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Dona Drake (/DO-nə DRAYK/ November 15, 1914 – June 20, 1989) was an American singer, dancer, and film actress in the 1930s and 1940s. She was typically being cast in ethnic roles including Latin American and Middle Easterners. Drake often presented herself as Mexican and went by the names Una Novella [1] and Rita Novella.
Dona Drake. Actress: Kansas City Confidential. In a situation that closely recalls the Fannie Hurst story "Imitation of Life" in which a girl strives to pass for white, beautiful light-skinned African-American actress/singer/dancer/bandleader Dona (pronounced "dough-nuh") Drake, for the sake of her career, denied her heritage and passed for ...
- January 1, 1
- Miami, Florida, USA
- January 1, 1
- Los Angeles, California, USA
November 15, 1914 · Miami, Florida, USA. Died. June 20, 1989 · Los Angeles, California, USA (pneumonia and respiratory failure) Birth name. Eunice Westmoreland. Nicknames. The Sweetheart of Swing. The Streamlined Mistress of Melody. Una Villon. Reta Shaw. Rita Novella. Mini Bio.
- November 15, 1914
- June 20, 1989
Dona Drake was an American singer, dancer, and film actress in the 1930s and 1940s. She was typically being cast in ethnic roles including Latin American and Middle Easterners. Drake often presented herself as Mexican and went by the names Una Novella and Rita Novella.
On August 19, 1944, Travilla married actress Dona Drake in Santa Monica, California. The couple had a daughter, Nia, in August 1951. [4] Travilla and Drake separated in 1956 but remained legally married until Drake's death in 1989.
4 days ago · Rachelle Williams. Updated: May 24, 2024. Dona Drake (November 15, 1914 – June 20, 1989) Amidst the glitz and glamour of the Golden Age of Hollywood, one name shone brightly but remained veiled in mystery: Dona Drake.
Nov 15, 1914 - Jun 20, 1989. Dona Drake was an American singer, dancer and film actress in the 1930s and 1940s. Although she was three-quarters African-American, she presented herself as...
