Dona Drake
Actor
- Born
- November 15, 1914 · Miami, Florida, USA
- Died
- June 20, 1989 (age 74)
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.
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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
Kansas City Confidential
November 11, 1952
Road to Morocco
November 10, 1942
Beyond the Forest
October 21, 1949
Without Reservations
May 13, 1946
Louisiana Purchase
December 31, 1941
Another Part of the Forest
May 18, 1948
Star Spangled Rhythm
March 5, 1942
The Doolins of Oklahoma
May 27, 1949
Princess of the Nile
July 1, 1954
Hollywood Victory Caravan
September 30, 1945
Valentino
March 8, 1951
Strike Me Pink
January 24, 1936
Acting28
- 1954Princess of the Nile as Mirva
- 1953Down Laredo Way as Narita
- 1953Son of Belle Starr as Dolores
- 1953The Bandits of Corsica as Zelda
- 1952Kansas City Confidential as Teresa
- 1951Valentino as Maria Torres
- 1950Fortunes of Captain Blood as Pepita
- 1949Beyond the Forest as Jenny
- 1949The Girl from Jones Beach as Connie Martin
- 1949The Doolins of Oklahoma