Dona Drake
Geboren 15. Nov. 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. 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.
Bekannt für
Prinzessin vom Nil
1954
City Detective
1953
Banditen von Korsika
1953
Down Laredo Way
1953
Son of Belle Starr
1953
Superman
1952
Der vierte Mann
1952
Valentino - Liebling der Frauen
1951
Liebe unter schwarzen Segeln
1950
Banditen am Scheideweg
1949
Der Stachel des Bösen
1949
Venus am Strand
1949
So This Is New York
1948
Another Part of the Forest
1948
Without Reservations
1946
Dangerous Millions
1946
Hollywood Victory Caravan
1945
Hot Rhythm
1944
Let's Face It
1943
Salute for Three
1943
Der Weg nach Marokko
1942
Star Spangled Rhythm
1942
Aloma, die Tochter der Südsee
1941
Louisiana Purchase
1941
Pan-Americonga
1941
I Look at You
1941
Rita Rio and Her Orchestra
1939
Strike Me Pink
1936