Nicole Kidman reveals she started smoking to fully transform into the character of Lucille Ball

With 40 years in Hollywood under her belt, Nicole Kidman has revealed even she doubted herself when she took on the role of star Lucille Ball in Being The Ricardos. The actress, 54, went to extreme measures to portray the American actress- detailing in a new interview withDuJourhow she took up smoking to nail Lucilles

With 40 years in Hollywood under her belt, Nicole Kidman has revealed even she doubted herself when she took on the role of star Lucille Ball in Being The Ricardos. 

The actress, 54, went to extreme measures to portray the American actress- detailing in a new interview with DuJour how she took up smoking to nail Lucille’s ‘deep voice’. 

Nicole, who stunned in an accompanying photoshoot as she slipped into a pink bustier and a number of statement looks, also spoke of ageism within the industry and breaking stereotypes of being past her ‘due date’. 

Dedication: Nicole Kidman has revealed even she doubted herself when she took on the role of star Lucille Ball in Being The Ricardos in a new interview with DuJour

Dedication: Nicole Kidman has revealed even she doubted herself when she took on the role of star Lucille Ball in Being The Ricardos in a new interview with DuJour

The biographical drama film centres on the relationship between I Love Lucy stars Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz (Javier Bardem) and in a recent interview with DuJour, Nicole, 54, voiced her doubts about playing such an iconic part.  

The accoladed actress recalled how she said to her vocal coach Tom Jones it was going to be ‘impossible’ nailing a ‘deep smoker’s voice’ required for the role, due to her being Australian. 

‘[Tom] said, “We’re going to get there.” They decided her Lucy needed to have a deep smoker’s voice, so I started smoking. If I warm up for a minute, I now can do her voice standing on my head,’ Nicole said. 

Despite director Aaron Sorkin describing her as ‘perfect for the part’, Nicole was still uncertain and thought ‘maybe I’m not the right person’. 

Role: Nicole stunned in an accompanying photoshoot as she slipped into a pink bustier and a number of statement looks

Role: Nicole stunned in an accompanying photoshoot as she slipped into a pink bustier and a number of statement looks

Interview: Nicole spoke to DuJour about aging, her doubts of being able to play Lucille Ball and how her daughter Sunday Rose wants to be a director

Interview: Nicole spoke to DuJour about aging, her doubts of being able to play Lucille Ball and how her daughter Sunday Rose wants to be a director

The interview also allowed the mother-of-four to shed light on ageing within the acting industry. 

‘There’s a consensus in the industry that as a female actor, at about 40, you’re done. I never sat in a chair and heard someone say, “You’re past your due date,” but I’ve had times where you’re turned down and the door is shut on you,’ she admitted. 

However, the five-time Golden Globe winner believes that things are ‘definitely changing and moving’ – which is what’s encompassed in Being The Ricardos. 

Throughout Nicole’s career, she has ventured into producing as well as acting, and detailed to DuJour how her 13-year-old daughter Sunday Rose dreams of being a director.

The teenager has recently directed a production of Annie on stage but her proud mother isn’t ‘allowed to compliment too much.’ 

‘All I wanted to do was whoop and holler! But I’m kept on a tight lock and key,’ Nicole revealed. 

Getting into character: Being The Ricardos gives a peek into Lucille and Desi's complex romantic and professional relationship

Real life: Pictured, Lucille and Desi in the 1950s

Getting into character: Being The Ricardos gives a peek into Lucille and Desi’s complex romantic and professional relationship

Efforts: The actress recalled how she said to her vocal coach Tom Jones it was going to be 'impossible' nailing a 'deep smoker's voice' required for the role, due to her being Australian

Efforts: The actress recalled how she said to her vocal coach Tom Jones it was going to be ‘impossible’ nailing a ‘deep smoker’s voice’ required for the role, due to her being Australian

Gorgeous: The actress showed off her age-defying beauty for the magazine's photoshoot, working the cameras in a number of stylish ensembles

Gorgeous: The actress showed off her age-defying beauty for the magazine’s photoshoot, working the cameras in a number of stylish ensembles

She's got style: Nicole put on a leggy display in a structured white dress and black biker boots

She’s got style: Nicole put on a leggy display in a structured white dress and black biker boots  

Radiant: One close up, side-profile photograph honed in on Nicole's glamorous makeup as she closed her eyes, her silky tresses falling down her back

Radiant: One close up, side-profile photograph honed in on Nicole’s glamorous makeup as she closed her eyes, her silky tresses falling down her back

The actress showed off her age-defying beauty for the magazine’s photoshoot, working the cameras in a number of stylish ensembles. 

One close up, side-profile photograph honed in on Nicole’s glamorous makeup as she closed her eyes, her silky tresses falling down her back.

Another trio of shots showed a carefree Nicole continuing to pose for candid shots in the winter sunshine. 

Being The Ricardos began streaming worldwide on Prime Video on December 21, 2021. 

Shoot: Another trio of shots showed a carefree Nicole continuing to pose for candid shots in the winter sunshine

Shoot: Another trio of shots showed a carefree Nicole continuing to pose for candid shots in the winter sunshine

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