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 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

Princess of the Nile

Mirva

City Detective

1953

Down Laredo Way

Narita

Son of Belle Starr

Dolores

The Bandits of Corsica

Zelda

Kansas City Confidential

Teresa

Adventures of Superman

1952

Valentino

Maria Torres

Fortunes of Captain Blood

Pepita

Beyond the Forest

Jenny

The Girl from Jones Beach

Connie Martin

The Doolins of Oklahoma

Cattle Annie

So This Is New York

Kate Goff

Another Part of the Forest

Laurette Sincee

Dangerous Millions

Elena Valdez

Without Reservations

Dolores Ortega

Hollywood Victory Caravan

Dona Drake

Hot Rhythm

Mary Adams

Let's Face It

Muriel

Salute for Three

1943

🎬

Sticks and Stones

1943

Road to Morocco

Mihirmah

Star Spangled Rhythm

Dona Drake

Louisiana Purchase

Beatrice

Aloma of the South Seas

Nea

I Look at You

Herself

Pan-Americonga

Rita Rio

🎬

Feed the Kitty

Self / Singer (as Rita Rio)

Rita Rio and Her Orchestra

Rita Rio

🎬

Sweet Shoe

Rita Rio

Strike Me Pink

Mademoiselle Fifi