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.

Known For

Kansas City Confidential

Fortunes of Captain Blood

Beyond the Forest

Louisiana Purchase

So This Is New York

The Bandits of Corsica

The Girl from Jones Beach

The Doolins of Oklahoma

Filmography

1954 Princess of the Nile

as Mirva

1953 City Detective

1953 Down Laredo Way

as Narita

1953 Son of Belle Starr

as Dolores

1953 The Bandits of Corsica

as Zelda

1952 Kansas City Confidential

as Teresa

1952 Adventures of Superman

1951 Valentino

as Maria Torres

1950 Fortunes of Captain Blood

as Pepita

1949 Beyond the Forest

as Jenny

1949 The Girl from Jones Beach

as Connie Martin

1949 The Doolins of Oklahoma

as Cattle Annie

1948 So This Is New York

as Kate Goff

1948 Another Part of the Forest

as Laurette Sincee

1946 Dangerous Millions

as Elena Valdez

1946 Without Reservations

as Dolores Ortega

1945 Hollywood Victory Caravan

as Dona Drake

1944 Hot Rhythm

as Mary Adams

1943 Let's Face It

as Muriel

1943 Salute for Three