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.
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.
External links
IMDb: https://www.imdb.com/title/nm0236888
Wikipedia: https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q3035962
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Filmography (Movies)
Princess of the Nile
Character:Mirva
Release Date:01/07/1954
Down Laredo Way
Character:Narita
Release Date:05/08/1953
Son of Belle Starr
Character:Dolores
Release Date:26/06/1953
The Bandits of Corsica
Character:Zelda
Release Date:27/02/1953
Kansas City Confidential
Character:Teresa
Release Date:11/11/1952
Valentino
Character:Maria Torres
Release Date:08/03/1951
Fortunes of Captain Blood
Character:Pepita
Release Date:19/05/1950
Beyond the Forest
Character:Jenny
Release Date:21/10/1949
The Girl from Jones Beach
Character:Connie Martin
Release Date:16/07/1949
The Doolins of Oklahoma
Character:Cattle Annie
Release Date:27/05/1949
So This Is New York
Character:Kate Goff
Release Date:01/06/1948
Another Part of the Forest
Character:Laurette Sincee
Release Date:18/05/1948
Dangerous Millions
Character:Elena Valdez
Release Date:27/11/1946
Without Reservations
Character:Dolores Ortega
Release Date:13/05/1946
Hollywood Victory Caravan
Character:Dona Drake
Release Date:30/09/1945
Hot Rhythm
Character:Mary Adams
Release Date:22/04/1944
Let's Face It
Character:Muriel
Release Date:04/08/1943
Salute for Three
Character:
Release Date:17/03/1943
Sticks and Stones
Character:
Release Date:25/01/1943
Road to Morocco
Character:Mihirmah
Release Date:10/11/1942
Star Spangled Rhythm
Character:Dona Drake
Release Date:05/03/1942
Louisiana Purchase
Character:Beatrice
Release Date:31/12/1941
Aloma of the South Seas
Character:Nea
Release Date:27/08/1941
I Look at You
Character:Herself
Release Date:20/02/1941
Pan-Americonga
Character:Rita Rio
Release Date:16/02/1941
Feed the Kitty
Character:Self / Singer (as Rita Rio)
Release Date:01/01/1941
Rita Rio and Her Orchestra
Character:Rita Rio
Release Date:01/07/1939
Sweet Shoe
Character:Rita Rio
Release Date:04/01/1938
Strike Me Pink
Character:Mademoiselle Fifi
Release Date:24/01/1936
Television Appearances
Images
