Dona Drake
Born in Miami, Florida, USA — Nov 15 1914• Died Jun 20 1989
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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 led an all-girl orchestra and gained recognition for her mus…
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Dona Drake's Credits
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Adventures of Superman
City Detective
Kansas City Confidential
Teresa
The Doolins of Oklahoma
Cattle Annie
Road to Morocco
Mihirmah
Strike Me Pink
Mademoiselle Fifi
Beyond the Forest
Jenny
The Bandits of Corsica
Zelda
Fortunes of Captain Blood
Pepita
Let's Face It
Muriel
Without Reservations
Dolores Ortega
Valentino
Maria Torres
Star Spangled Rhythm
Dona Drake
So This Is New York
Kate Goff
The Girl from Jones Beach
Connie Martin
Princess of the Nile
Mirva
Aloma of the South Seas
Nea
Hot Rhythm
Mary Adams
Son of Belle Starr
Dolores
Another Part of the Forest
Laurette Sincee
Hollywood Victory Caravan
Dona Drake
Louisiana Purchase
Beatrice
Sweet Shoe
Rita Rio
Dangerous Millions
Elena Valdez
Down Laredo Way
Narita
Salute for Three
I Look at You
Herself
Rita Rio and Her Orchestra
Rita Rio
Feed the Kitty
Self / Singer (as Rita Rio)
Pan-Americonga
Rita Rio
Sticks and Stones