Dona Drake
Actor
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
Road to Morocco
as Mihirmah 1942
Beyond the Forest
as Jenny 1949
Without Reservations
as Dolores Ortega 1946
Another Part of the Forest
as Laurette Sincee 1948
Louisiana Purchase
as Beatrice 1941
Star Spangled Rhythm
as Dona Drake 1942
The Doolins of Oklahoma
as Cattle Annie 1949
Princess of the Nile
as Mirva 1954
Hollywood Victory Caravan
as Dona Drake 1945
Valentino
as Maria Torres 1951
Strike Me Pink
as Mademoiselle Fifi 1936
The Girl from Jones Beach
as Connie Martin 1949
So This Is New York
as Kate Goff 1948
Fortunes of Captain Blood
as Pepita 1950
Aloma of the South Seas
as Nea 1941
Let's Face It
as Muriel 1943