Nigerian Actress, Doris Simeon Reveals Why She Relocated To America

Nollywood actress, Doris Simeon has revealed why she relocated to the United States.

In an interview with actor Kunle Afod, the movie star stated that her decision to leave Nigeria six years ago was personal.

She said: “Many people know that my child and his father are in America, and that’s one of the reasons I relocated to America.”

Doris tied the knot with filmmaker Daniel Ademinokan, whom she met on a movie set in 2008, but they parted ways in 2011 after their marriage was blessed with a son named David.

Following their divorce, Daniel relocated to America, where he later married actress Stella Damasus before their subsequent separation.

Despite settling down in the US, Doris confessed to missing her homeland, particularly the flavors of Nigerian cuisine.

She said, “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.”

The 44-year-old actress said she intends to revisit Nigeria within the next one to two years.

Speaking on her journey to America, Doris said obtained her US visa in 2012 after encountering numerous setbacks.

Recounting her struggles, she disclosed that her initial attempt in Abuja in 2009 was unsuccessful, leaving her disheartened.

The actress said, “I did the one I got in Lagos State, and when I wanted to go for the interview, I went to get a place to sleep on the Island to reach the embassy early because I was living on the Mainland.

“But I discovered I had left my passport at home. So, I decided to return to Akute on the Mainland to pick it up, but I encountered heavy traffic. When I arrived in Akute, my friend who was living there brought it for me.

“There was heavy traffic on the Third Mainland bridge, but I reached the embassy’s parking lot by 7:00 AM and began searching for my visa receipt. I gave up and planned to return home before finding the receipt in my wallet.

“Upon reaching the embassy, they only asked me what I was going for, and I said an award. They inquired if it was NEA, and I confirmed. They searched the movie online, found my name, and that’s how I obtained my visa,’’ she recalled.

Although she initially visited America and returned to Nigeria, Doris made the decision to permanently relocate in 2018.

Transitioning to life in America presented its challenges for the actress, who currently works as a hairdresser.

Doris Simeon said, “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, recipient of the 2015 All Youths Tush Awards AYTA Role Model (Movie) Award, highlighted the early morning work routine as one of the toughest aspects of her new life.

Drawing from her early acting experiences in Nigeria, Doris emphasized the importance of rising early, regardless of the job.

She said, “The timing can vary depending on the shift, but regardless of the job, individuals still need to wake up early.”

Having kickstarted her acting journey with cameo appearances in Wale Adenuga Productions’ ‘Papa Ajasco,’ Doris has appeared in various movies, including Oloju Ede, Alakada, Ten Million Naira, Modupe Temi, and Eti Keta.

KanyiDaily recalls that actress Stella Damasus had opened up about her failed third marriage with Daniel Ademinokan.