Dona Drake

Known for ActingBorn 1914-11-15Died 1989-06-20Miami, Florida, USA

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.Read more

Movies & web series

Salute for Three

I Look at You

Another Part of the Forest

City Detective

Princess of the Nile

Fortunes of Captain Blood

Kansas City Confidential

Down Laredo Way

Son of Belle Starr

Aloma of the South Seas

Road to Morocco

The Doolins of Oklahoma

Beyond the Forest

So This Is New York

Adventures of Superman

Louisiana Purchase

Strike Me Pink

The Bandits of Corsica

Without Reservations

Star Spangled Rhythm

Hollywood Victory Caravan

The Girl from Jones Beach

Hot Rhythm

Dangerous Millions

Let's Face It

Valentino

Rita Rio and Her Orchestra

Sticks and Stones

Feed the Kitty

Pan-Americonga

Sweet Shoe