11/15/1914
Miami, Florida, USA:
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.
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Princess of the Nile (1954) as Mirva |
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Down Laredo Way (1953) as Narita |
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Son of Belle Starr (1953) as Dolores |
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The Bandits of Corsica (1953) as Zelda |
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Kansas City Confidential (1952) as Teresa |
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Valentino (1951) as Maria Torres |
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Fortunes of Captain Blood (1950) as Pepita |
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Beyond the Forest (1949) as Jenny |
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The Girl from Jones Beach (1949) as Connie Martin |
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The Doolins of Oklahoma (1949) as Cattle Annie |
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So This Is New York (1948) as Kate Goff |
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Another Part of the Forest (1948) as Laurette Sincee |
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Dangerous Millions (1946) as Elena Valdez |
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Without Reservations (1946) as Dolores Ortega |
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Hollywood Victory Caravan (1945) as Dona Drake |
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Hot Rhythm (1944) as Mary Adams |
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Let's Face It (1943) as Muriel |
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Salute for Three (1943) as |
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Sticks and Stones (1943) as |
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Road to Morocco (1942) as Mihirmah |
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Star Spangled Rhythm (1942) as Dona Drake |
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Louisiana Purchase (1941) as Beatrice |
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Aloma of the South Seas (1941) as Nea |
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I Look at You (1941) as Herself |
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Pan-Americonga (1941) as Rita Rio |
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Feed the Kitty (1941) as Self / Singer (as Rita Rio) |
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Rita Rio and Her Orchestra (1939) as Rita Rio |
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Sweet Shoe (1938) as Rita Rio |
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Strike Me Pink (1936) as Mademoiselle Fifi |