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Dona Drake

Actor

Dona Drake

Born November 15, 1914 in Miami, Florida, USADied June 20, 198926 films

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.

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The best way into Dona Drake's work
Kansas City Confidential posterFirst watchKansas City Confidential19527.0as TeresaAn ex-convict sets out to uncover who framed him for an armored car robbery.View film

Essential films

Ranked by acclaim and reach
Road to Morocco poster6.9Road to Morocco1942Beyond the Forest poster6.7Beyond the Forest1949

Filmography

26 films as actor
  1. 1954Princess of the NileMirva
  2. 1953Down Laredo WayNarita
  3. 1953Son of Belle StarrDolores
  4. 1953The Bandits of CorsicaZelda
  5. 1952Kansas City ConfidentialTeresa
  6. 1951ValentinoMaria Torres
  7. 1950Fortunes of Captain BloodPepita
  8. 1949Beyond the ForestJenny
  9. 1949The Girl from Jones BeachConnie Martin
  10. 1949The Doolins of OklahomaCattle Annie
  11. 1948So This Is New YorkKate Goff
  12. 1948Another Part of the ForestLaurette Sincee
  13. 1946Dangerous MillionsElena Valdez
  14. 1946Without ReservationsDolores Ortega
  15. 1945Hollywood Victory CaravanDona Drake
  16. 1944Hot RhythmMary Adams
  17. 1943Let's Face ItMuriel
  18. 1943Salute for Three
  19. 1943Sticks and Stones
  20. 1942Road to MoroccoMihirmah
  21. 1942Star Spangled RhythmDona Drake
  22. 1941Louisiana PurchaseBeatrice
  23. 1941Aloma of the South SeasNea
  24. 1939Rita Rio and Her OrchestraRita Rio
  25. 1938Sweet ShoeRita Rio
  26. 1936Strike Me PinkMademoiselle Fifi