Nia Novella Travilla: Life Beyond Hollywood’s Spotlight

Nia Novella Travilla (August 16, 1951 – October 1, 2002) was the only daughter of actress Dona Drake and Oscar-winning costume designer William Travilla. Despite her Hollywood heritage, she pursued veterinary medicine, becoming a respected veterinarian and Miniature Schnauzer breeder in California.

Born three days before her parents’ seventh wedding anniversary, Nia Novella Travilla entered a world where glamour and artistry were daily realities. Her mother, Dona Drake, captivated audiences as a singer, dancer, and actress during Hollywood’s Golden Age. Her father, William Travilla, dressed icons like Marilyn Monroe in costumes that defined an era. Yet Nia chose a different path—one that led her away from red carpets and into veterinary clinics, where she spent her life caring for animals rather than chasing celebrity.

Growing Up in Hollywood’s Golden Era

Nia was born on August 16, 1951, in Los Angeles, California. Her arrival came at the peak of her parents’ careers. Her father had already won an Oscar in 1949 for his costume work on “Adventures of Don Juan”, while her mother maintained steady work in film and television.

The family maintained exotic pets, which sparked Nia’s early interest in animals. This household atmosphere—mixing Hollywood sophistication with genuine affection for creatures—shaped her future more than the industry connections her surname provided.

Her parents married on August 19, 1944, but separated in 1956 when Nia was just five years old. They remained legally married until Dona Drake died in 1989. This unconventional family structure meant Nia split her childhood between Southern and Northern California, experiencing different aspects of both parents’ lives.

Her Mother: Dona Drake’s Complex Identity

Dona Drake was born Eunice Westmoreland in Miami, Florida, on November 15, 1914. Her story reveals the complicated realities of race and identity in mid-century Hollywood.

Census records show Dona’s family identified differently across decades—from Black to mulatto to white—reflecting both personal choices and societal pressures. She often presented herself as Hispanic and reportedly spoke Spanish, though she had no documented Hispanic heritage.

Studio publicity incorrectly stated Drake was of Mexican origin and born Rita Novella. This manufactured identity allowed her to play diverse ethnic roles throughout her career.

She appeared in “Road to Morocco” (1942) opposite Bob Hope and Bing Crosby, and played an American Indian maid to Bette Davis in “Beyond the Forest”. These roles showcased her versatility while reflecting Hollywood’s problematic casting practices.

For Nia, this meant growing up with a mother whose public persona differed from her private identity—a complexity that influenced her own desire for authenticity.

Her Father: William Travilla’s Fashion Legacy

William Travilla, born March 22, 1920, became one of Hollywood’s most celebrated costume designers. His work went beyond mere fashion—he created cultural icons.

Travilla designed costumes for Marilyn Monroe in eight films, including the famous white pleated dress from “The Seven Year Itch”. That dress sold for $5.6 million at auction in 2011, demonstrating the lasting value of his creative vision.

He won an Oscar for “Adventures of Don Juan” in 1948 and received Emmy Awards for his television work on “Dallas” in the 1980s. His career spanned four decades and included designing for over 270 stars.

A newspaper story from the San Francisco Examiner detailed how William helped Nia transition into her teenage years, even designing clothes for her. This reveals the tension between professional boundaries and fatherly affection.

Education and the Veterinary Calling

Nia initially studied to become an actor, but her family’s collection of exotic pets became her true calling. This shift from performance to science marked her declaration of independence from family expectations.

She pursued a biology degree before enrolling in veterinary school. She became a noted local veterinarian practicing in Northern California.

She specialized in breeding Miniature Schnauzers, combining her veterinary expertise with animal husbandry. This work required deep knowledge of genetics, health protocols, and ethical breeding practices.

Her career choice represented more than professional interest—it was a statement about values. While her father made stars look beautiful, Nia made animals healthy. While her mother entertained audiences, Nia served individual creatures who couldn’t speak for themselves.

Personal Life and Private Choices

Nia married Jose L. Ariza when she was 19 on June 26, 1971, in Los Angeles. The marriage ended in divorce in May 1973, lasting roughly two years.

She never remarried or had children. This decision allowed her to focus entirely on her work and personal interests.

She lived in Oakland, California, during her later years, far from Hollywood’s gravitational pull. Those who knew her described a woman of warmth and dedication, someone who approached veterinary work with both scientific rigor and genuine compassion.

Her private nature contrasted sharply with her parents’ public lives. She attended a few Hollywood events and gave no interviews. This withdrawal from the spotlight was complete and intentional.

Her Parents’ Deaths and Final Years

Dona Drake died on June 20, 1989, when Nia was 37 years old. William Travilla died of lung cancer on November 2, 1990, at Good Samaritan Medical Center in Los Angeles.

Losing both parents within 16 months marked a profound transition. Nia became the sole keeper of their combined legacies—her mother’s performances and her father’s costume archives.

She spent her final years continuing her veterinary practice, maintaining the professional identity she had built independently of her famous surname.

Death and Legacy

Nia Novella Travilla died on October 1, 2002, at age 51 in a Los Angeles hospital. She was cremated. The cause of death has not been publicly disclosed.

In her honor, her family established the Nia Travilla Memorial Scholarship at the UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine, awarded annually to students passionate about wildlife and conservation.

A longtime client created the “Nia’s Second Chance” program, providing funding for veterinary care to low-income pet owners and animal rescue organizations. These initiatives ensure her commitment to animal welfare continues beyond her lifetime.

Understanding Her Heritage

Nia Novella Travilla was part of US Black heritage, reflecting her mother’s complicated racial identity. Her paternal roots traced back three generations in California, before that to Pennsylvania. Her maternal grandparents came from Arkansas and Alabama.

This mixed heritage placed her at the intersection of multiple American experiences—the African American story of identity negotiation, the California story of reinvention, and the Hollywood story of image construction.

Her life suggests someone aware of these complexities who chose authenticity over performance, substance over appearance.

What Made Her Different

Most children of Hollywood royalty either embrace the family business or rebel against it publicly. Nia did neither. She simply walked away quietly to build something entirely her own.

She didn’t write memoirs exposing family secrets. She didn’t speak to tabloids or grant retrospective interviews. Instead, she treated sick animals, bred healthy dogs, and lived according to her own values.

This restraint marks her as someone who understood the difference between prominence and purpose.

Remembering Nia Travilla

Nia Novella Travilla remains largely unknown compared to her parents. Exhibitions of William Travilla’s personal collection toured worldwide beginning in 2008. Dona Drake’s films occasionally screen on classic movie channels.

But Nia left no costumes in museums, no performances on film. Her legacy lives in scholarship funds, in rescue programs, and in the memories of pet owners whose animals she healed.

Perhaps this is exactly as she intended—a life measured not in public recognition but in private impact, not in applause but in the quiet gratitude of those she helped.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who were Nia Novella Travilla’s parents?

Her mother was actress Dona Drake, and her father was Oscar-winning costume designer William Travilla, famous for dressing Marilyn Monroe.

What did Nia Novella Travilla do for a living?

She worked as a veterinarian and bred Miniature Schnauzers in Northern California.

Did Nia Novella Travilla have children?

No, she never had children. She was briefly married from 1971 to 1973.

How did Nia Novella Travilla die?

She died on October 1, 2002, at age 51 in Los Angeles. The cause was not publicly disclosed.

Is there a scholarship in Nia Travilla’s name?

Yes, the Nia Travilla Memorial Scholarship at UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine honors her commitment to animal welfare.