Dona Drake
Born
November 15, 1914
Died
June 20, 1989 (74 years old)
Known For
Acting
Place of Birth
Miami, Florida, USA
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

Princess of the Nile
Mirva
1954

City Detective
(1 episode)
1953

Down Laredo Way
Narita
1953

Son of Belle Starr
Dolores
1953

The Bandits of Corsica
Zelda
1953

Kansas City Confidential
Teresa
1952

Adventures of Superman
(1 episode)
1952

Valentino
Maria Torres
1951

Fortunes of Captain Blood
Pepita
1950

Beyond the Forest
Jenny
1949

The Girl from Jones Beach
Connie Martin
1949

The Doolins of Oklahoma
Cattle Annie
1949

So This Is New York
Kate Goff
1948

Another Part of the Forest
Laurette Sincee
1948

Dangerous Millions
Elena Valdez
1946

Without Reservations
Dolores Ortega
1946

Hollywood Victory Caravan
Dona Drake
1945

Hot Rhythm
Mary Adams
1944

Let's Face It
Muriel
1943

Salute for Three
1943
Sticks and Stones
1943

Road to Morocco
Mihirmah
1942

Star Spangled Rhythm
Dona Drake
1942

Louisiana Purchase
Beatrice
1941

Aloma of the South Seas
Nea
1941

I Look at You
Herself
1941

Pan-Americonga
Rita Rio
1941
Feed the Kitty
Self / Singer (as Rita Rio)
1941

Rita Rio and Her Orchestra
Rita Rio
1939
Sweet Shoe
Rita Rio
1938

Strike Me Pink
Mademoiselle Fifi
1936