Nigerian actress Doris Simeon, known for her roles in Yoruba films during the 2000s, recently shared in an interview with Kunle Afod the ordeal she faced while trying to relocate to America for the sake of her child, who was based in the United States with her ex-husband.
Doris had married filmmaker Daniel Ademinokan in 2008 and had a son named David. However, the couple split in 2011.
Following the divorce, Daniel moved to America and later married Stella Damasus (whom he later divorced).
She said of her decision at that time, “Many people know that my child and his father are in America, and that’s one of the reasons I relocated to America.”
After several trials, Doris explained that she finally got her visa to travel to America in 2012. Tho she only visited America, she decided to move to the States permanently in 2018.
“I left Nigeria in 2018, and since then, I haven’t returned to the country. Even though I miss Nigeria, especially the roadside food and street vendors, I long for my family and friends and being on set, especially when I see actors and actresses sharing behind-the-scenes moments on their social media platforms,” she revealed.
Entering the U.S. she didn’t expect the challenge that she would be faced with.
“If you’re lazy, you’ll suffer, and those who have been here for the past 20 and 50 years aren’t finding life easy. The system wasn’t designed to allow you to afford some bills without working or being given money. If you don’t work, you won’t eat or pay your bills; if the bills aren’t, the person will sleep in the cold. I have done much work since I relocated, such as a delivery job, personal shopper, and hairdresser. I currently work at ‘Heart and Home for Youths, a foster care and group home programs for youth and teen mothers in Maryland. ”
Doris Simeon was a renowned actor of her time and starred in many movies including ‘Papa Ajasco’, Oloju Ede, Alakada, Ten Million Naira, Modupe Temi, and Eti Keta, amongst others. She was also a recipient of the All Youths Tush Awards AYTA Role Model (Movie) Award in 2015, the Zafaa Award winner for Best Indigenous Actress in 2010, and the 2008 AMAA Awards’ Best Indigenous Actress.
She currently works as a hairdresser in the United States.
