Veteran Nollywood actress Dupe Jayesimi has courageously opened up about her painful journey through infertility, marital struggles, and the deep emotional toll of childlessness. In a heartfelt interview on Biola Bayo’s podcast, “Talk to B,” the respected thespian shared her raw and emotional story, offering inspiration and hope despite years of personal heartbreak.
Jayesimi revealed that she suffered a miscarriage during her first pregnancy, which marked the beginning of intense marital disputes that eventually led to divorce. The actress recounted how her former husband quickly moved on, bringing his pregnant girlfriend into the home they once shared — an act that left her shattered.
In the interview, Dupe also shared her IVF journey, disclosing that she went through two failed rounds of the procedure, each one leaving her emotionally drained and physically exhausted. She described seeing “a drop of blood every evening,” a painful reminder of unfulfilled motherhood.
“I was 40 years old when I got pregnant. But the doctors discovered the baby was behind my womb. I felt like the ground should open and swallow me,” she recalled.
Despite not having children of her own, Jayesimi expressed gratitude for the role she played in raising other people’s children, though many of them no longer stay in touch.
“So many children I took care of don’t even look back to check on me — whether it’s my younger sister’s child or others,” she lamented.
The actress, who said she hasn’t worked in seven years, also expressed concern about financial hardship in her old age, saying her only source of income, theatre, is no longer as rewarding as it once was.
“I pray not to suffer in old age,” she said. “I haven’t had a child of my own to celebrate me. Not even for my 60th birthday.”
Jayesimi also revealed how the pain of her divorce once pushed her to alcohol, despite not being a drinker by nature.
“After I left my husband’s house, two weeks later, he brought in a pregnant woman. I cried. That’s when I started drinking — something I never used to do,” she admitted.
Yet, in the face of all these trials, Dupe Jayesimi remains hopeful and resilient. Her father’s advice to never fight over property, money, or men still guides her.
“As long as there’s life, there’s hope,” she concluded. “No one will die and be left by the roadside just because they didn’t give birth.”