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Nicole Kidman on Hollywood ageism: 'As a female actor, at about 40, you’re done'

Nicole Kidman is enduring at the highest level, having starred in acclaimed series "Big Little Lies," "The Undoing" and "Nine Perfect Strangers" within the last four years.

But at 54, Kidman knows that the industry — or at least ageist aspects of the industry and those who uphold those ideals — probably counted her out a long time ago.

"There’s a consensus in the industry that as a female actor, at about 40, you’re done," the Oscar winner told Dujour. "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. It's definitely changing and moving, but that’s what 'Being the Ricardos' is about."

"Being the Ricardos," available to stream on Amazon Prime Video, finds Kidman portraying the late Lucille Ball opposite Javier Bardem as the late Desi Arnaz.

"Lucille Ball (Nicole Kidman) and Desi Arnaz (Javier Bardem) are threatened by shocking personal accusations, a political smear and cultural taboos in Academy Award®-winning writer and director Aaron Sorkin’s behind-the-scenes drama Being the Ricardos," the official synopsis teases. "A revealing glimpse of the couple’s complex romantic and professional relationship, the film takes audiences into the writers’ room, onto the soundstage and behind closed doors with Ball and Arnaz during one critical production week of their groundbreaking sitcom 'I Love Lucy.'"

Age aside, Kidman has spoken openly about her hesitancy to take on the role of Ball.

Kidman reiterated those fears with Dujour, admitting she was "so frightened" and the negative reactions coursing across the internet from people who thought she was wrong for the role made her doubt herself. Ultimately, though, she was calmed by director Aaron Sorkin's belief in her.

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