Naomi has a pal in Nicole

NAOMI WATTS has revealed that Nicole Kidman helped save her from the crippling low self- esteem that nearly ended her Hollywood career before it began.

The 46- year- old actress, right, who met Nicole, 47, in the coming- of- age comedy- drama fi lm Flirting in 1991, said the Grace Of Monaco star pushed and supported her throughout the 1990s when she was broke and with few friends.

“I was lucky that Nicole Kidman was always there to support me, console me, keep my spirits up and help me believe in myself. She’s been such a good friend over the years,” she says.

“It was scary trying to fi nd work and having no money and no medical insurance. I had very few friends and would spend days alone, sitting in cafés feeling miserable. “Even when I started becoming famous I never forgot what it felt like to worry about making ends meet.”

Naomi, who went on to star in blockbuster fi lms such as The Ring and King Kong and has bagged herself Oscar and Golden Globe Best Actress nominations, says she has moved past the dark days and found happiness in her personal life. The actress, who has sons

Alexander, seven, and Samuel, six, with long- term partner Liev Schreiber, tells US OK! magazine: “Early in my career I was drawn to darker material but now I have so much joy in my family life that I don’t want to spoil that mood.

“I feel such a warmth with Liev and the boys. I look forward to everything now.”