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.
Known For
Credits
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Princess of the Nile 1954Mirva★ 7.1 -
City Detective 1953★ 7 -
Down Laredo Way 1953Narita★ NR -
Son of Belle Starr 1953Dolores★ NR -
Zelda★ 5.8 -
Teresa★ 7.1 -
★ 6.7 -
Valentino 1951Maria Torres★ 4.3 -
Pepita★ 7.1 -
Beyond the Forest 1949Jenny★ 6.8 -
Connie Martin★ 5.4 -
Cattle Annie★ 6.8 -
So This Is New York 1948Kate Goff★ 6 -
Laurette Sincee★ 7.6 -
Dangerous Millions 1946Elena Valdez★ 4.8 -
Without Reservations 1946Dolores Ortega★ 6.2 -
Dona Drake★ 5.2 -
Hot Rhythm 1944Mary Adams★ 4.7 -
Let's Face It 1943Muriel★ 4.5 -
Salute for Three 1943★ NR -
Sticks and Stones 1943★ NR -
Road to Morocco 1942Mihirmah★ 6.9 -
Star Spangled Rhythm 1942Dona Drake★ 5.9 -
Louisiana Purchase 1941Beatrice★ 6.6 -
Nea★ 6.3 -
I Look at You 1941Herself★ 7.5 -
Pan-Americonga 1941Rita Rio★ NR -
Feed the Kitty 1941Self / Singer (as Rita Rio)★ NR
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Rita Rio★ 4 -
Sweet Shoe 1938Rita Rio★ NR
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Strike Me Pink 1936Mademoiselle Fifi★ 6.6
