Dona Drake, born Eunice Westmoreland in 1914, was a talented black actress who reinvented herself to succeed in Hollywood. Starting her career as a nightclub entertainer, she adopted the stage name Rita Rio and eventually became known as Dona Drake. Her light skin allowed her to pass as Hispanic, enabling her to break into roles otherwise inaccessible due to racial barriers.
Drake’s talents extended to music, dance, and acting, earning her roles in notable films like “Road to Morocco” and “Louisiana Purchase.” Despite her success, her career was marked by limited, stereotypical roles, and she faced significant personal challenges, including health issues and a complicated love life.
In the 1940s, she married costume designer Billy Travilla, but their relationship struggled amidst career pressures and personal secrets. By the 1950s, her career declined, and she faced the burden of hiding her true identity, leading to severe personal and health problems.
Dona’s later years were marked by retreat from public life and increasing health issues, culminating in her passing in 1989. Despite her struggles, she remains a notable figure for her talent and determination in an era of significant racial and societal challenges.