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Dona Drake

Dona Drake

Actor · Born 1914-11-15 · Miami, Florida, USA

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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.

Movies & TV Shows

  1. Kansas City Confidential (1952) — Teresa
  2. Road to Morocco (1942) — Mihirmah
  3. Adventures of Superman (1952)
  4. Beyond the Forest (1949) — Jenny
  5. Without Reservations (1946) — Dolores Ortega
  6. Louisiana Purchase (1941) — Beatrice
  7. Another Part of the Forest (1948) — Laurette Sincee
  8. Star Spangled Rhythm (1942) — Dona Drake
  9. The Doolins of Oklahoma (1949) — Cattle Annie
  10. Princess of the Nile (1954) — Mirva
  11. Hollywood Victory Caravan (1945) — Dona Drake
  12. Valentino (1951) — Maria Torres
  13. Strike Me Pink (1936) — Mademoiselle Fifi
  14. The Girl from Jones Beach (1949) — Connie Martin
  15. So This Is New York (1948) — Kate Goff
  16. Fortunes of Captain Blood (1950) — Pepita
  17. Aloma of the South Seas (1941) — Nea
  18. Let's Face It (1943) — Muriel
  19. Dangerous Millions (1946) — Elena Valdez
  20. The Bandits of Corsica (1953) — Zelda
  21. Hot Rhythm (1944) — Mary Adams
  22. Rita Rio and Her Orchestra (1939) — Rita Rio
  23. I Look at You (1941) — Herself
  24. City Detective (1953)
  25. Down Laredo Way (1953) — Narita
  26. Son of Belle Starr (1953) — Dolores
  27. Salute for Three (1943)
  28. Sweet Shoe (1938) — Rita Rio
  29. Feed the Kitty (1941) — Self / Singer (as Rita Rio)
  30. Pan-Americonga (1941) — Rita Rio
  31. Sticks and Stones (1943)