Speaking at the 2024 Women of Valour Conference in Accra, Ghana, the actress revealed that she came to the UK in 2002 after giving up her career because she was resolving personal matters.
She claims that she began working as a caregiver for persons with special needs while she was living in the UK. While some may consider Rita's work as a caregiver to be a "step-down," she didn't see it that way because caring for others gave her happiness and meaning.
In 2001/2002, I gave up performing. I moved to London during a very bad time in my life and abandoned the [movie] profession. I had a falling out with a few friends who I thought were relatives. And I simply stopped performing for a bit. I needed to take a moment to get away from that area.
After that, I gave up on fame and relocated to London. I've never told anyone this before, and you won't believe it. I started working as a caregiver for persons with special needs in a care home while I was in London because I was struggling to make ends meet. I don't see it as a step down, even though some people might. When I most needed it, taking care of other people gave me happiness and a purpose, the woman remarked.