Dona Drake
- Known for
- Acting
- Born
- November 15, 1914
- Died
- June 20, 1989 (aged 74)
- Birthplace
- 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
Photos
Filmography
Princess of the Nile
Movie · as Mirva
The Bandits of Corsica
Movie · as Zelda
Down Laredo Way
Movie · as Narita
Son of Belle Starr
Movie · as Dolores
City Detective
TV · 1 ep
Kansas City Confidential
Movie · as Teresa
Adventures of Superman
TV · 1 ep
Valentino
Movie · as Maria Torres
Fortunes of Captain Blood
Movie · as Pepita
Beyond the Forest
Movie · as Jenny
The Girl from Jones Beach
Movie · as Connie Martin
The Doolins of Oklahoma
Movie · as Cattle Annie
So This Is New York
Movie · as Kate Goff
Another Part of the Forest
Movie · as Laurette Sincee
Without Reservations
Movie · as Dolores Ortega
Dangerous Millions
Movie · as Elena Valdez
Hollywood Victory Caravan
Movie · as Dona Drake
Hot Rhythm
Movie · as Mary Adams
Let's Face It
Movie · as Muriel
Sticks and Stones
Movie
Salute for Three
Movie
Star Spangled Rhythm
Movie · as Dona Drake
Road to Morocco
Movie · as Mihirmah
Louisiana Purchase
Movie · as Beatrice
Aloma of the South Seas
Movie · as Nea
Feed the Kitty
Movie · as Self / Singer (as Rita Rio)
I Look at You
Movie · as Herself
Rita Rio and Her Orchestra
Movie · as Rita Rio
Sweet Shoe
Movie · as Rita Rio
Strike Me Pink
Movie · as Mademoiselle Fifi