Nicole Kidman's agent had to convince her that her career wasn't over at 40

• Nicole Kidman is one of the busiest working actors in Hollywood.
• But when she turned 40, she wasn't sure how much longer she'd have a career.
• Kidman recalled her agent convincing her that 40 wasn't the end for her.

Nicole Kidman has reached new heights in her career over the last decade. It's not something she expected — in fact, when she was 40, she thought her career might be winding down for good.

In an interview with The Hollywood Reporter published Wednesday, Kidman reflected on her prolific acting career and her eventual foray into producing. She recalled being in her early 40s, after producing and starring in the 2010 film "Rabbit Hole," and feeling like her days in the industry were numbered.

"It was at that crossroads, actually, where you go, 'Oh, I'm either going to drift away now or things will solidify,'" Kidman, now 57, told THR. "You were told to retire at a certain age."

Kidman said her agent convinced her she had plenty of work still ahead of her.

"My agent, Kevin Huvane, when I was 40, was like, 'It's not over, Nicole. It's going to begin now.' And I was like, "What? No, I think it's over,' and he's like, 'Uh-uh,'" she said.

Huvane, who is also Meryl Streep's agent, turned out to be right. Kidman is more in demand than ever, toplining six separate projects this year alone, including the Taylor Sheridan spy thriller "Lioness," the hit Netflix series "The Perfect Couple," and the upcoming A24 erotic drama "Babygirl." The latter is already being lauded as Kidman's most interesting and daring role in years.

Kidman credited her support system, including her producing partner, her husband Keith Urban, and their two daughters, Sunday Rose, 16, and Faith, 13, with keeping her career thriving. She also noted that things seem to be changing in the industry for the better.

"People are living longer and there's more to be said, and more stories to be told," Kidman said.

"It's about whether you still feel vibrant and alive. And that has a lot to do with nourishing your soul and staying in a place of curiosity and not sleepy," she added. "Dreamy is good, but not sleepy."