Fans of actress Doris Simeon, who captivated audiences with her Yoruba film roles in the 2000s, yearned for her on-screen talent for almost ten years.

Actor Kunle Afod interviewed Doris, during which she talked honestly about her move to America and her absence from the stage, suggesting that her decision to leave Nigeria six years ago was a personal one.

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

After meeting Daniel Ademinokan, a director, on a 2008 film set, Doris wed him; they later got divorced in 2011. David, the couple’s son, was born. The director relocated to America after their divorce and wed Stella Damasus, whom he eventually divorced.

Despite being well settled in the US, Doris claims she still longs for her native Nigeria and its delicious food.

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“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 declared that she will be traveling to Nigeria in the coming year or two.

Following multiple rejections, Doris disclosed that she obtained her visa to visit the United States in 2012. The actress, who co-produced “Omo Iya Kan” and played Da Grin’s fiancée in the 2010 film “Ghetto Dreamz,” revealed that she had tried acting in Abuja in 2009 but had been turned down, and that she had given up hope.

“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.

The 2010 Zafaa Award winner for Best Indigenous Actress claimed that prior to deciding to relocate permanently in 2018, she only traveled to America and back to Nigeria.

It wasn’t easy for the 2008 AMAA Awards’ Best Indigenous Actress to start over in America.

“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,” she said.

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One of the hardest things for the actress, who was honored with the 2015 All Youths Tush Awards AYTA Role Model (Movie) Award, was getting up early for work, she continued.

A situational comedy sitcom called “Papa Ajasco,” created by Wale Adenuga Productions (WAP), gave Doris her first role at an audition. She stated, “The timing can vary depending on the shift, but regardless of the job, individuals still need to wake up early.”

Doris started her acting career as a character in three Papa Ajasco comedy series episodes. She also acted in a number of films, such as Eti Keta, Modupe Temi, Ten Million Naira, Oloju Ede, and Alakada.