Imitation of Life is a 1959 American melodrama film directed by Douglas Sirk, produced by Ross Hunter, and starring Lana Turner and John Gavin, with supporting performances from Robert Alda, Sandra Dee, Susan Kohner, Juanita Moore, and Dan O'Herlihy. Gospel music star Mahalia Jackson appears as a church choir soloist. It is the second film adaptation of Fannie Hurst's 1933 novel of the same title.