Actress Announces Plan to Train as Death Doula Following Mother's Death

The announcement came in the context of her grief following the death of her 84-year-old mother in September 2024. She described the decision as stemming from the challenges her family faced in providing care during her mother's final days.

The actress explained that her mother experienced loneliness in her final moments, and family members were limited in the support they could offer due to other responsibilities. She noted the absence of impartial caregivers who could provide solace and practical assistance. This experience prompted her to seek training in the death doula role.

“As my mother was passing, she was lonely, and there was only so much the family could provide. " — The actress, as reported by the San Francisco Chronicle (The Sydney Morning Herald) Death doulas offer non-medical emotional, spiritual, and practical support to terminally ill people and their families, often in coordination with healthcare or hospice services. According to Go Gentle Australia, a national charity promoting end-of-life choices, this support helps address gaps in traditional care.”

The role does not involve medical interventions but focuses on companionship and guidance during the dying process.

Growing Interest in Death Doulas Demand for death doulas has increased globally, including in Australia, as part of the broader death-positive movement.

This movement encourages open discussions about death to reduce stigma and improve end-of-life planning. Events such as Melbourne’s The Death Salon, held last month, facilitate conversations on these topics. The actress described her pursuit of this role as part of her personal expansion, though she acknowledged it might seem unusual.

She did not specify how the training would affect her acting career but emphasized the importance of stamina in her professional life. Stamina, she stated, involves maintaining physical and mental health to perform consistently without complacency.

Recent Acting Projects The actress has maintained an active schedule in recent years.

In 2025, she appeared in the film Babygirl, described as an erotic thriller, and Holland, a psychological thriller. In 2026, she has starred in the television series Margo’s Got Money Troubles and Scarpetta, a mystery-thriller where her character, a forensic pathologist, confronts themes of death.

This career shift aligns with a pattern observed among some celebrities who pursue non-entertainment roles while continuing their primary professions.

Unlike cases where actors retired from Hollywood to take up farming or woodworking, the actress has indicated no plans to step away from acting. Her speech also touched on influences from classic literature and filmmakers, highlighting aspects of her career development. The announcement occurs amid rising awareness of end-of-life care options.

Families affected by terminal illnesses may benefit from increased availability of death doulas, potentially easing emotional burdens. Training programs for death doulas vary but typically include education on grief support, practical caregiving, and cultural sensitivities around death.