Dona Drake

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.

Known For

Princess of the Nile 1954 ★ 7.3
City Detective 1953 ★ 7.5
Son of Belle Starr 1953 ★ 7.0
The Bandits of Corsica 1953 ★ 6.4
Down Laredo Way 1953 ★ 7.0
Adventures of Superman 1952 ★ 6.7
Kansas City Confidential 1952 ★ 7.1
Valentino 1951 ★ 4.3
Fortunes of Captain Blood 1950 ★ 7.3
Beyond the Forest 1949 ★ 6.7
The Doolins of Oklahoma 1949 ★ 6.8
The Girl from Jones Beach 1949 ★ 5.5
So This Is New York 1948 ★ 6.7
Another Part of the Forest 1948 ★ 7.8
Without Reservations 1946 ★ 6.2
Dangerous Millions 1946 ★ 5.4
Hollywood Victory Caravan 1945 ★ 5.6
Hot Rhythm 1944 ★ 5.5
Let's Face It 1943 ★ 5.4
Star Spangled Rhythm 1942 ★ 6.2
Road to Morocco 1942 ★ 6.9
Aloma of the South Seas 1941 ★ 7.0
Louisiana Purchase 1941 ★ 6.7
Strike Me Pink 1936 ★ 6.6