Dona Drake
Acting
30
Acting Credits
Biography
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 ...
Known For
Filmography
Princess of the Nile
1954
as Mirva
The Bandits of Corsica
1953
as Zelda
Down Laredo Way
1953
as Narita
Son of Belle Starr
1953
as Dolores
City Detective
1953
Kansas City Confidential
1952
as Teresa
Adventures of Superman
1952
Valentino
1951
as Maria Torres
Fortunes of Captain Blood
1950
as Pepita
Beyond the Forest
1949
as Jenny
The Girl from Jones Beach
1949
as Connie Martin
The Doolins of Oklahoma
1949
as Cattle Annie
So This Is New York
1948
as Kate Goff
Another Part of the Forest
1948
as Laurette Sincee
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
Let's Face It
1943
as Muriel
Sticks and Stones
1943
Salute for Three
1943
Star Spangled Rhythm
1942
as Dona Drake
Road to Morocco
1942
as Mihirmah
Louisiana Purchase
1941
as Beatrice
Aloma of the South Seas
1941
as Nea
Feed the Kitty
1941
as Self / Singer (as Rita Rio)
I Look at You
1941
as Herself
Rita Rio and Her Orchestra
1939
as Rita Rio
Sweet Shoe
1938
as Rita Rio
Strike Me Pink
1936
as Mademoiselle Fifi