“No One Celebrated Me At 60” — Veteran Actress Dupe Jayesimi Opens Up On Painful Childlessness

Veteran Nollywood actress, Dupe Jayesimi, has revealed her heartbreaking experience of living without a child at the age of 60. During a raw and emotional interview on the ‘Talk to B’ podcast, the popular Yoruba actress spoke about her lonely journey and the pain of childlessness.

Reflecting on her recent birthday, Jayesimi confessed that the occasion was filled with sorrow rather than joy.

“Nobody celebrated me on my 60th birthday. I know how children celebrate their parents. But I have none to celebrate me or throw a party for me. On the day of my birthday, I gave someone money to prepare food and shared it for people in my name, and I left the house to cry myself out in a hotel for some days,” she lamented.

A Shattered Marital Dream

Jayesimi recounted her marital journey, which began with high hopes when she got married on October 22, 1988. At the time, she was not fully into acting, and her husband's work schedule required him to be away for two weeks at a time.

The actress disclosed that she was already pregnant before the marriage but tragically suffered a miscarriage shortly after the wedding. After seeking medical help, she was informed that a procedure was necessary to enable her to conceive.

She recalled: “After a series of medical tests, they said they will open my body for me to get pregnant. I informed my husband, and he told me to go ahead. But when I was open, he disappeared for three months. When he returned, he told me to pack my things and leave.”

In a shocking revelation, Jayesimi stated that her husband quickly moved on and married another woman two weeks after she left him, adding that the woman was already pregnant for him before their marriage ended.

Opinion: Dupe Jayesimi’s Story Mirrors A Deep Societal Stigma

Dupe Jayesimi’s heartbreaking experience is a painful reminder of the unjust stigma and societal pressure placed on women regarding childbearing. Her story is one of resilience and courage, yet it also highlights how women are often blamed or abandoned when things don’t go as planned.

The Nollywood star’s candid interview reflects the deep-rooted expectations placed on women in African societies, where childbearing is often viewed as a measure of worth and fulfillment. The tragedy of her story is compounded by her husband’s betrayal—an all-too-common occurrence for many women who face rejection when fertility issues arise.

But what stands out the most is the emotional isolation she has endured, celebrating her milestone birthday in tears, alone in a hotel. It’s a powerful image of strength and sorrow, illustrating how personal pain often hides beneath the glamour of fame.

The question we must ask ourselves is: Why is society so quick to blame women for fertility issues? And how can we build a culture of empathy, understanding, and emotional support for those who are unable to have children?

Dupe Jayesimi’s courage in sharing her story is a wake-up call to address the harmful stereotypes surrounding childlessness. Her experience should inspire more conversations about emotional healing and acceptance.

What are your thoughts on her story? Shouldn’t society be more compassionate and understanding towards women dealing with infertility?