Although her novels, including "Lummox" (1923), "Back Street" (1931), and "Imitation of Life" (1933), lost popularity over time and were mostly out-of-print as of the 2000s, they were bestsellers when first published and were translated into many languages. She also published over 300 short stories during her lifetime. Hurst is known for the film adaptations of her works, including "Imitation of Life" (1934), starring Claudette Colbert, Louise Beavers, Fredi Washington, and Warren William; "Imitation of Life" (1959), starring Lana Turner; "Humoresque" (1946), starring Joan Crawford; and "Young at Heart" (1954), starring Frank Sinatra.