Dona Drake
Acting • Born 1914-11-15 – Died 1989-06-20
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
31 credits
Kansas City Confidential
Movie • 1952
Teresa
Fortunes of Captain Blood
Movie • 1950
Pepita
Beyond the Forest
Movie • 1949
Jenny
Sweet Shoe
Movie • 1938
Rita Rio
Louisiana Purchase
Movie • 1941
Beatrice
So This Is New York
Movie • 1948
Kate Goff
Star Spangled Rhythm
Movie • 1942
Dona Drake
The Bandits of Corsica
Movie • 1953
Zelda
The Girl from Jones Beach
Movie • 1949
Connie Martin
The Doolins of Oklahoma
Movie • 1949
Cattle Annie
Princess of the Nile
Movie • 1954
Mirva
Aloma of the South Seas
Movie • 1941
Nea
Feed the Kitty
Movie • 1941
Self / Singer (as Rita Rio)
Pan-Americonga
Movie • 1941
Rita Rio
Down Laredo Way
Movie • 1953
Narita
Valentino
Movie • 1951
Maria Torres
Hot Rhythm
Movie • 1944
Mary Adams
Strike Me Pink
Movie • 1936
Mademoiselle Fifi
Without Reservations
Movie • 1946
Dolores Ortega
Let's Face It
Movie • 1943
Muriel
I Look at You
Movie • 1941
Herself
Hollywood Victory Caravan
Movie • 1945
Dona Drake
Son of Belle Starr
Movie • 1953
Dolores
Rita Rio and Her Orchestra
Movie • 1939
Rita Rio
Sticks and Stones
Movie • 1943
Road to Morocco
Movie • 1942
Mihirmah
Another Part of the Forest
Movie • 1948
Laurette Sincee
Dangerous Millions
Movie • 1946
Elena Valdez
Salute for Three
Movie • 1943
Adventures of Superman
TV • 1952
City Detective
TV • 1953