Dona Drake
Known for Acting
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.
Filmography
Fortunes of Captain Blood
1950
as Pepita
So This Is New York
1948
as Kate Goff
Son of Belle Starr
1953
as Dolores
Without Reservations
1946
as Dolores Ortega
Aloma of the South Seas
1941
as Nea
The Doolins of Oklahoma
1949
as Cattle Annie
Hot Rhythm
1944
as Mary Adams
Pan-Americonga
1941
as Rita Rio
The Girl from Jones Beach
1949
as Connie Martin
Road to Morocco
1942
as Mihirmah
Kansas City Confidential
1952
as Teresa
Valentino
1951
as Maria Torres
The Bandits of Corsica
1953
as Zelda
Beyond the Forest
1949
as Jenny
Princess of the Nile
1954
as Mirva
Hollywood Victory Caravan
1945
as Dona Drake
Star Spangled Rhythm
1942
as Dona Drake
Strike Me Pink
1936
as Mademoiselle Fifi
Another Part of the Forest
1948
as Laurette Sincee
Louisiana Purchase
1941
as Beatrice