At the Women of Valour Conference in Accra in 2024, Nollywood actress Rita Dominic opened up about a transformative period in her life when she stepped away from the limelight to embark on a journey of personal growth and reflection.
Dominic revealed that personal challenges led her to relocate to London in the early 2000s, resulting in a temporary hiatus from her acting career.
“In 2001/2002, I stopped acting. I left the [movie] industry and moved to London because it was a very dark period in my life,” she shared. “I had disagreements with close friends who I considered family, and I needed a break from acting to navigate through that difficult time.”
During her time in London, Dominic found herself drawn to a different path – caring for adults with special needs. She took up a job as a caregiver in a care home, where she found solace and fulfillment in helping others during their times of need.
“While in London, I made ends meet by working as a caregiver in a care home for adults with special needs. It’s something I’ve never shared publicly before,” she admitted. “Although some may see it as a step down from my acting career, I saw it as an opportunity to find joy and purpose in caring for others.”
Despite the significant shift from the glamour of Nollywood to the compassionate realm of caregiving, Dominic’s passion for acting remained steadfast. Eventually, she found her way back to the industry where she initially gained fame.
Since her breakout role in “A Time to Kill” in 1998, Dominic has established herself as a beloved icon in Nollywood, starring in numerous successful films. Furthermore, her journey inspired her to venture into film production, where she continues to make meaningful contributions to the industry.