- Born: August 16, 1951.
- Parents: Actress Dona Drake and costume designer William Travilla.
- Death: October 1, 2002 (public records list this date).
What else do we actually know? Very little beyond those basics. Multiple modern write-ups repeat the same facts without deeper primary documentation.
Quick Facts: Nia Novella Travilla
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Nia Novella Travilla |
| Born | August 16, 1951 |
| Parents | Dona Drake (actress), William Travilla (costume designer) |
| Died | October 1, 2002 |
| Known For | Daughter of Hollywood actress and renowned costume designer |
Who were her parents — short and relevant
Her mother, Dona Drake, was a noted performer from Hollywood’s mid-20th century era. Her father, William Travilla, designed costumes for major films (including garments that became iconic in film history). These are the clearest, well-documented parts of Nia’s public record.
Q: Why mention the parents?
A: Because primary, reliable sources confirm Nia almost exclusively through her parents’ biographies — that’s how her birth and death are recorded in public references.
Just like how attorney Ben Meiselas Net Worth — Where the $10M Estimate Comes From shows the impact of a strong career path, Nia’s story is also often understood through the lens of her family’s achievements.

What is (and isn’t) verifiable about Nia Novella Travilla
Verified items:
- Name and exact birth/death dates are listed in established biographical records tied to her parents.
- Her role in public life is not documented beyond family mentions; there are no major published interviews, independent news articles, or institutional records (e.g., academic profiles) clearly tied to a public career.
Q: Could there be missing records?
A: Yes — absence from mainstream archives doesn’t mean she had no private work or local involvement. It means reliable, citable public documentation is limited.
Why sources repeat the same short bio
Many contemporary pages are aggregators that copy the family-based facts (birthdate, parents, death). That creates a cycle: newer pages cite older ones rather than primary documents. Rely on primary or authoritative secondary sources where possible (academic archives, major newspapers, official registries).
Q: Are aggregator pages reliable?
A: Not by themselves. Use them to find leads, then confirm with primary or well-established secondary sources (like the subject’s parents’ verified biographies).
Where to look if you want deeper verification
Check these trusted places first:
- Biographical entries for her parents — they often list family members and dates.
- Public records and cemetery/memorial databases for birth and death confirmation.
- Major newspaper archives (library databases) if you need original obituaries or announcements.
Q: Which single source gives the strongest confirmation?
A: The parents’ established biographies (both published and curated encyclopedic pages) combined with the memorial/public record entry yield the most reliable picture.

Short, practical takeaways
- If you need to state facts about Nia Novella Travilla, restrict claims to birth/death dates and parentage — these are the verifiable core.
- If you need more detail, plan to consult archival sources (library newspaper microfilm, county vital records). Aggregator articles repeat the same content and add unverified claims; treat them as leads, not proof.
Q: Can I confidently publish a fuller biography?
A: Not without primary-source confirmation. For anything beyond the core facts, find and cite original records or recognized archival material.
In contrast, entrepreneurs such as David Friedberg Net Worth — How He Made $1B+ and Where It Comes From are recognized for building fortunes from innovation, while Nia Novella Travilla’s life is remembered through her family’s legacy.









