Personal Info
Known For
Acting
Gender
Female
Birthday
11/15/1914
Place of Birth
Miami, Florida, USA
Also Known As
Eunice WestmorelandUna NovellaRita Novella
Dona Drake
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 musical and dance performances. She appeare...
Known For
Louisiana Purchase
as Beatrice
Pan-Americonga
as Rita Rio
Valentino
as Maria Torres
Hot Rhythm
as Mary Adams
Without Reservations
as Dolores Ortega
Beyond the Forest
as Jenny
The Doolins of Oklahoma
as Cattle Annie
Road to Morocco
as Mihirmah
Princess of the Nile
as Mirva
Fortunes of Captain Blood
as Pepita
Salute for Three
Unknown Role
Aloma of the South Seas
as Nea
Strike Me Pink
as Mademoiselle Fifi
Let's Face It
as Muriel
So This Is New York
as Kate Goff
Another Part of the Forest
as Laurette Sincee
Star Spangled Rhythm
as Dona Drake
Son of Belle Starr
as Dolores
The Girl from Jones Beach
as Connie Martin
Kansas City Confidential
as Teresa