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.

Фільмографія

• 1954Princess of the Nile — Mirva
• City Detective
• 1953Down Laredo Way — Narita
• 1953Son of Belle Starr — Dolores
• 1953The Bandits of Corsica — Zelda
• Adventures of Superman
• 1952Kansas City Confidential — Teresa
• 1951Valentino — Maria Torres
• 1950Fortunes of Captain Blood — Pepita
• 1949Beyond the Forest — Jenny
• 1949The Doolins of Oklahoma — Cattle Annie
• 1949The Girl from Jones Beach — Connie Martin
• 1948Another Part of the Forest — Laurette Sincee
• 1948So This Is New York — Kate Goff
• 1946Dangerous Millions — Elena Valdez
• 1946Without Reservations — Dolores Ortega
• 1945Hollywood Victory Caravan — Dona Drake
• 1944Hot Rhythm — Mary Adams
• 1943Let's Face It — Muriel
• 1943Salute for Three
• 1943Sticks and Stones
• 1942Road to Morocco — Mihirmah
• 1942Star Spangled Rhythm — Dona Drake
• 1941Aloma of the South Seas — Nea
• 1941Louisiana Purchase — Beatrice
• 1939Rita Rio and Her Orchestra — Rita Rio
• 1938Sweet Shoe — Rita Rio
• 1936Strike Me Pink — Mademoiselle Fifi

Ток-шоу, премії та інші появи (2)

• 1941Feed the Kitty — Self / Singer (as Rita Rio)
• 1941I Look at You — Herself