7.0
Movie
Acting
Dona Drake
- Born
- Died
- (aged 74)
- Birthplace
- Miami, Florida, USA
- Credits
- 30 titles
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.
Signature work
Known For
7.0
Movie
6.9
Movie
Road to Morocco
6.6
TV
Adventures of Superman
6.7
Movie
Beyond the Forest
6.3
Movie
Without Reservations
6.3
Movie
Louisiana Purchase
7.8
Movie
Another Part of the Forest
6.2
Movie
Star Spangled Rhythm
6.8
Movie
The Doolins of Oklahoma
7.3
Movie
Princess of the Nile
5.6
Movie
Hollywood Victory Caravan
4.3
Movie
Valentino
6.6
Movie
Strike Me Pink
5.5
Movie
The Girl from Jones Beach
6.7
Movie
So This Is New York
7.3
Movie
Fortunes of Captain Blood
7.0
Movie
Aloma of the South Seas
5.4
Movie
Let's Face It
Acting credits 30
| Year | Title | Role |
|---|---|---|
| 1954 | Princess of the Nile Film | Mirva |
| 1953 | City Detective TV | (1 ep) |
| 1953 | Down Laredo Way Film | Narita |
| 1953 | Son of Belle Starr Film | Dolores |
| 1953 | The Bandits of Corsica Film | Zelda |
| 1952 | Kansas City Confidential Film | Teresa |
| 1952 | Adventures of Superman TV | (1 ep) |
| 1951 | Valentino Film | Maria Torres |
| 1950 | Fortunes of Captain Blood Film | Pepita |
| 1949 | Beyond the Forest Film | Jenny |
| 1949 | The Girl from Jones Beach Film | Connie Martin |
| 1949 | The Doolins of Oklahoma Film | Cattle Annie |
| 1948 | So This Is New York Film | Kate Goff |
| 1948 | Another Part of the Forest Film | Laurette Sincee |
| 1946 | Dangerous Millions Film | Elena Valdez |
| 1946 | Without Reservations Film | Dolores Ortega |
| 1945 | Hollywood Victory Caravan Film | Dona Drake |
| 1944 | Hot Rhythm Film | Mary Adams |
| 1943 | Let's Face It Film | Muriel |
| 1943 | Salute for Three Film | |
| 1943 | Sticks and Stones Film | |
| 1942 | Road to Morocco Film | Mihirmah |
| 1942 | Star Spangled Rhythm Film | Dona Drake |
| 1941 | Louisiana Purchase Film | Beatrice |
| 1941 | Aloma of the South Seas Film | Nea |
| 1941 | I Look at You Film | Herself |
| 1941 | Feed the Kitty Film | Self / Singer (as Rita Rio) |
| 1939 | Rita Rio and Her Orchestra Film | Rita Rio |
| 1938 | Sweet Shoe Film | Rita Rio |
| 1936 | Strike Me Pink Film | Mademoiselle Fifi |