7.6
7.6
Another Part of the Forest
1948
as Laurette Sincee
Dona Drake
Acting
Born:November 15, 1914
Died:June 20, 1989(aged 74)
Birthplace:Miami, Florida, USA
Nationality:United States
N/A
CommunityBiography
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.
Filmography (28 movies)
7.5
7.5
I Look at You
1941
as Herself
7.1
7.1
Fortunes of Captain Blood
1950
as Pepita
7.1
7.1
Princess of the Nile
1954
as Mirva
7.1
7.1
Kansas City Confidential
1952
as Teresa
6.9
6.9
Road to Morocco
1942
as Mihirmah
6.8
6.8
The Doolins of Oklahoma
1949
as Cattle Annie
6.7
6.7
Beyond the Forest
1949
as Jenny
6.6
6.6
Louisiana Purchase
1941
as Beatrice
6.6
6.6
Strike Me Pink
1936
as Mademoiselle Fifi
6.2
6.2
Aloma of the South Seas
1941
as Nea
6.2
6.2
Without Reservations
1946
as Dolores Ortega
6.0
6.0
So This Is New York
1948
as Kate Goff
5.8
5.8
The Bandits of Corsica
1953
as Zelda
5.2
5.2
Hollywood Victory Caravan
1945
as Dona Drake
4.8
4.8
Dangerous Millions
1946
as Elena Valdez
4.8
4.8
The Girl from Jones Beach
1949
as Connie Martin
4.7
4.7
Hot Rhythm
1944
as Mary Adams
4.5
4.5
Let's Face It
1943
as Muriel
4.0
4.0
Rita Rio and Her Orchestra
1939
as Rita Rio
3.9
3.9
Valentino
1951
as Maria Torres
Down Laredo Way
1953
as Narita
Salute for Three
1943
Sweet Shoe
1938
as Rita Rio
Son of Belle Starr
1953
as Dolores
Sticks and Stones
1943
Feed the Kitty
1941
as Self / Singer (as Rita Rio)
Pan-Americonga
1941
as Rita Rio
Reviews
No reviews yet. Be the first to review!