Dona Drake
Known for Acting · 31 credits
- Born
- 1914-11-15
- Died
- 1989-06-20
- Place of birth
- Miami, Florida, USA
- Also known as
- Eunice Westmoreland · Una Novella · Rita Novella · Rita Rio
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.
Known For
TV Shows (2)
Movies (29)
Valentino
1951
as Maria Torres
Road to Morocco
1942
as Mihirmah
Without Reservations
1946
as Dolores Ortega
Kansas City Confidential
1952
as Teresa
Dangerous Millions
1946
as Elena Valdez
Beyond the Forest
1949
as Jenny
Fortunes of Captain Blood
1950
as Pepita
Princess of the Nile
1954
as Mirva
So This Is New York
1948
as Kate Goff
The Girl from Jones Beach
1949
as Connie Martin
The Doolins of Oklahoma
1949
as Cattle Annie
Aloma of the South Seas
1941
as Nea
Another Part of the Forest
1948
as Laurette Sincee
Hollywood Victory Caravan
1945
as Dona Drake
Star Spangled Rhythm
1942
as Dona Drake
The Bandits of Corsica
1953
as Zelda
Louisiana Purchase
1941
as Beatrice
Son of Belle Starr
1953
as Dolores
Strike Me Pink
1936
as Mademoiselle Fifi
Let's Face It
1943
as Muriel
Down Laredo Way
1953
as Narita
Salute for Three
1943
Hot Rhythm
1944
as Mary Adams
Sweet Shoe
1938
as Rita Rio
I Look at You
1941
as Herself
Rita Rio and Her Orchestra
1939
as Rita Rio
Feed the Kitty
1941
as Self / Singer (as Rita Rio)
Pan-Americonga
1941
as Rita Rio
Sticks and Stones
1943
About Dona Drake
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 f… With 31 credits spanning from 1936 to 1954, Dona Drake has appeared in 29 films and 2 TV shows.
Fans searching for Dona Drake movies, Dona Drake filmography, or the latest projects starring Dona Drake can stream many of these titles on Bowood.TV, free and in HD, with no subscription required.
Most Popular Dona Drake Movies
- Valentino (1951) — as Maria Torres
- Road to Morocco (1942) — as Mihirmah
- Without Reservations (1946) — as Dolores Ortega
- Kansas City Confidential (1952) — as Teresa
- Dangerous Millions (1946) — as Elena Valdez
Where to Watch Dona Drake Films
Most Dona Drake movies and series are available to stream on Bowood.TV in full HD, completely free and without signup. Browse the complete filmography above to jump directly to any title. For more films and the latest web series featuring Dona Drake, check our movies catalogue and browse page.