Dona Drake
ActingAbout Dona Drake
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.
Dona Drake Movies & Career Overview
The filmography of Dona Drake reflects a career marked by diverse experimentation. Across 29 major appearances, the actor has built a reputation through performances in multiple genres and storytelling styles.
Dominant Genre
A large portion of Dona Drake's work falls within the Comedy genre, where audiences tend to respond most strongly to their on-screen presence.
Success Ratio
Approximately 34% of Dona Drake's films maintain ratings above 6.5, indicating a consistent level of audience approval.
One of the most highly rated entries in their career remains Another Part of the Forest, which stands out as a key performance.
Best Dona Drake Movies Ranked
Must-watch hits from Dona Drake's career based on audience ratings.
Full Filmography
Every movie Dona Drake has appeared in, with audience ratings and verdicts.
Dona Drake - Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best movie of Dona Drake?
According to audience ratings, the best movie starring Dona Drake is "Another Part of the Forest" with a rating of 7.6/10.
How many movies has Dona Drake acted in?
Dona Drake has been featured in at least 29 major films throughout their career.
What are some other popular movies by Dona Drake?
Other notable films include "I Look at You", "Kansas City Confidential", and "Fortunes of Captain Blood".