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.
Filmography
Princess of the Nile
1954
as Mirva
Down Laredo Way
1953
as Narita
Son of Belle Starr
1953
as Dolores
The Bandits of Corsica
1953
as Zelda
Kansas City Confidential
1952
as Teresa
Valentino
1951
as Maria Torres
Fortunes of Captain Blood
1950
as Pepita
Beyond the Forest
1949
as Jenny
The Girl from Jones Beach
1949
as Connie Martin
The Doolins of Oklahoma
1949
as Cattle Annie
So This Is New York
1948
as Kate Goff
Another Part of the Forest
1948
as Laurette Sincee
Dangerous Millions
1946
as Elena Valdez
Without Reservations
1946
as Dolores Ortega
Hollywood Victory Caravan
1945
as Dona Drake
Hot Rhythm
1944
as Mary Adams
Let's Face It
1943
as Muriel
Salute for Three
1943
- No poster
Sticks and Stones
1943
Road to Morocco
1942
as Mihirmah
Star Spangled Rhythm
1942
as Dona Drake
Louisiana Purchase
1941
as Beatrice
Aloma of the South Seas
1941
as Nea
I Look at You
1941
as Herself