveningNews](/wp-content/uploads/cmg_images/554201/rid_7495a8e7f6c83db92ec9ba1604558ae4/YTRuthReed6-RuthCouldntBelieveWhoseGroceriesSheEndedUpPayingforMakingHerStoryOneYouWishWouldHappentoYou.png.pro-cmg.jpg)
She felt so bad and out of place, however, Keith felt naturally ok with all of what was going on. Being such a huge star, he must have been used to things like this happening. He did all he could to make Ruth feel even slightly better.
The Star From Down Under
Keith Urban is truly a big star. He has many number-one songs to his name, he is charming and captivating and married to Nicole Kidman. What else could a human you ask for?
![The Star From Down Under The Star From Down Under | Instagram/@keithurban](/wp-content/uploads/cmg_images/554201/rid_eed22518dd3a8e8041e7df5857c70694/IgKeithUrbanandNicoleKidman2-RuthCouldntBelieveWhoseGroceriesSheEndedUpPayingforMakingHerStoryOneYouWishWouldHappentoYou.jpg.pro-cmg.jpg)
And although he spends most of his year in Australia and New Zealand, he is a huge name in the United States and everyone would recognize his face if they came across him. Everyone except for Ruth apparently.
What Was He Doing There?
Now Ruth was asking herself, how on earth does a millionaire, with a wife who is a millionaire too, find himself in a local supermarket unable to pay for his shopping? What was going on here?
![What Was He Doing There? What Was He Doing There? | Alamy Stock Photo by Noel Hendrickson/Tetra Images, LLC](/wp-content/uploads/cmg_images/554201/rid_fa786ab51c8107a706bd39e1ff576925/B3B8DD-RuthPaidforaStrangersGroceriesbutWhatHappenedNextWillMakeYouWishThisHappenedtoYou-WhatWasHeDoingThere.jpg.pro-cmg.jpg)
So as it turns out, the never-ending credit Urban has on his cards, and the gazillion of dollars he has in his bank still couldn't bail him out from a simple routine shop.
A Lonely Sh0pper
Keith Urban had ten dollars in cash on him, and a credit card that didn't seem to work. He wasn't planning on getting caught without being able to pay. Besides, it's not very often that he did his grocery shopping alone anyway.
![A Lonely Sh0pper A Lonely Sh0pper | Alamy Stock Photo by WENN Rights Ltd](/wp-content/uploads/cmg_images/554201/rid_f2d62db80bf49381217a44b6ab10da6d/CE2X23-RuthPaidforaStrangersGroceriesbutWhatHappenedNextWillMakeYouWishThisHappenedtoYou-ALonelySh0pper.jpg.pro-cmg.jpg)
Most of the time he has a crew of people getting everything for him, but whenever he has the opportunity to shop alone, only with the company of his bodyguards, he never misses.
She Did That Before Knowing Who He Was
That morning, Keith Urban was doing whatever he could to be as normal and regular as possible. And Ruth? Well, she was everything but regular. She really did go out of her way to help someone in need.
![She Did That Before Knowing Who He Was She Did That Before Knowing Who He Was | Youtube.com/@CBSEveningNews](/wp-content/uploads/cmg_images/554201/rid_e97ac331836fc37ae5f5f341a1b3c604/YTRuthReed7-RuthCouldntBelieveWhoseGroceriesSheEndedUpPayingforMakingHerStoryOneYouWishWouldHappentoYou.png.pro-cmg.jpg)
Urban realized what had happened and he was truly moved by her kindness. He knew she offered to help without knowing how he was.
She Wanted No Compensation
Urban was determined to pay Ruth back and compensate her, however, she didn't want him to give anything in return. Ruth didn't want his money and she didn't do it for gratitude. She wanted something else and she had something completely different in mind.
![She Wanted No Compensation She Wanted No Compensation | Alamy Stock Photo by Tsuni/USA](/wp-content/uploads/cmg_images/554201/rid_7e66bb0a3b690353c965fe50dc90e673/R0HG8J-RuthPaidforaStrangersGroceriesbutWhatHappenedNextWillMakeYouWishThisHappenedtoYou-SheWantedNoCompensation.jpg.pro-cmg.jpg)
She knew how hard it was for her to believe Keith was Keith and she anticipated how hard it would be to convince her friends and family that what had happened, really did happen. She needed living proof.
Time For Selfie
Ruth asked Keith if she could take a selfie of them together. He immediately agreed and the two of them posed to her phone's camera and said cheese, right outside the store.
![Time For Selfie Time For Selfie | Twitter/@liverdiverz](/wp-content/uploads/cmg_images/554201/rid_45b51b8a448aaf4976002e94c48edafd/TwiRuthReedkeithurban-RuthCouldntBelieveWhoseGroceriesSheEndedUpPayingforMakingHerStoryOneYouWishWouldHappentoYou.jpg.pro-cmg.jpg)
We wonder what her friends must have thought when seeing Ruth's selfie with the megastar Keith Urban. Now, this wasn't all and Ruth was about to take the photo a step further.
It Went Viral
Ruth posted her selfie on her social media account. Immediately it went viral and within no time it was all over the place. It was shared hundreds of times and was about to make headlines.
![It Went Viral It Went Viral | Twin Design/Shutterstock](/wp-content/uploads/cmg_images/554201/rid_676b162b09b719c7e1e62edfc5479279/shutterstock_573033001-RuthCouldntBelieveWhoseGroceriesSheEndedUpPayingforMakingHerStoryOneYouWishWouldHappentoYou-Socialmediaaretrendingandboth.jpg.pro-cmg.jpg)
If Ruth thought she had an overwhelming and emotional day so far, she wasn't aware of what was about to happen. What had happened so far was nothing compared to what was about to occur.
He Was the Lucky One
One comment truly touched Ruth's heart. It said that Urban was actually that lucky one, for bumping into Ruth and not the other way around as Ruth saw it. The commenter added that she was one of the nicest people in Medford.
![He Was the Lucky One He Was the Lucky One | Alamy Stock Photo by Realimage](/wp-content/uploads/cmg_images/554201/rid_c6e1ee7c886128c20055fe11ef6a08d8/BY45C6-RuthCouldntBelieveWhoseGroceriesSheEndedUpPayingforMakingHerStoryOneYouWishWouldHappentoYou-oldwomenusingfacebook.png.pro-cmg.jpg)
And social media wasn't the final stop. Her post began getting more and more awareness, finally reaching news stations and media platforms. When it reached CBS Philly, things seriously began to escalate.
Going on Live Radio
CBS Philly had an interview with her and it didn't stop there. As Keith was Australian (well, he's from New Zealand but that's where he currently lives), an Australian radio station found the story fascinating and decided to publish it too.
![Going on Live Radio Going on Live Radio | Getty Images Photo by Fairfax Media](/wp-content/uploads/cmg_images/554201/rid_a6e4762f8003cdf857fa8cef3464f69e/GettyImages-539702015-RuthCouldntBelieveWhoseGroceriesSheEndedUpPayingforMakingHerStoryOneYouWishWouldHappentoYou-KyleSandilandsJackieO.jpg.pro-cmg.jpg)
The radio program "The Kyle & Jackie O Show" aired the interview on one of the news segments. Ruth was becoming a global star only thanks to her big heart and good ways. Her generosity captured people's hearts.
Where Was Wawa?
This astonishing story doesn't end here. The Wawa branch where all this took place wanted to show Ruth their appreciation too. Now that this story has blasted out, everyone knew where Wawa was.
![Where Was Wawa? Where Was Wawa? | Youtube.com/@cbsphilly](/wp-content/uploads/cmg_images/554201/rid_867bf8aa60166e44541161594a81d5f1/YTRuthReed8-RuthCouldntBelieveWhoseGroceriesSheEndedUpPayingforMakingHerStoryOneYouWishWouldHappentoYou.png.pro-cmg.jpg)
What they did was incredible. Instead of showing their thankfulness and appreciation only to Ruth, they decided to invite all of the customers to a cup of coffee. Now everyone was feeling a little bit better and the spirit of generosity spread even further.
They Were So Proud of Her
The news circulated fast all over the town and everyone was overwhelmed that such a story and such a wonderful woman were from their hometown. Everyone knew Ruth was an exceptional person, and now the world knew too.
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The community was joyed and felt proud that now the entire world knew what kind of people live amongst them. Everyone was so delighted, however, none of them were surprised.
She Was Contagious
Even the people who worked at Wawa that morning were inspired by Ruth and had the urge to do something good for someone else. They too wanted to make the world a better place.
![She Was Contagious She Was Contagious | Youtube.com/@CBSEveningNews](/wp-content/uploads/cmg_images/554201/rid_6b8896419ca514eba9c9fea069b53b88/SheWasContagious-RuthPaidforaStrangersGroceriesbutWhatHappenedNextWillMakeYouWishThisHappenedtoYou.jpg.pro-cmg.jpg)
Ruth's story drove many people to go out of their way and scatter kindness around them. It even got some people more creative than ever and a song about these events was written.
Another Star Joined
Just like Keith Urban, Carly Tefft is a country musician too. When she heard the story about how Ruth helped Keith out without even knowing who he was, she was moved and decided to write a song. And there were more goodies coming Ruth's way.
![Another Star Joined Another Star Joined | Instagram/@carlytefft](/wp-content/uploads/cmg_images/554201/rid_b063284d8582384206fd4c18d7d30f35/AnotherStarJoined-RuthPaidforaStrangersGroceriesbutWhatHappenedNextWillMakeYouWishThisHappenedtoYou.jpg.pro-cmg.jpg)
As Ruth was planning to pay for her (and Keith's) groceries with a Mastercard, Mastercard didn't stay silent and took part in the shower of gifts.
A Year's Supply of Groceries
Mastercard contacted Ruth on Tweeter and gave her a year's supply of prepaid cards. She could use these cards for her groceries, and for others'. She could continue helping other people now with the help of Mastercard.
![A Year's Supply of Groceries A Year's Supply of Groceries | Twitter/@Mastercard](/wp-content/uploads/cmg_images/554201/rid_25b686f8560cc729d4e5a36cdb72c739/AYearsSupplyofGroceries-RuthPaidforaStrangersGroceriesbutWhatHappenedNextWillMakeYouWishThisHappenedtoYou.jpg.pro-cmg.jpg)
Mastercard tweeted “Your next 52 acts of kindness are on us.” Ruth was moved, not because she got a year's free for shopping, but because she could continue being the good person she was and now it was even easier than before.
What a Story
Ruth and Keith's story is a remarkable one, and an important one to tell others. It reflects how easy it can be to help others and how simple things we do every day can turn other people's lives upside down.
![What a Story What a Story | Getty Images Photo by andresr](/wp-content/uploads/cmg_images/554201/rid_339842800686472ce8212910d4554f2d/GettyImages-909349446-RuthCouldntBelieveWhoseGroceriesSheEndedUpPayingforMakingHerStoryOneYouWishWouldHappentoYou-Happywomaneatingatarestaurant.jpg.pro-cmg.jpg)
Without even realizing we can have a huge effect on the way other people see us and see themselves. Not long after this story became public, one man decided to buy a lonely woman dinner. He just wanted to do something good for someone else.
Ruth Was Overjoyed
Ruth was so touched by everything that had happened, not because she became known all over, but because her actions led to others doing something good too. It was one of the main principles according to which she lived her life.
![Ruth Was Overjoyed Ruth Was Overjoyed | Youtube.com/@cbsphilly](/wp-content/uploads/cmg_images/554201/rid_21e0d970507c12e7349595d810731add/YTRuthReed9-RuthCouldntBelieveWhoseGroceriesSheEndedUpPayingforMakingHerStoryOneYouWishWouldHappentoYou.png.pro-cmg.jpg)
This episode in her life didn't change her one bit and she continues to sprinkle her generosity and good deed whenever she can.
Every Little Thing Helps
She is grateful for being given the chance to help and make life easier for those who need help most. Her story proves that it doesn't take much to change somebody's world.
![Every Little Thing Helps Every Little Thing Helps | Youtube.com/@PicklerandBen](/wp-content/uploads/cmg_images/554201/rid_5a8aeafd616aaf5ca75a25106ed76be7/YTRuthReed12-RuthCouldntBelieveWhoseGroceriesSheEndedUpPayingforMakingHerStoryOneYouWishWouldHappentoYou.png.pro-cmg.jpg)
We all like to help and grab on to an opportunity when it comes our way, however, when money is involved, most of us don't just dig in and offer to help. Ruth did, and for that, she should be praised.
Hollywood has produced many power couples over the years. It's one of the things Tinsletown just does. However, many of them just don't pass the test of time. That's another thing that Tinsletown just does. But in the eye of the showbusiness storm, one couple, in particular, has caught our eye with their heartwarming story and their impressive resilience. We're talking about Nicole Kidman and Keith Urban. Obviously.
![Ruth Paid for a Stranger’s Groceries, but What Happened Next Will Make You Wish This Happened to You Ruth Paid for a Stranger’s Groceries, but What Happened Next Will Make You Wish This Happened to You | Alamy Stock Photo by Nilsen Premiere/Photo 12 & Francis Specker & Tsuni/USA & Jamie Gilliam/The Photo Access & MovieStillsDB Photo by Happy_Evil_Dude/Paramount Pictures Corporation](/wp-content/uploads/cmg_images/554201/rid_7f3251e7ebf9d69cdb41129f2996a0f5/NicoleKidmanandKeithUrbantheChroniclesofaPowerCoupleLANDINGPAGE.jpg.pro-cmg.jpg)
Since 2006, these two have been presenting the most enviable of relationships and we took it upon ourselves to look into it. Read now, thank us later.
Welcome to the World, Nicole!
On June 20th, 1967, Janelle Ann and Antony Kidman's life changed forever. At the time, the two young Australians were visiting as students in Hawaii, and they had a beautiful baby girl whom they named Nicole. Nicole Kidman.
![Welcome to the World, Nicole! Welcome to the World, Nicole! | Instagram/@nicolekidman](/wp-content/uploads/cmg_images/554201/rid_bacfeb6a311295d242caed042104f1d1/WelcometotheWorldNicole-RuthPaidforaStrangersGroceriesbutWhatHappenedNextWillMakeYouWishThisHappenedtoYou.jpg.pro-cmg.jpg)
In fact, since she was born in Hawaii, little Kidman was also given a Hawaiian name — "Hōkūlani", which means "heavenly star". Surprisingly, the namesake and inspiration for the name was a baby elephant from the Honolulu Zoo.
Started From the Bottom
Her early years in America were anything but simple. Both her parents were students at the time. Her father was studying for his Ph.D. in psychology and her family had very little. She recalls sleeping with both her parents on a single mattress donated through the salvation army.
![Started From the Bottom Started From the Bottom | Alamy Stock Photo by Nilsen Premiere/Photo 12](/wp-content/uploads/cmg_images/554201/rid_730b29668ff6abbc64158bc9b93d8b7d/B7REMX-scaled.jpg.pro-cmg.jpg)
Later in life, however, her father became a certified behavioral therapist and the family became more financially stable. Still, she recalls him being incredibly generous and offering his services pro-bono to people who couldn't afford it. He and her mother, who was a nurse, are why she can appreciate everything she has today.
The Acting Bug
Now a global superstar, little Nicole was a pretty shy kid and even had a stutter she'd slowly left behind. In fact, she still states that she doesn't like to go to events or crowded places on her own.
![The Acting Bug The Acting Bug | Alamy Stock Photo by KENNEDY MILLER PRODUCTIONS/RGR Collection](/wp-content/uploads/cmg_images/554201/rid_c90ed9765bb29d8d5aa12721ff6ec0cf/DXN50G-Nicole-Kidman-and-Keith-Urban-the-Chronicles-of-a-Power-Couple-naomi-watts-and-nicole-kidman-1024x734.jpg.pro-cmg.jpg)
When her parents got back to Australia, they enrolled their daughter to dance class, which sparked her interest in performing arts. She soon started participating in school plays and kept doing so all throughout high school, where she met her BFF actress Naomi Watts. Acting has helped her come out of her introverted shell and her talent was soon noticed by others.
Humble Beginnings
Young Nicole Kidman's interest extended past her school's periodical plays. She's attended the Australian Theater for Young People (ATYP), which has produced lots of other notable Australian actors like Toni Colette and Rebel Wilson. This is where she was encouraged to pursue acting full time.
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At 16 years old, Kidman had her very first film role in the Australian Christmas movie, "Bush Christmas" (1983). By the end of the year, she'd already had a supporting role in the TV show "Five Mile Creek". Apart from the short break that she took to help her mother recover from breast cancer, Kidman's career kept soaring over the decade.
Breaking Through
After landing film and TV roles in the land down under, 1989 brought on Kidman's first international role in the thriller "Dead Calm". She was highly praised for her performance, and this paved the way for a multitude of both domestic and international roles. One of the most notable titles was "Days of Thunder" where she co-starred with Tom Cruise, but more on that later.
![Breaking Through Breaking Through | MovieStillsDB Photo by murraymomo/production studio](/wp-content/uploads/cmg_images/554201/rid_4f98214fd347544664a87de5f10dbfc6/dead-calm_E86iH7-scaled.jpg.pro-cmg.jpg)
She got to collaborate with A-list actors and actresses (Michael Keaton, Thandie Newton, and Alec Baldwin to name a few) and steadily climbed the Hollywood ranks.
Making It Big
Kidman was first nominated for a Golden Globe in 1991 for Best Supporting Actress in the film "Billy Bathgate". While she didn't win, she kept getting Hollywood recognition and it wasn't long until she snagged some awards herself.
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While her on-screen career was clearly interesting, Kidman's love life was drawing equal attention. It has enough material to make a full-length feature. And now is the time to dive a little deeper into it.
What About Love?
Kidman's career has taken her far and wide and introduced her to lots of new people and romantic opportunities. She has dated Australian actors Tom Burlinson and Marcus Graham in 1986 (though not simultaneously, obviously).
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She will later need to face tabloids and rumors about her being involved with other celebrities, which is normally the price of fame. Her first big love, however, came along in 1990.
Cruising It
In 1989, Kidman landed the role of neurosurgeon Dr. Claire Lewicki, in the film "Days of Thunder" (released in 1990). Her co-star in the film was Tom Cruise, and most of you probably know where this is going.
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In the film, Kidman's character falls in love with Cruise's (a NASCAR racer! How could she not?). And, life caught up with the art, as it often does. The two started dating and were married by Christmas of 1990. Oh, and the movie was the highest-grossing of that year, but that's not why we're here.
A First-Time Mother
When a couple has things going so well, it's only natural for them to want to become a full-on family. But it wasn't so simple. Shortly after getting married, Kidman had an ectopic pregnancy, which was too dangerous to continue. She later had an unfortunate miscarriage.
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After having difficulty conceiving a child in a natural way, the couple resorted to adoption. They took in a daughter, Isabella Jane Cruise (born in 1992), and she was joined by a younger brother, Connor Antony (born in 1995). The young family was as happy as can be.
Living Together, Working Together
Two Hollywood A-listers such as Cruise and Kidman are bound to have the media reporting their every single move. And for a while, people couldn't get enough of them. They even collaborated again in the later film "Eyes Wide Shut", made by Stanley Kubrick.
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Over the two years of making the film together, the two moved to England with their children and essentially lived in a trailer on the filming location. Kidman recalls this time being very happy and family-oriented, with Kubrick often coming over to visit them and have spaghetti dinners.
Working With Kubrick
One of the most celebrated filmmakers of our time, Stanley Kubrick has a very unique work process. Some would even call this process grueling as he drives a lot of his inspiration from deep psychological issues and often questions his actors as part of the research.
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That's exactly what happened when Cruise and Kidman worked on "Eyes Wide Shut". The film, which explores the intimate fantasies of a married couple, meant that Kubrick took a deep dive into the same issue in his actors' private lives. Still, Kidman says that working with him was like having the best professor in film school.
Was It the Movie's Fault?
Some say that working with Kubrick on this emotionally and intimately complex film was the thing that ultimately broke the couple up.
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However, according to Nicole, she and Tom were very much in love at the time. They even had a unique way of blowing off some steam at the end of a long day of shooting — go-kart racing. The two would rent out a place (sometimes as late as 3 in the morning) and race their stress away.
Was It Religion's Fault?
Tom Cruise's faith is nothing new. And since Nicole doesn't share his faith, it was only a matter of time until someone credited the couple's imminent separation to religious differences. However, Nicole has never said anything of the sort.
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Both Bella and Connor practice the same religion as their father. And while Nicole is still a Catholic, it makes no difference to her. As she puts it, they've made their choices and her job is to simply love them.
Trouble in Paradise
Cruise and Kidman enjoyed a two-year rule as a Hollywood power couple, gracing nearly every red carpet in their presence. But things eventually started falling apart. At the beginning of 2001, the two announced that they're going on their separate ways.
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By August of 2001, the two were officially divorced citing irreconcilable differences, leaving Hollywood on the hunt for a new couple to worship.
No Hard Feelings
While they were no longer together, it seems that Kidman and Cruise didn't hold any unnecessary grudge toward each other. Not according to her, at least.
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In fact, in a 2006 interview she gave to "Ladies' Home Journal", she only said she will always have a love for him: "To me, he was just Tom, but to everybody else, he is huge [...] he was lovely to me and I loved him. I still love him."
Happily Single
After ending her relationship with Cruise, Kidman turned her focus to her job. She was back to being applauded for herself and her talent, and she could once again nurture her career full time.
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Some of her best work was done over the few years after her divorce, including her participation in "Moulin Rouge!", "The Hours", and "The Others." This newfound focus could be the very thing that won her the Best Actress Academy Award for her 2003 portrayal of Virginia Woolf in "The Hours".
Ready to Mingle
Once Kidman was single again, tabloids were back to pinning romance rumors involving her and any possible celebrity in her vicinity. One such rumor said that she had an affair with her "Cold Mountain" co-star Jude Law and that it ultimately broke his marriage.
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Kidman wasn't going to let such baseless allegations fly. She and Law denied the story and Kidman even won some substantial cash from the British tabloids that printed the article.
Playing the Field
When Kidman was ready to jump back on the dating wagon, she did it with style. She's had relationships with several Hollywood superstars such as the rapper Q-Tip and musician Lenny Kravitz.
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She dated the latter between 2003 and 2004. After that, she had a brief romantic involvement with British singer Robby Williams. While she had the finest men in showbusiness as a dating catalog to choose from, none of them were her one true love. Speaking of which, now seems like the right time to take a closer look at Keith Urban's life.
Welcome to the World, Keith!
October 26th, 1967 was a big day for Marianne and Bob (Robert) Urban. This was the day when they had their youngest son, Keith, who didn't know it yet but would become a world-famous musician.
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Before any bit of this career even became feasible, the New Zealand Born Keith didn't have much. He lived with his family of four on a farm and they all slept in a single, shed-like house with no individual bedrooms.
No Silver Spoons Here
Before making enough money to move to Australia and better establish themselves, their farmhouse burned down. Fortunately, their community generously helped them through it. This experience is what ultimately made Keith so appreciative of everything he will have in the future. But we're getting ahead of ourselves.
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As a child, Keith loved performing. His father found him a guitar teacher, and the little musician started enrolling in local competitions right away. He's also joined a local theater company where he could hone his stage presence, which would become instrumental in his future career.
Not Much of a Student
So Urban played guitar as a young kid and had even taken part in music competitions. He was also deeply influenced by rockers such as Mark Knopfler and Lindsey Buckingham. This is why it's so surprising to find out that he'd failed music in school.
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Traditional school was never Urban's main focus, and he ended up dropping out of high school at 15 years old. Don't get us wrong, we fully support education. It's just that this decision happened to work well for Urban and his talent.
A New Face
A year after quitting high school, Urban made his television debut as a contestant in "New Faces", an Australian talent show. It wasn't long after that when he became a well-known face in the Australian country music industry.
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He appeared regularly on TV shows such as "Reg Lindsay Country Homestead" and "Mike McClellan's Music Program". Soon, he branched out into performing with musical groups and even recorded a duet with fellow Australian Jenny Wilson, which won them a Golden Guitar Award.
The First Album
While the people of New Zealand and Australia were pretty familiar with Urban by now, he started getting a taste of worldwide fame only in 1999. This was the year when he released his first album, aptly named "Keith Urban".
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The album has made waves around the US and turned him into the first New Zealander to have songs at a Top 10 spot on the country charts in America ("But for the Grace of God", "Where the Blacktop Ends"). Two years later he was already crowned Top New Male Vocalist of 2001 by the Academy of Country Music. Love, however, wasn't a part of the picture just yet.
Getting Help
More albums and number one hits by Urban topped the charts. He won his first Grammy (2005's Best Male Country Vocal Performance) and enjoyed the love and adoration of many. However, this entire time he was keeping a dark secret.
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Before the release of his first album, Urban had battled substance abuse. He was living in Nashville at the time, and a personal low point finally made him understand he needed professional help. After checking into the right facility, he was ready to lock away this chapter of his life and focus on music.
Nicole's Side of the Meetup
There are two sides to each story, and so does the story of Nicole and Keith meeting for the first time. It was in early 2005 at G'Day LA — an American event honoring Australian artists.
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In a 2017 interview with Ellen DeGeneres, Kidman admitted to having had a crush on him and thinking he wasn't interested because it took him so long (four months!) to call her after the event. When you hear his side of the story you'll see it's for the most adorable reason.
Keith's Side of the Meetup
Urban does recall seeing her at the event but it wasn't lack of interest that kept him from calling. According to him, he just lacked confidence. Can you believe it? A superstar musician not having enough confidence to make a move on someone he finds attractive?
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As he puts it, he had her number in his pocket for some time and he was too anxious to call because "If I call this number, she's going to answer [and] I don't know what [to] say!"
The First Call
Thank god Keith finally mustered up the courage. The first time they spoke on the phone turned out to be nothing to fear.
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Once he dialed all the right numbers and she did, in fact, answer, talking was incredibly effortless. In a 2018 interview on Australian TV, he said that he was worried that she is going to be the uninterested one but the call put him at ease. So adorable!
Things Are Going Well
It took Urban a few months to call Kidman, and it took her about the same to know he was just the guy for her.
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They had been together for approximately six months before her birthday came along. It was then when he took her on a surprise trip to Woodstock, New York, and when the realization sank in. Or, as she puts it, "I believed by that point he was the love of my life." Urban was obviously feeling the same, and wedding plans were soon set in motion.
Was It Too Early?
Getting engaged after dating for such a short time is a little irregular in this day and age, but the two have no regrets. According to Nicole, they got to know each other fully as a married couple. (Unlike other modern couples.)
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As it turns out, it was the right call as the two are now a full-fledged family with homes in Nashville, LA, New York, and two more in Australia.
The Wedding Down Under
On June 25th, 2006, Australian gentry gathered from far and wide to attend the couple's wedding. The ceremony was held in Manly, Australia (not far from Sydney), and attended by the biggest names down under.
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The star-studded guest list featured Russell Crowe, BFF Naomi Watts, and Baz Luhrmann. The event's entertainment was covered by performances of Urban himself, Crowded House frontman Neil Finn, and Hugh Jackman.
Through Thick and Thin
While very much in love, the newlyweds faced a difficult challenge at the beginning of their marriage. Urban's old battle with substance abuse was back, threatening to ruin all the good things he had going on in his life.
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Thankfully, this time he didn't have to go through it alone. With Kidman's help, he checked into a treatment facility again and emerged as a new man three months later. In a 2016 interview he gave to "Rolling Stone" magazine, he stated that it's a miracle that their marriage survived and that it was only made possible with Nicole by his side.
Standing by Her Man
Kidman, on her part, doesn't seem to take her due credit in her husband's win against his old destructive habits. In 2007, she spoke about it with "Vanity Fair" and said that circumstances also played a part in the story.
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As she sees it, the two had met at the perfect time. They were both lonely yet open enough to be vulnerable with each other. "We were a mixture of frightened and brave," Nicole said.
Expanding the Family
While Kidman was already a mother of the two children she'd adopted with her ex-husband, Tom Cruise, Urban didn't have any kids. Well, until July of 2008. That was when the two welcomed their first child into the world.
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They named their new daughter Sunday Rose Kidman Urban. Quite a mouthful for a baby, but when your parents are such a power-couple you need a powerful name to match.
You're Getting a Sister!
After not being able to conceive with Cruise, you can imagine how overjoyed Kidman must have been to have Sunday Rose through a healthy pregnancy. In 2011, however, the couple greeted their second daughter, Faith Margaret, into the world with the help of a surrogate. Talk about reproductive options!
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Nicole's only regret, as she later told Vogue magazine, is that she hadn't met Keith earlier so she could have more kids with him.
Showbiz Babies
When both your parents have such glamorous careers, you're bound to get a taste of the spotlight at some point. For Sunday and Faith, it happened pretty early. While starring in the HBO hit "Big Little Lies", Kidman had her daughters participate in the show as extras.
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The cameo was kept secret until the actress accidentally told the world about it during a 2018 interview with Ellen DeGeneres. Both girls went on to have extra roles in the miniseries "The Undoing" (also starring Kidman), and voice roles in "The Angry Birds Movie 2".
They Make It Work
Parenting poses challenges for everyone. Even high-profile parents like Nicole and Keith. But they seem to enjoy raising their family and keep a close relationship with them. In fact, Nicole states that one of them is always with the kids, which might prove difficult, given those parents' busy schedules.
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When the schedules happened to clash, Nicole reached out to her sister, Antonia, and asked her for help. Antonia was happy to lend a hand and moved into the Kidman-Urban home with her own kids for a while. This commune-like life with such a closely-knit extended family is much appreciated by Kidman.
Big Little Husband
The TV show "Big Little Lies" deals with dark issues, that could take their toll on anyone, let alone the actors portraying the suffering characters. When filming the second season of the show, this darkness wasn't easy to deal with, but she pulled through, thanks to — you guessed it — her husband.
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In an interview with Entertainment Tonight, she said she considers herself lucky to have such a supportive man to call her husband.
Loving and Losing
2014 brought a new challenge for the couple to deal with — Kidman's father's passing away. Nicole and her father were very close, and losing him was obviously hard for her.
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About a month after his passing, She came as a guest on the Ellen DeGeneres show (yet again) and spoke of how Keith has helped her through it. She said that his support was so amazing it almost made her cry and that she would "do anything for that man." Now that's true love, people!
All You Need Is Love
It seems that unconditional love is a great beacon in Kidman's life. She stated that she still loves her ex-husband (although in a different way, obviously). She obviously has all the love a mother could offer for her children, and she is madly in love with her country-singing hubby.
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Love is part of Nicole's philosophy. Especially when it comes to parenting. She believes that in order to grow up well, a child must know that their parents will always be open and loving. Honestly, we couldn't agree more.
His Biggest Fan
While Urban does his best to support that lovely wife of his, he is also greatly impacted by her. The musician says that she has a wonderful taste in music because she goes with her gut without fixating genres, labels, or official terminology.
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This outlook has encouraged him to be more exploring with his art and his music. She has encouraged him to follow his curiosity and be more fearless, which sounds like every artist's dream.
Fangirling Done Right
Nicole doesn't settle for enriching her husband's musical taste or encouraging him to go with his artistic instincts. She also promotes his music on social media. Instagram posts of her urging fans to get buy tickets or listen to his latest track are pretty common.
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Also, when he gave a live online concert, like many other artists in 2020, she was anything but camera shy. In fact, she sat by his side throughout the whole thing!
It's a Family Thing
Sunday and Faith are also big fans of their father's music. In fact, they teamed up with their mother to celebrate Urban's latest album release and surprised him.
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Keith's latest album, "The Speed of Now Part One", came out in September 2020. While he was away promoting the music, and the rest of his family remained in Australia, Nicole and the girls sent him a celebratory arrangement which included flowers, balloons, cookies, and even a cake with the album cover printed onto it!
He Knows How to Court a Lady
With both of their careers being so demanding, it would only stand to reason that they have to spend the occasional night apart. But Keith has found an old-fashion way to make these nights apart feel a little closer — love letters.
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According to Kidman, whenever Urban is away on tour, he leaves her love letters — one for each night they have to spend apart. Apparently, he's been doing it since they first started dating. So Romantic!
What's Their Secret?
It seems that the two have found the key to a long, happy, prosperous marriage. What kind of tips would they share with anyone interested in a similar fate?
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According to Kidman, the secret lies in making time for each other. Both Nicole and Keith work very hard, but they make it a point to leave their jobs behind when they're back home with each other. Basically, her advice is to make sure you don't let your job doesn't seep into your marriage.
From Nashville to Australia
The Kidman-Urbans spent the first half of 2020 in their home in Nashville. The other half was spent in their home in New South Wales, Australia, closer to their extended family members.
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And what about school? well, much like many other school-age kids in 2020, they are homeschooled. According to Urban, Nicole is a much better teacher than he is. He credits his limited teaching skills to him dropping out of high school at 15 years old.
From His Home to Yours
Even when he can't leave his house that often, thanks to online technologies and social media, Urban can keep his fans (and family) entertained with rare glimpses into his musical work process.
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He's shown peeks into his Nashville home music studio, played the living room piano on Instagram, and gave full-on online concerts. Fans couldn't get enough of this man's warm personality, home, and family.
Family Time
While they couldn't spend a lot of time outdoors during 2020, the family has enjoyed being close and having all of its members around. Especially Nicole's younger sister, Antonia, and her mother Janelle.
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Nicole especially states that she's enjoyed spending her mornings in the kitchen and having the kids be loud around her. Honestly, she makes this domestic lifestyle sound incredibly picturesque.
Home Sweet Home
Well, anything would sound picturesque when you keep in mind the size and facilities of Keith and Nicole's New South Wales home. The property stretches over a land of 111 acres. All those acres feature, among other things, a swimming pool, a tennis court, and the family's six-bedroom home.
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Other than the human members of the family, the place is also a home for loads of animals including chickens, cattle, and six alpacas!
Been Through It All
After living through financial troubles, migrating to and from different countries, experiencing loves and losses, and sticking together with true love, we can definitely look up to this couple's relationship.
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They are living proof that as long as you show each other unconditional love and support, nothing can come between you and your partner. Not even Hollywood.