More than two decades ago, Nicole Kidman made a memorable late-night appearance that continues to resurface whenever her personal life makes headlines. Today, in the wake of her separation from country music star Keith Urban after nearly 19 years of marriage, her 2001 remarks about her first divorce from Tom Cruise are going viral once again.
The resurfaced clip has not only reignited conversations about Kidman’s past but also sparked comparisons between her highly scrutinized split from Cruise and her newly filed divorce from Urban. For an actress who has long balanced a deeply private personal life with global stardom, the moment feels both ironic and telling.
A Moment in Late Night History
On August 2, 2001, Nicole Kidman sat down with David Letterman on The Late Show to promote her then-new film, The Others. At the time, she was fresh off one of Hollywood’s most shocking breakups: her divorce from Tom Cruise after more than a decade together.
Letterman wasted no time addressing the elephant in the room. With his signature bluntness, he opened by asking Kidman:
“I heard you’re getting divorced, how’s that going?”
Kidman, poised but visibly navigating the delicacy of the moment, responded with grace and wit. When Letterman suggested she wouldn’t have come on the show if “things were not alright,” she replied simply:
“I’d probably still be here.”
The exchange drew chuckles from the audience, but it was what came next that became iconic. When asked if people often brought up her divorce, Kidman admitted she’d been inundated with questions. Then, with a sly smirk, she delivered a line that has since become her six-word clapback to Cruise:
“Well, I can wear heels now.”
The audience erupted in applause, and Letterman laughed before moving the conversation forward. For viewers, it was a masterclass in humor meeting heartbreak—a way for Kidman to reclaim some dignity during one of the most difficult public moments of her life.
Why “I Can Wear Heels Now” Went Viral
At first, the remark seemed lighthearted, even playful. But fans and tabloids alike quickly recognized its underlying punch. During her marriage to Tom Cruise, who famously stands at around 5’7”, Kidman (who is 5’11” barefoot) was often seen in modest heels or flats on red carpets. The speculation has always been that she adjusted her footwear choices to avoid overshadowing her husband.
So, when Kidman said those six words, they were interpreted as both a cheeky nod to her newfound freedom and a subtle critique of the constraints she may have felt during her marriage.
The line was quoted in magazines, replayed on entertainment news, and remains one of the most referenced post-divorce comments in celebrity culture.
Renewed Attention in 2025
Now, in 2025, Kidman’s words are trending once again—this time against the backdrop of her separation from Keith Urban. Just three days after reports broke that the Oscar-winning actress had filed for divorce in Nashville, the old clip began circulating across social media.
Fans on TikTok, X (formerly Twitter), and Instagram flooded timelines with snippets of Kidman’s six-word quip, using it as both a meme and a symbolic reminder of her resilience.
One user wrote: “Nicole Kidman surviving two divorces with iconic one-liners—she’s the blueprint.”
Another added: “If she could handle Tom Cruise and Keith Urban, she can handle anything. Queen.”
The renewed interest reflects how pop culture often draws parallels between past and present. Kidman’s viral remark about Cruise resonates even more sharply now that she is facing another high-profile split.
A Look Back: Nicole and Tom
Nicole Kidman and Tom Cruise were married from 1990 to 2001. The pair met on the set of Days of Thunder and quickly became one of Hollywood’s most glamorous couples. Together, they adopted two children—Isabella (now 32) and Connor (30).
Their sudden separation in early 2001 shocked the world. Cruise filed for divorce that February, citing “irreconcilable differences,” just as their 10th wedding anniversary approached. Rumors swirled for years about the reasons behind their split, but neither party has ever spoken in full detail.
Kidman later admitted in interviews that the divorce left her “reeling” but also gave her the freedom to focus on her career. Just months after the split, she delivered critically acclaimed performances in The Others and Moulin Rouge!, the latter earning her an Academy Award nomination.
Nicole and Keith Urban: A Different Kind of Love Story
Kidman eventually found love again with country superstar Keith Urban. The two married in June 2006 in Sydney, Australia. Their relationship was often celebrated as a model Hollywood romance—grounded, affectionate, and marked by public displays of mutual admiration.
They welcomed two daughters: Sunday Rose, now 17, and Faith Margaret, 14. The family lived primarily in Nashville, Tennessee, where Kidman embraced a quieter life outside Hollywood’s glare.
But according to court filings obtained by PEOPLE, Kidman listed “irreconcilable differences” when she officially filed for divorce on September 30, 2025. The documents reveal the couple had already signed a Marital Dissolution Agreement, settling issues of custody and financial arrangements.
Notably, Kidman requested to remain the “primary residential parent” of their daughters. The parenting plan allocates 306 days per year with her and 59 days with Urban, though major decisions about education and healthcare will be made jointly.
Sources Close to the Couple Speak Out
Insiders have described the split as deeply painful for Kidman.
“She didn’t want this,” one source revealed. “She’s been fighting to save the marriage.”
Kidman’s sister, Antonia, has reportedly been her “rock” during the separation, and the entire Kidman family has rallied around the actress.
Meanwhile, speculation has swirled around Urban. Some in Nashville suggest he may already have moved on with someone new, though those rumors remain unconfirmed. Urban, 57, has continued his tour schedule, with upcoming performances planned across the U.S.
The Legacy of Nicole’s Strength
Through all of this, the six words from 2001 remain symbolic of Kidman’s strength and grace under pressure. Her ability to turn personal hardship into witty, empowering moments has made her a figure many admire—not just as an actress, but as a woman navigating life in the spotlight.
As one social media user recently wrote:
“Nicole Kidman’s greatest role isn’t on screen. It’s how she carries herself through heartbreak with humor and dignity.”
Moving Forward
Kidman has not publicly commented on her divorce from Urban beyond the legal filings, and it’s unlikely she will address it in detail soon. Instead, she is focusing on her daughters, her family, and her upcoming projects.
Yet the internet’s fascination with her past remarks underscores a timeless truth: words spoken in moments of vulnerability can echo for decades. For Nicole Kidman, “Well, I can wear heels now” has become both a symbol of resilience and a rallying cry for anyone who has ever rebuilt their life after heartbreak.
And as she embarks on this new chapter, fans around the world are watching, cheering her on—not just as an actress, but as a woman who continues to rise, heels and all.
Lila Hart is a dedicated Digital Archivist and Research Specialist with a keen eye for preserving and curating meaningful content. At TheArchivists, she specializes in organizing and managing digital archives, ensuring that valuable stories and historical moments are accessible for generations to come.
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