Dona Drake
Biography
Dona Drake was born Eunice Westmoreland on November 15, 1914, in Miami, Florida. She was an American singer, dancer, and film actress active in the 1930s and 1940s. Throughout her career, she performed under various stage names, including Una Novella, Rita Novella, and Rita Rio, and led an all-girl orchestra in the early 1940s. In Hollywood, she was frequently cast in ethnic roles, portraying characters who were Hispanic, Middle Eastern, or European. Her film credits included Kansas City Confidential, Louisiana Purchase, Road to Morocco, The Lone Wolf, and Soldiers of Fortune. She passed away on June 20, 1989, at the age of 74.
Career overview
Dona Drake was an American singer, dancer, and film actress active in the 1930s and 1940s. Born Eunice Westmoreland on November 15, 1914, in Miami, Florida, she performed under various stage names throughout her career, 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.
During her time in Hollywood, Drake often identified as Mexican or of Latin descent to navigate the racial landscape of the era. Despite her African-American heritage, she was typically cast in ethnic roles, portraying Hispanic, Middle Eastern, and European characters. Over her career, she accumulated thirty known credits as an actress.
Her film work included appearances in Kansas City Confidential in 1952, Louisiana Purchase in 1941, and Road to Morocco. Additional films associated with her career include The Lone Wolf and Soldiers of Fortune. Drake passed away on June 20, 1989, at the age of 74.
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Frequent co-stars
Career timeline
Full Filmography
31 titles- Princess of the Nile (1954) as Mirva
- City Detective (1953)
- The Bandits of Corsica (1953) as Zelda
- Down Laredo Way (1953) as Narita
- Son of Belle Starr (1953) as Dolores
- Adventures of Superman (1952)
- Kansas City Confidential (1952) as Teresa
- Valentino (1951) as Maria Torres
- Fortunes of Captain Blood (1950) as Pepita
- The Doolins of Oklahoma (1949) as Cattle Annie
- The Girl from Jones Beach (1949) as Connie Martin
- Beyond the Forest (1949) as Jenny
- Another Part of the Forest (1948) as Laurette Sincee
- So This Is New York (1948) as Kate Goff
- Without Reservations (1946) as Dolores Ortega
- Dangerous Millions (1946) as Elena Valdez
- Hollywood Victory Caravan (1945) as Dona Drake
- Hot Rhythm (1944) as Mary Adams
- Sticks and Stones (1943)
- Let's Face It (1943) as Muriel
- Salute for Three (1943)
- Star Spangled Rhythm (1942) as Dona Drake
- Road to Morocco (1942) as Mihirmah
- Feed the Kitty (1941) as Self / Singer (as Rita Rio)
- Aloma of the South Seas (1941) as Nea
- I Look at You (1941) as Herself
- Pan-Americonga (1941) as Rita Rio
- Louisiana Purchase (1941) as Beatrice
- Rita Rio and Her Orchestra (1939) as Rita Rio
- Sweet Shoe (1938) as Rita Rio
- Strike Me Pink (1936) as Mademoiselle Fifi
Frequently Asked Questions
What movies or TV shows is Dona Drake best known for?
Dona Drake is widely recognized for notable roles and projects including Princess of the Nile (1954), City Detective (1953), Psycho III (1986), Kansas City Confidential (1952).
When and where was Dona Drake born?
Dona Drake was born on November 15, 1914 in Miami, Florida, USA. They passed away on June 20, 1989.
How many credits does Dona Drake have?
Dona Drake has accumulated over 31 film and television credits across a career spanning from 1936 to 1954.
What is Dona Drake's background in cinema and television?
Dona Drake was born Eunice Westmoreland on November 15, 1914, in Miami, Florida. She was an American singer, dancer, and film actress active in the 1930s and 1940s. Throughout her career, she performed under various stage names, including Una Novella, Rita Novella, and Rita Rio, and led an all-girl orchestra in the ear...
Dona Drake by the numbers
Age in their best-rated roles
- City Detective (1953) — aged about 38
- Princess of the Nile (1954) as Mirva — aged about 39
- Fortunes of Captain Blood (1950) as Pepita — aged about 35
- Kansas City Confidential (1952) as Teresa — aged about 37
- Adventures of Superman (1952) — aged about 37
- Valentino (1951) as Maria Torres — aged about 36
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