Actor
Dona Drake
November 15, 1914 · Miami, Florida, USA
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.
Often works with
Bob Hope
5 titles together
Road to Morocco, Louisiana Purchase, Star Spangled Rhythm
Bing Crosby
3 titles together
Road to Morocco, Star Spangled Rhythm, Hollywood Victory Caravan
Dorothy Lamour
3 titles together
Road to Morocco, Star Spangled Rhythm, Aloma of the South Seas
Betty Hutton
3 titles together
Star Spangled Rhythm, Hollywood Victory Caravan, Let's Face It
Lee Van Cleef
2 titles together
Kansas City Confidential, The Bandits of Corsica
Jack Elam
2 titles together
Kansas City Confidential, Princess of the Nile
Full filmography · 27
Princess of the Nile
as Mirva
1954
Down Laredo Way
as Narita
1953
Son of Belle Starr
as Dolores
1953
The Bandits of Corsica
as Zelda
1953
Kansas City Confidential
as Teresa
19527
Valentino
as Maria Torres
1951
Fortunes of Captain Blood
as Pepita
1950
Beyond the Forest
as Jenny
19496.7
The Girl from Jones Beach
as Connie Martin
1949
The Doolins of Oklahoma
as Cattle Annie
1949
So This Is New York
as Kate Goff
1948
Another Part of the Forest
as Laurette Sincee
1948