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.
29 movies · 2 shows
Princess of the Nile
1954·7.3
Down Laredo Way
1953·7.0
Son of Belle Starr
1953·7.0
The Bandits of Corsica
1953·6.4
Kansas City Confidential
1952·7.1
Valentino
1951·4.3
Fortunes of Captain Blood
1950·7.3
Beyond the Forest
1949·6.7
The Girl from Jones Beach
1949·5.5
The Doolins of Oklahoma
1949·6.8
So This Is New York
1948·6.7
Another Part of the Forest
1948·7.8
Dangerous Millions
1946·5.4
Without Reservations
1946·6.2
Hollywood Victory Caravan
1945·5.6
Hot Rhythm
1944·5.5
Let's Face It
1943·5.4
Salute for Three
1943·9.0
Sticks and Stones
1943·0.0
Road to Morocco
1942·6.9
Star Spangled Rhythm
1942·6.2
Louisiana Purchase
1941·6.7
Aloma of the South Seas
1941·7.0
I Look at You
1941·8.3
Pan-Americonga
1941·0.0
Feed the Kitty
1941·0.0
Rita Rio and Her Orchestra
1939·4.8
Sweet Shoe
1938·0.0
Strike Me Pink
1936·6.6