Imitation of Life

Overview

A struggling widow and her daughter take in a black housekeeper and her fair-skinned daughter. The two women start a successful business but face familial, identity, and racial issues along the way.

Details

Cast

Claudette Colbert

Beatrice 'Bea' Pullman

Louise Beavers

Delilah Johnson

Warren William

Stephen 'Steve' Archer

Rochelle Hudson

Jessie Pullman, Age 18

Ned Sparks

Elmer Smith

Fredi Washington

Peola Johnson, Age 19

Juanita Quigley

Baby Jessie Pullman, Age 3

Alan Hale

Martin the Furniture Man

Henry Armetta

The Painter

Wyndham Standing

Beatrice's Butler Jarvis

Joyce Compton

Young Woman at Party (uncredited)

Noel Francis

Mrs. Eden (uncredited)

Jane Withers

Peola's Frontrow Classmate (uncredited)

Marcia Mae Jones

Peola's Frontrow Classmate (uncredited)

Henry Kolker

Dr. Preston (uncredited)

Hattie McDaniel

Woman at Funeral (uncredited)

William B. Davidson

Man Buying Cigar (uncredited)

William Austin

Englishman at Party (uncredited)

G.P. Huntley

James (uncredited)

Tyler Brooke

Tipsy Man at Party (uncredited)