- Born
- Died
- Place
Dona Drake
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.
As actor
Princess of the Nile
The Bandits of Corsica
Down Laredo Way
Son of Belle Starr
Kansas City Confidential
Valentino
Fortunes of Captain Blood
Beyond the Forest
The Girl from Jones Beach
The Doolins of Oklahoma
So This Is New York
Another Part of the Forest
Without Reservations
Dangerous Millions
Hollywood Victory Caravan
Hot Rhythm
Let's Face It
Sticks and Stones
Salute for Three
Star Spangled Rhythm
Road to Morocco
Louisiana Purchase
Aloma of the South Seas
Feed the Kitty
Pan-Americonga
I Look at You
Rita Rio and Her Orchestra
Sweet Shoe
Strike Me Pink