Dona Drake
Biografia
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.
Filmografia
Filmy i seriale od najnowszych
Princess of the Nile
Film • 1954
jako Mirva
City Detective
Serial • 1953
Down Laredo Way
Film • 1953
jako Narita
Son of Belle Starr
Film • 1953
jako Dolores
The Bandits of Corsica
Film • 1953
jako Zelda
Kansas City Confidential
Film • 1952
jako Teresa
Adventures of Superman
Serial • 1952
Valentino
Film • 1951
jako Maria Torres
Fortunes of Captain Blood
Film • 1950
jako Pepita
Beyond the Forest
Film • 1949
jako Jenny
The Girl from Jones Beach
Film • 1949
jako Connie Martin
The Doolins of Oklahoma
Film • 1949
jako Cattle Annie
So This Is New York
Film • 1948
jako Kate Goff
Another Part of the Forest
Film • 1948
jako Laurette Sincee
Dangerous Millions
Film • 1946
jako Elena Valdez
Bez zastrzeżeń
Film • 1946
jako Dolores Ortega
Hollywood Victory Caravan
Film • 1945
jako Dona Drake
Hot Rhythm
Film • 1944
jako Mary Adams
Let's Face It
Film • 1943
jako Muriel
Salute for Three
Film • 1943
Sticks and Stones
Film • 1943
Road to Morocco
Film • 1942
jako Mihirmah
Star Spangled Rhythm
Film • 1942
jako Dona Drake
Louisiana Purchase
Film • 1941
jako Beatrice
Aloma of the South Seas
Film • 1941
jako Nea
I Look at You
Film • 1941
jako Herself
Feed the Kitty
Film • 1941
jako Self / Singer (as Rita Rio)
Rita Rio and Her Orchestra
Film • 1939
jako Rita Rio
Sweet Shoe
Film • 1938
jako Rita Rio
Strike Me Pink
Film • 1936
jako Mademoiselle Fifi