Nicole Kidman, 57, and Naomi Watts, 55, have shared a deep friendship for more than 30 years. This bond recently took a unique turn when Kidman was cast as Liev Schreiber’s wife in the Netflix limited series The Perfect Couple. Before accepting the role, Kidman made a thoughtful move—she checked with her longtime friend Watts, who was in a relationship with Schreiber from 2005 to 2016, to ensure there were no issues.
During a promotional interview for The Perfect Couple, Kidman humorously told Entertainment Tonight that she had to "beg" Schreiber, 56, to "marry" her for the series. However, Schreiber revealed the more touching side of the story, mentioning how Kidman reached out to Watts first. "Isn't that amazing? That's how close they are," Schreiber said with admiration.
Watts, meanwhile, confirmed this to Entertainment Weekly during the Toronto International Film Festival. "We always check in, we're besties," she said. Watts and Schreiber, who share two children, Sasha and Kai, have remained amicable since their split and continue to co-parent, often reuniting for family occasions.
Kidman and Watts’ close friendship spans over three decades. The two first met in the late 1980s during an audition for a swimsuit commercial, where they quickly bonded over shared interests and life stories. Though neither got the role, Kidman’s kindness left an impression on Watts, who had missed the bus home. Kidman generously offered to cover Watts' taxi fare, sparking a lasting friendship that has remained rock-solid ever since.
Watts has often spoken of her deep admiration for Kidman, calling her “the sister I never had.” During the 2023 AFI Life Achievement Awards, Watts gave a heartfelt speech, recalling how Kidman has consistently supported her, from offering her homes to making her feel part of the family.
Their mutual support continues offscreen as well. Watts recently tied the knot with actor Billy Crudup in a private ceremony in June, which Kidman attended. Earlier, Watts also publicly wished Kidman a “happy birthday” on Instagram, calling her the “queen.”
In The Perfect Couple, Kidman plays Greer Garrison Winbury, a renowned novelist and the mother of the groom in an opulent Nantucket wedding that is disrupted by a murder. As secrets unravel, the show shifts into a thrilling mystery, with all six episodes now available to stream on Netflix.
Kidman and Watts' enduring friendship, cemented by moments of loyalty and love, showcases the strong bond between two of Hollywood’s most talented actresses. Whether it's offering a helping hand or checking in before taking on a role, their connection stands as a testament to the power of true friendship in the sometimes cutthroat world of showbiz.
