London, June 22 (Inditop.com) Australian actress Nicole Kidman marked her 42nd birthday by paying tribute to her father who stood by her when her marriage with Tom Cruise fell apart.

The actress celebrated her birthday Saturday, a day before Father’s Day and decided to use the occasion to honour her father, Anthony, who she credited for his “wonderful” help after her split from ex-husband Tom Cruise in 2001, reported contactmusic.com.

“When my marriage to Tom Cruise fell apart, I really needed to reach out to my dad, and he was wonderful. He stood by me, comforted me… at a time when I really needed to see it, the way that a man can be strong, dignified and loving,” said Kidman.

“I’m very grateful that I had such a good father to see me through that time because it put me in good stead for trusting again the next time I fell in love. My father is a very good and decent man,” she added.