Before marrying Keith Urban, Nicole Kidman built a high-profile personal life in Hollywood. Her relationships and marriages before Keith Urban shaped her public narrative long before her country star romance.
This overview captures the trajectory of Nicole Kidman’s marital history before Keith Urban, highlighting the context and impact of each significant partnership on her life and career.
| Partner | Relation to Nicole Kidman | Years Together | Outcome |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tom Cruise | Actor and high-profile marriage | 1990–2002 | Divorced after 11 years |
| Lenny Wilkens | NBA player and brief engagement | 1987–1989 | Engagement ended |
| Matthew Moore | Early relationship in late 1980s | 1985–1987 | Separated before marriage |
| Keith Urban | Current husband and long-term marriage | 2006–present | Married, two children |
Relationship with Tom Cruise
Meeting and Wedding Details
Nicole Kidman met Tom Cruise on the set of Days of Thunder in 1989, and they married in 1990. This high-profile wedding drew intense media attention and positioned Kidman firmly within Hollywood’s power circles.
Public Impact and Divorce
Their marriage lasted 11 years and significantly influenced Kidman’s career trajectory and public image. The highly publicized divorce in 2002 marked a turning point, leading to more private personal choices in her subsequent relationships.
Early Romantic Connection with Lenny Wilkens
Nicole Kidman’s engagement to basketball player Lenny Wilkens in 1987 brought her into the sports spotlight, though the engagement ended after two years. This relationship occurred early in her career and showed her willingness to date outside the entertainment industry.
Naïve Romantic Involvement with Matthew Moore
Before her marriage to Cruise, Kidman had a serious relationship with musician Matthew Moore in the mid-1980s. This partnership remained private and did not lead to marriage, serving as a formative personal experience before her rise to global fame.
Personal Evolution Before Keith Urban
By the time Kidman met Keith Urban in the mid-2000s, she had navigated intense public scrutiny and private challenges. Her earlier experiences informed her approach to long-term commitment, leading to a more grounded partnership with Urban.
Key Takeaways on Nicole Kidman’s Marital History
- Engaged to Lenny Wilkens in 1987, but the engagement did not lead to marriage.
- Had a serious relationship with Matthew Moore in the mid-1980s that remained private.
- Married Tom Cruise in 1990 and divorced in 2002 after 11 years of public marriage.
- Used earlier experiences to build a stable, long-term marriage with Keith Urban starting in 2006.
FAQ
Reader questions
How long was Nicole Kidman married to Tom Cruise before divorcing?
Nicole Kidman was married to Tom Cruise for 11 years, from 1990 to 2002, before they divorced.
Did Nicole Kidman get engaged to anyone else before Keith Urban?
Yes, she was engaged to basketball player Lenny Wilkens in 1987, but the engagement ended after about two years.
Was Nicole Kidman in a serious relationship prior to Tom Cruise?
Yes, she had a serious romantic relationship with musician Matthew Moore in the mid-1980s, but it did not lead to marriage. Her earlier public and private experiences helped her value privacy and stability, shaping a more balanced partnership with Keith Urban.