Dona Drake
Acting
Born: 1914-11-15 in Miami, Florida, USA
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
Kansas City Confidential
Teresa
Valentino
Maria Torres
Without Reservations
Dolores Ortega
Hollywood Victory Caravan
Dona Drake
Princess of the Nile
Mirva
Road to Morocco
Mihirmah
Fortunes of Captain Blood
Pepita
Dangerous Millions
Elena Valdez
Another Part of the Forest
Laurette Sincee
Aloma of the South Seas
Nea
So This Is New York
Kate Goff
The Doolins of Oklahoma
Cattle Annie
The Girl from Jones Beach
Connie Martin
Beyond the Forest
Jenny
Down Laredo Way
Narita
Son of Belle Starr
Dolores
Salute for Three
Louisiana Purchase
Beatrice
Strike Me Pink
Mademoiselle Fifi
Star Spangled Rhythm
Dona Drake
Hot Rhythm
Mary Adams
I Look at You
Herself
Let's Face It
Muriel
Rita Rio and Her Orchestra
Rita Rio
Sticks and Stones
The Bandits of Corsica
Zelda