Dona Drake
- Known for
- Acting
- Born
- November 15, 1914
- Died
- June 20, 1989
- Birthplace
- Miami, 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.
Filmography
Princess of the Nile 1954
as Mirva
Down Laredo Way 1953
as Narita
Son of Belle Starr 1953
as Dolores
The Bandits of Corsica 1953
as Zelda
Kansas City Confidential 1952
as Teresa
Valentino 1951
as Maria Torres
Fortunes of Captain Blood 1950
as Pepita
Beyond the Forest 1949
as Jenny
The Girl from Jones Beach 1949
as Connie Martin
The Doolins of Oklahoma 1949
as Cattle Annie
So This Is New York 1948
as Kate Goff
Another Part of the Forest 1948
as Laurette Sincee
Dangerous Millions 1946
as Elena Valdez
Without Reservations 1946
as Dolores Ortega
Hollywood Victory Caravan 1945
as Dona Drake
Hot Rhythm 1944
as Mary Adams
Let's Face It 1943
as Muriel
Salute for Three 1943
Actor
- Sticks and Stones
Sticks and Stones 1943
Actor
Road to Morocco 1942
as Mihirmah
Star Spangled Rhythm 1942
as Dona Drake
Louisiana Purchase 1941
as Beatrice
Aloma of the South Seas 1941
as Nea
I Look at You 1941
as Herself
- Feed the Kitty
Feed the Kitty 1941
as Self / Singer (as Rita Rio)
Rita Rio and Her Orchestra 1939
as Rita Rio
- Sweet Shoe
Sweet Shoe 1938
as Rita Rio
Strike Me Pink 1936
as Mademoiselle Fifi
Credits from TMDB.