Graham Norton has sung the praises of Australian actress Nicole Kidman, noting her unwavering commitment to “making an effort” when appearing on his popular UK chat show.
The Irish-born TV host, 61, revealed he had a particular fondness for Aussie guests, as they “never get too grand for it”.
WATCH THE VIDEO ABOVE: Nicole Kidman on the Graham Norton Show.
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Norton, who regularly hosts some of the world’s biggest celebrities, singled out Kidman, 57, for her exceptional approach.
“Even someone like Nicole, who’s been famous for so long, will still make an effort,” he told Woman’s Day, adding that Kidman’s seventh appearance on The Graham Norton Show was as engaging as her first.
“She’s not aloof. She could just sit there and go, ‘I’m Nicole Kidman, what more do you want?’
“But she doesn’t. She tries, she listens, and she’s genuinely interested in other guests’ stories,” Norton explained.
While the chat show king kept quiet about any bad celebrity experiences, he did share his strategy for handling less-than-engaging guests.
“I’m lucky I’ve always got a couch of people,” he said.
“So, if someone is a bit boring, I can quickly throw a question to one of the more interesting guests when they pause for breath.”
The compliment comes after a difficult few months for Kidman, who lost her beloved mother Janelle Kidman in September.
Kidman had just touched down in Venice for the Film Festival when she learned of her mother’s death, immediately returning home to Sydney.
Director Halina Rejn released a statement during the festival on Kidman’s behalf while collecting her award for Best Actress.
“Today, I arrived in Venice to find out shortly after, that my beautiful, brave mother Janelle Ann Kidman has just passed,” Kidman said via the statement.
“I am in shock and I have to go to my family.
“But this award is for her. She shaped me, she guided me and she made me. I’m beyond grateful that I that I get to say her name to all of you through Halina.
“The collision of life and art is heartbreaking, and my heart is broken.”
Kidman and her sister Antonia later shared a joint statement on Instagram along with a series of family photos.
“My sister and I along with our family want to thank you for the outpouring of love and kindness we have felt this week,” Kidman wrote on September 13.
“Every message we have received from those who loved and admired our Mother has meant more to us than we will ever be able to express.
“Thank you from our whole family for respecting our privacy as we take care of each other.”
She returned with husband Keith Urban and their two children Sunday Rose and Faith Margaret for the funeral in October.