Dona Drake
Biography
Dona Drake (born Eunice Westmoreland on November 15, 1914) was an African-American singer, dancer, and film actress active in the 1930s and 1940s. Despite her heritage, she often identified as Mexican or of Latin descent to navigate Hollywood’s racial landscape. Over her career, she was frequently cast in ethnic roles, portraying Hispanic, Middle Eastern, and European characters. She performed under various stage names, including Una Novella, Rita Novella, and Rita Rio. In the early 1940s, she led an all-girl orchestra and gained recognition for her musical and dance performances. She appeared in films such as Kansas City Confidential (1952), Louisiana Purchase (1941), and Road to Morocco (1942). Despite her talents, she remained a supporting actress rather than a leading star. Dona Drake passed away on June 20, 1989, due to pneumonia and respiratory failure. Her ashes were scattered at sea near Point Fermin in California.
Known For
Adventures of Superman
City Detective
Road to Morocco
Princess of the Nile
Beyond the Forest
So This Is New York
Kansas City Confidential
Valentino
All Movies (29)
- Princess of the Nile1954 · as Mirva
- Down Laredo Way1953 · as Narita
- Son of Belle Starr1953 · as Dolores
- The Bandits of Corsica1953 · as Zelda
- Kansas City Confidential1952 · as Teresa
- Valentino1951 · as Maria Torres
- Fortunes of Captain Blood1950 · as Pepita
- Beyond the Forest1949 · as Jenny
- The Girl from Jones Beach1949 · as Connie Martin
- The Doolins of Oklahoma1949 · as Cattle Annie
- So This Is New York1948 · as Kate Goff
- Another Part of the Forest1948 · as Laurette Sincee
- Dangerous Millions1946 · as Elena Valdez
- Without Reservations1946 · as Dolores Ortega
- Hollywood Victory Caravan1945 · as Dona Drake
- Hot Rhythm1944 · as Mary Adams
- Let's Face It1943 · as Muriel
- Salute for Three1943
- Sticks and Stones1943
- Road to Morocco1942 · as Mihirmah
- Star Spangled Rhythm1942 · as Dona Drake
- Louisiana Purchase1941 · as Beatrice
- Aloma of the South Seas1941 · as Nea
- I Look at You1941 · as Herself
- Pan-Americonga1941 · as Rita Rio
- Feed the Kitty1941 · as Self / Singer (as Rita Rio)
- Rita Rio and Her Orchestra1939 · as Rita Rio
- Sweet Shoe1938 · as Rita Rio
- Strike Me Pink1936 · as Mademoiselle Fifi