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.

Most Known For

Adventures of Superman

City Detective

Valentino

as Maria Torres

Without Reservations

as Dolores Ortega

Sweet Shoe

as Rita Rio

Pan-Americonga

as Rita Rio

Hot Rhythm

as Mary Adams

Kansas City Confidential

as Teresa

Road to Morocco

as Mihirmah

The Doolins of Oklahoma

as Cattle Annie

Princess of the Nile

as Mirva

Star Spangled Rhythm

as Dona Drake

Aloma of the South Seas

as Nea

Beyond the Forest

as Jenny

Fortunes of Captain Blood

as Pepita

The Girl from Jones Beach

as Connie Martin

Son of Belle Starr

as Dolores

The Bandits of Corsica

as Zelda

So This Is New York

as Kate Goff

Strike Me Pink

as Mademoiselle Fifi