Veteran Nollywood actress Dupe Jayesimi has shared a deeply personal revelation about her struggles with childlessness, attributing her situation to her mother’s influence over her life choices. In an emotional interview, the 60-year-old actress recounted how her mother’s advice and decisions significantly shaped her journey, ultimately affecting her ability to have children.
A Lifetime of Regret?
Speaking during a recent television appearance, Jayesimi disclosed that she had multiple opportunities to start a family but was often discouraged by her mother, who insisted that marriage and motherhood would derail her acting career.
“I was young and eager to please my mother, who always told me that having children too soon would end my career before it even started. She believed I needed to focus on success first, and I listened. Now, at 60, I look back with regret,” she said.
The actress, known for her roles in classic Yoruba movies, admitted that she did not realize the full impact of her decisions until it was too late.
A Painful Realization
Jayesimi revealed that by the time she was ready to settle down and have children, medical complications and age-related factors made conception difficult. Despite attempts at fertility treatments and even considering adoption, she expressed sadness over never experiencing motherhood firsthand.
“I tried IVF multiple times, but it didn’t work. Adoption was an option, but by then, I was too emotionally drained. It’s painful because I love children, and I always imagined having my own.”
Mixed Reactions from Fans and Colleagues
Following her revelations, social media has been flooded with reactions, with some expressing sympathy and others debating the role of parental influence in life decisions.
Fellow actress Bimbo Akintola commented, “It’s heartbreaking to hear her story. We need to teach young women to balance career ambitions with personal fulfillment. No one should have to choose one over the other.”
Others, however, argued that personal decisions should not be blamed solely on parental advice. One Twitter user wrote, “At the end of the day, we all make our own choices. Parents can advise, but it’s up to us to decide what we want.”
A Message to Young Women
Despite her regrets, Jayesimi said she hopes her story serves as a lesson for younger women.
“Chase your dreams, but don’t ignore your personal life. You can have both, and you deserve both,” she advised.
The actress remains active in the film industry and continues to inspire many with her talent and resilience. While she has made peace with her past, she acknowledges that the pain of what could have been still lingers.
Her story reignites conversations on the delicate balance between career, family, and personal happiness in modern society. As discussions continue, many hope that younger generations will learn from her experience and make informed choices that align with both their professional and personal aspirations.
