Dona Drake
Acting
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.
Filmography 31
Movies (29)
Princess of the Nile1954Mirva
Down Laredo Way1953Narita
Son of Belle Starr1953Dolores
The Bandits of Corsica1953Zelda
Kansas City Confidential1952Teresa
Valentino1951Maria Torres
Fortunes of Captain Blood1950Pepita
Beyond the Forest1949Jenny
The Girl from Jones Beach1949Connie Martin
The Doolins of Oklahoma1949Cattle Annie
So This Is New York1948Kate Goff
Another Part of the Forest1948Laurette Sincee
Dangerous Millions1946Elena Valdez
Without Reservations1946Dolores Ortega
Hollywood Victory Caravan1945Dona Drake
Hot Rhythm1944Mary Adams
Let's Face It1943Muriel
Salute for Three1943- Sticks and Stones1943
Road to Morocco1942Mihirmah
Star Spangled Rhythm1942Dona Drake
Louisiana Purchase1941Beatrice
Aloma of the South Seas1941Nea
I Look at You1941Herself
Pan-Americonga1941Rita Rio- Feed the Kitty1941Self / Singer (as Rita Rio)
Rita Rio and Her Orchestra1939Rita Rio- Sweet Shoe1938Rita Rio
Strike Me Pink1936Mademoiselle Fifi
Shows (2)
City Detective1953
Adventures of Superman1952