Dona Drake was an American actress who is best known for her roles in “Strike Me Pink,” “Louisiana Purchase,” and “Road to Morocco.” Born Eunice Westmoreland, she made a mark in the entertainment industry with her talent and charm.
Personal and Family Life
Dona Drake was born on November 15, 1914, in Miami, Florida, to African-American parents Joseph Andrew Westmoreland and Novella Smith Westmoreland. She started performing at a young age and later moved to New York City, where she changed her name to Una Villon. In 1944, she married the famous costume designer William Travilla, and they had one daughter named Nia Novella.
Career Highlights
Initially, Dona used various stage names, including Rita Rio, as she navigated her career. She gained recognition for her performances in Broadway shows and films, especially after appearing in “Strike Me Pink” alongside Eddie Cantor. Although she faced typecasting, her unique talents allowed her to work in several notable films during her career, including “Aloma of the South Seas” and “Beyond the Forest.”
Death and Legacy
Dona Drake passed away on June 20, 1989, in Los Angeles, California, due to pneumonia and respiratory failure. She left behind a rich legacy in film and music and is remembered for her contributions as a talented singer, dancer, and actress. Her story, including her struggles and successes, continues to inspire many in the arts.
Filmography
| Title | Release Date | Character |
|---|---|---|
| Kansas City Confidential | 1952-11-11 | Teresa |
| Beyond the Forest | 1949-10-21 | Jenny |
| Louisiana Purchase | 1941-12-31 | Beatrice |
| So This Is New York | 1948-06-01 | Kate Goff |
| Star Spangled Rhythm | 1942-03-05 | Dona Drake |
| The Bandits of Corsica | 1953-02-27 | Zelda |
| The Girl from Jones Beach | 1949-07-16 | Connie Martin |
| The Doolins of Oklahoma | 1949-05-27 | Cattle Annie |
| Princess of the Nile | 1954-07-01 | Mirva |
| Aloma of the South Seas | 1941-08-27 | Nea |
| Down Laredo Way | 1953-08-05 | Narita |
| Valentino | 1951-03-08 | Maria Torres |
| Hot Rhythm | 1944-04-22 | Mary Adams |
| Strike Me Pink | 1936-01-24 | Mademoiselle Fifi |
| Without Reservations | 1946-05-13 | Dolores Ortega |
| Let’s Face It | 1943-08-04 | Muriel |
| I Look at You | 1941-02-20 | Herself |
| Hollywood Victory Caravan | 1945-09-30 | Dona Drake |
| Son of Belle Starr | 1953-06-26 | Dolores |
| Rita Rio and Her Orchestra | 1939-07-01 | Rita Rio |
| Sticks and Stones | 1943-01-25 | |
| Road to Morocco | 1942-11-10 | Mihirmah |
| Another Part of the Forest | 1948-05-18 | Laurette Sincee |
| Dangerous Millions | 1946-11-27 | Elena Valdez |
| Salute for Three | 1943-03-17 | |
| Fortunes of Captain Blood | 1950-05-19 | Pepita |
| Sweet Shoe | Rita Rio | |
| Feed the Kitty | 1941-01-01 | Self / Singer (as Rita Rio) |
| Pan-Americonga | 1941-02-16 | Rita Rio |
| Adventures of Superman | 1952-09-19 | |
| City Detective | 1953-09-07 | |
| The Lone Wolf | 1954-01-01 |