Dona Drake
Acting
Born 1914-11-15
Died 1989-06-20
Miami, Florida, USA
31 credits
Read 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.
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Filmography
Acting
27 credits
Kansas City Confidential
Hollywood Victory Caravan
Princess of the Nile
Beyond the Forest
Without Reservations
Valentino
Road to Morocco
So This Is New York
Star Spangled Rhythm
Aloma of the South Seas
The Doolins of Oklahoma
Fortunes of Captain Blood
Hot Rhythm
Another Part of the Forest
Strike Me Pink
Louisiana Purchase
Son of Belle Starr
Sweet Shoe
The Bandits of Corsica
Feed the Kitty
Dangerous Millions
Pan-Americonga
Let's Face It
The Girl from Jones Beach
I Look at You
Rita Rio and Her Orchestra
Down Laredo Way
Other credits
4 credits
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