Nicole Kidman has recently submitted an application to obtain residency in Portugal, marking a significant personal development for the Oscar-winning actress. Although Keith Urban, her husband of 19 years, was not included on the initial application due to his demanding concert schedule, he intends to apply for residency later when his tour commitments allow.
A source familiar with their situation revealed to E! News that Keith Urban was unable to attend the application appointment because of his ongoing U.S. tour but will complete his visa process at a more convenient time. This process mandates applicants to be physically present, which delayed his immediate participation.
The Couple’s Connection to Portugal and Lasting Commitment to Nashville
While Nicole and Keith have made moves to establish ties in Portugal, the couple do not appear to be looking to make the country their permanent home. The source confirmed that despite owning a residence in Portugal, their primary dwelling remains in Nashville, Tennessee, highlighting their deep roots and attachment to the U.S. city.
Kidman, 58, has openly cherished her life in Nashville—a city she considers foundational for raising their two daughters, Sunday Rose, 17, and Faith Margaret, 14. The actress has described her family life there as “incredibly sacred,” emphasizing the comfort and stability the location provides for her children.
Nicole also has two older children, Isabella, 32, and Connor, 29, from her previous marriage to Tom Cruise. Alongside the family commitment, Kidman credits her enduring marriage to Keith Urban as a key factor in establishing a solid foundation in Nashville since their relocation following Sunday’s birth in 2008.
In reflecting on partnerships, Kidman once said,
“Real love happens not when everything is going well but when things are going badly,”
further stating,
“It’s when human beings come together, if they’re going to, in a far deeper way. You’re then having to work together, and the ‘together’ is what it’s about.”
Hollywood Talent Choosing New Homes Beyond Los Angeles
Nicole Kidman and Keith Urban’s consideration of residency in Portugal forms part of a wider trend among celebrities opting to relocate from Hollywood to various global destinations. Below are several notable figures who have recently made similar choices.
From Hollywood to England: Ellen DeGeneres’s Departure
After the 2022 conclusion of The Ellen DeGeneres Show, following controversies and internal investigations into workplace culture, Ellen DeGeneres confirmed she would be stepping away from Hollywood altogether. She delivered her final standup special, For Your Approval, on Netflix in September 2024 and went on a farewell tour where she told audiences,
“This is the last time you’re going to see me,”
and,
“After my Netflix special, I’m done.”
Ellen and her wife Portia de Rossi have since relocated to England, with reports linking their move to political developments in the United States, although they have not publicly discussed the reasons.
Tyra Banks’s Business-Driven Relocation to Australia
Tyra Banks, famed for hosting America’s Next Top Model, chose Australia partly due to the business opportunities it presented for her ice cream company, SMiZE and Dream. Appearing on Today with Jenna & Friends in April 2025, she explained that much of the ice cream production was carried out in Australia, which also represented one of the top markets for her products.
Tyra has settled there with her son York, her ex Erik Asla being the boy’s father, and her boyfriend Louis Bélanger-Martin, describing the move as “a dream come true” for her family.
Eva Longoria’s Transatlantic Lifestyle Spanning Mexico and Spain
Eva Longoria, known for her role in Desperate Housewives, has lived between Mexico and Spain in recent years, sparked by work commitments and a changing life chapter. She shared with Marie Claire in November 2024 that despite spending much of her adult life in Los Angeles, shifts in the city’s vibe, issues surrounding homelessness and rising taxes, and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic influenced her change.
Longoria explained,
“I get to escape and go somewhere. Most Americans aren’t so lucky. They’re going to be stuck in this dystopian country, and my anxiety and sadness is for them,”
but added on The View podcast that her move was not politically motivated, emphasizing her career projects in Catalonia and Mexico prompted the shift.
Richard Gere and Alejandra Silva Settle in Spain
Richard Gere has relocated from Chicago to Spain’s capital Madrid alongside his wife, Alejandra Silva, a native of Galicia. Speaking on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon in November 2024, Gere said,
“Our kids are bilingual, so they’re going to flourish there,”
referring to their sons Alexander and James. The actor highlighted that the family is thriving and enjoying their time abroad, as also noted during a January 2025 interview with Elle España.
Christina Milian Chooses Paris for Family and Education
Singer and actress Christina Milian moved to Paris with her French husband Matt Pokora to facilitate the education of their children, including Violet from her previous marriage and their sons Isaiah and Kenna. On The Jennifer Hudson Show in November 2024, Milian explained the decision as an opportunity that matched the family’s aspirations, commenting,
“My kids are happy there. They know French. We go to the park. I have an active lifestyle that’s really nice during the day.”
Lindsay Lohan’s Journey Away from Hollywood’s Spotlight
Lindsay Lohan recently addressed rumors about her departure from Los Angeles, citing the intense media scrutiny she faced as a youthful performer. In March 2024, she told Bustle,
“I feel like some of [my work] got overshadowed by paparazzi and all that kind of stuff when I was younger, and that’s kind of annoying,”
explaining that she sought to step away to focus on her craft.
After living in London and Dubai, and opening business ventures in Greece, Lindsay found love with Bader Shammas; they married in 2022 and have a son named Luai. Despite her relocation, she continues to act, including roles in films like Our Little Secret and Freakier Friday.
Josh Hartnett Moves to England for a Balanced Life
Actor Josh Hartnett left Hollywood for England’s Hampshire countryside to pursue a more varied and grounded life. He told People in July 2024,
“Hollywood is more than a place; it’s like a state of mind,”
expressing his desire to be around people engaged in varied pursuits to stimulate different aspects of personal growth.
Hartnett, his wife Tamsin Egerton, and their four children enjoy a quieter family life, with him emphasizing to The Guardian,
“With four children, you have so much to do. In a way, less is happening. But more of the important stuff is happening.”
He remains active professionally with roles in films such as Verity and Fight or Flight.
Jesse Eisenberg Finds Comfort Outside Tinseltown
Jesse Eisenberg resides primarily in Indiana, where he feels most at ease away from the Hollywood lifestyle. In a February 2025 interview with CBS News Sunday Morning, he described avoiding the instability of the industry and maintaining a normal family life with wife Anna Strout and their son Banner. Eisenberg noted,
“I’m not on social media, and I’m not a person who’s on the phone with industry people all the time.”
Eliza Dushku’s Transition from Acting to Mental Health Therapy
Eliza Dushku Palandjian made a career shift after early roles in Buffy the Vampire Slayer and Bring It On by becoming certified in psychedelic-assisted therapy and pursuing further mental health studies. She told Boston Magazine,
“I had the means to shift directions and choose a course in my life that focused on healing myself so that I could help heal others,”
adding that this new path is her true calling.
Rosie O’Donnell Relocates to Ireland Amid Political Concerns
Rosie O’Donnell moved to Ireland with her youngest child, Clay, in January 2025 to pursue Irish citizenship through her ancestry. While citing U.S. political developments as motivation to leave, she has not dismissed the possibility of returning when conditions improve. O’Donnell shared via TikTok,
“I miss my other kids, I miss my friends. I miss many things about life there at home and I’m trying to find a home here in this beautiful country. And when it is safe for all citizens to have equal rights there in America, that’s when we will consider coming back.”
Evangeline Lilly Steps Back from Acting to Focus on Personal Fulfillment
After 20 years, Evangeline Lilly announced an indefinite break from acting. On Instagram in June 2024, she expressed contentment with her current life and the fulfillment found by stepping away from fame. She stated,
“I might return to Hollywood one day, but, for now, this is where I belong.”
Ian Somerhalder Embraces Environmental Advocacy Over Acting
Ian Somerhalder has concentrated on environmental causes since stepping back from acting, focusing on regenerative agriculture and soil health through his companies. In November 2023, he explained to E! News that his departure was to raise his children and develop sustainable enterprises. Somerhalder said,
“When people say ‘Why do you care?’ That’s why I care. Because that’s who I am, that’s what I’m going to become.”
Jennette McCurdy’s Shift from Acting to Writing and Directing
Jennette McCurdy, former Nickelodeon star, stopped acting several years ago due to dissatisfaction with her past roles. On her podcast in 2021, she described feeling “ashamed” and “unfulfilled” by the parts she played as a teenager. Though ambivalent about continuing acting, she expressed a willingness to explore it in new ways, particularly by writing content for herself.
Meghan Markle’s Transition from Royalty to Media Entrepreneurship
Meghan Markle left her acting career in Toronto to marry Prince Harry and engage in royal duties. After stepping back from royal roles, she settled in Montecito, California, and re-entered entertainment through a multi-year Netflix deal, releasing docuseries and lifestyle shows. Her evolving media presence includes podcasts and a personal brand, marking a shift from traditional Hollywood to business ventures.
Cameron Diaz Balances Wellness with Occasional Acting Returns
Having built a substantial film career, Cameron Diaz paused acting after 2014 to focus on wellness and family life. She has authored health books and maintains a low-profile lifestyle. Though she said in 2019, “I don’t miss performing,” industry peers like Jamie Foxx have convinced her to star in upcoming projects such as the 2025 Netflix film Back in Action.
Terrence Howard’s Complex Relationship with Acting
Terrence Howard indicated multiple departures from acting after his time on Empire and The Best Man. In 2019, he declared,
“Oh, I’m done with acting. I’m done pretending,”
and reiterated in 2022 that he wanted to watch new talent emerge rather than imitate himself. Nevertheless, he has returned for recent projects, including Fight Night: The Million Dollar Heist and Shirley.
Jack Gleeson’s Break and Return to Acting After ‘Game of Thrones’
Following his portrayal of King Joffrey in Game of Thrones, Jack Gleeson stepped away from acting, stating he had
“stopped enjoying it as much as I used to.”
After a six-year hiatus, he returned to work on TV and film projects starting in 2020, including roles in BBC’s Out of Her Mind and other productions.
Phoebe Cates Prioritizes Family Over Career
Phoebe Cates and husband Kevin Kline arranged their careers around parenting, agreeing never to work simultaneously to prioritize their children. Cates largely stepped back from acting, focusing on running her boutique in New York, while making only occasional appearances.
Rick Moranis’s Return After Long Absence
After the loss of his wife in 1991, Rick Moranis focused on raising his children and stepped away from acting. Despite no live-action roles since 1997 and declining cameo offers, he is set to return in the upcoming Disney reboot Shrunk alongside Josh Gad.
Leelee Sobieski Disengages from Movie Roles to Focus on Family
Leelee Sobieski stopped acting after prioritizing family life, avoiding roles involving intimate scenes. Since 2014, she has devoted herself to motherhood and supporting her husband Adam Kimmel’s fashion business while pursuing painting.
Portia de Rossi’s Career Shift to Entrepreneurship
Portia de Rossi ended her acting career around age 45, choosing to start a consumer art business. She informed Mitch Hurwitz that she would not be participating in Arrested Development’s fifth season, though she still appeared in several episodes following their understanding.
Daniel Day-Lewis’s Retirement and Unexpected Return
Daniel Day-Lewis retired from acting after Phantom Thread in 2017 but announced a comeback starring in the film Anemone, written with and directed by his son Ronan Day-Lewis, marking a notable return for the three-time Academy Award winner.
Bridgit Mendler’s Academic and Entrepreneurial Pursuits Beyond Acting
Bridgit Mendler left acting to pursue advanced degrees at MIT and Harvard Law School and launched Northwood Space, a satellite communication startup of which she is CEO, showcasing a remarkable transition from entertainment to science and business.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Can Nicole Kidman have biological children?
A. The Hollywood actress is now a mother of four children. She has an adopted son and daughter, a daughter she gave birth to, and another daughter born through surrogacy. Her two biological daughters are with her husband, Keith Urban, whom she wed in 2006.
Q. What did Tom Cruise say about Nicole Kidman?
A. In an interview with the British Film Institute’s Sight and Sound magazine, published on May 9, the actor mentioned suggesting Nicole for the role. He said this was because Nicole is clearly a talented actress.
