The 42-year-old actress has starred in dozens of blockbuster films during the course of her 20-year career, including Moulin Rouge!, The Hours, Cold Mountain and Nine. Her fame is such that Nicole is approached by fans no matter where she goes, which is something she still finds hard to believe.

“It still blows my mind that I can go to places in the world that I’ve never been and people know who I am,” she said. “It makes the world feel smaller; it’s a very warm feeling. People love Moulin Rogue! – that always seems to be the movie they mention.” Nicole loves meeting fans from different cultures, but says being able to make a difference in the world is the best thing about being famous. The star is a global goodwill ambassador for the United Nations Development Fund for Women (UNIFEM) and says the role is one of the most rewarding things she has ever done.

“UNIFEM is my passion in terms of women’s rights and gender equality,” she told British magazine Hello! “They work tirelessly to eradicate violence against women, to make sure laws are either implemented or upheld to protect women and to help every girl in the world to receive an education.

“I was raised by a feminist mother. I want to give back and protect women because if you do that you protect families