
Dona Drake
Born November 15, 1914 in Miami, Florida, USA · Died June 20, 1989 (aged 74)
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.
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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.
Biography from TMDB · IMDb
Acted in 15
LearningUFC 10: The Tournament1996
Psycho III1986
LearningThe Bandits of Corsica1953
Kansas City Confidential1952
LearningValentino1951
LearningBeyond the Forest1949
LearningThe Doolins of Oklahoma1949
LearningSo This Is New York1948
LearningAnother Part of the Forest1948
LearningWithout Reservations1946
Road to Morocco1942
LearningStar Spangled Rhythm1942
Louisiana Purchase1941
LearningAloma of the South Seas1941
LearningStrike Me Pink1936