Dona Drake
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.
Acting
Movie
Kansas City Confidential
as Teresa
1952
Movie
Road to Morocco
as Mihirmah
1942
TV
Adventures of Superman
1952
Movie
Beyond the Forest
as Jenny
1949
Movie
Without Reservations
as Dolores Ortega
1946
Movie
Louisiana Purchase
as Beatrice
1941
Movie
Another Part of the Forest
as Laurette Sincee
1948
Movie
Star Spangled Rhythm
as Dona Drake
1942
Movie
The Doolins of Oklahoma
as Cattle Annie
1949
Movie
Princess of the Nile
as Mirva
1954
Movie
Hollywood Victory Caravan
as Dona Drake
1945
Movie
Valentino
as Maria Torres
1951
Movie
Strike Me Pink
as Mademoiselle Fifi
1936
Movie
The Girl from Jones Beach
as Connie Martin
1949
Movie
So This Is New York
as Kate Goff
1948
Movie
Fortunes of Captain Blood
as Pepita
1950
Movie
Aloma of the South Seas
as Nea
1941
Movie
Let's Face It
as Muriel
1943
Movie
Dangerous Millions
as Elena Valdez
1946
Movie
The Bandits of Corsica
as Zelda
1953
Movie
Hot Rhythm
as Mary Adams
1944
Movie
I Look at You
as Herself
1941
Movie
Rita Rio and Her Orchestra
as Rita Rio
1939
TV
City Detective
1953