Dona Drake
Born: 1914-11-15 in Miami, Florida, USA
Died: 1989-06-20
Known For: 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
1954
- Princess of the Nile as Mirva
1953
- City Detective
- Son of Belle Starr as Dolores
- Down Laredo Way as Narita
- The Bandits of Corsica as Zelda
1952
1951
- Valentino as Maria Torres
1950
- Fortunes of Captain Blood as Pepita
1949
- The Doolins of Oklahoma as Cattle Annie
- Beyond the Forest as Jenny
- The Girl from Jones Beach as Connie Martin
1948
- So This Is New York as Kate Goff
- Another Part of the Forest as Laurette Sincee
1946
- Without Reservations as Dolores Ortega
- Dangerous Millions as Elena Valdez
1945
- Hollywood Victory Caravan as Dona Drake
1944
- Hot Rhythm as Mary Adams
1943
- Let's Face It as Muriel
- Salute for Three
- Sticks and Stones
1942
- Road to Morocco as Mihirmah
- Star Spangled Rhythm as Dona Drake
1941
- Louisiana Purchase as Beatrice
- Pan-Americonga as Rita Rio
- Aloma of the South Seas as Nea
- Feed the Kitty as Self / Singer (as Rita Rio)
- I Look at You as Herself
1939
- Rita Rio and Her Orchestra as Rita Rio
1938
- Sweet Shoe as Rita Rio
1936
- Strike Me Pink as Mademoiselle Fifi