Actor

Dona Drake

Classic Era1914–1989ComedyMusicRomanceDrama

Comic Visionary

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Filmography

1954Princess of the NileMirva7.3 1953The Bandits of CorsicaZelda6.4 1953Down Laredo WayNarita7.0 1953Son of Belle StarrDolores7.0 1952Kansas City ConfidentialTeresa7.1 1951ValentinoMaria Torres4.3

About

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.

Data provided by The Movie Database (TMDB)