Being "bit" by the performing bug in school, Hale pursued acting and acquired roles in student and community theater, taking lessons in dancing and singing.

She dyed her red hair platinum blonde, and joined the Dayton Y Players, learning Greek tragedy and low comedy.

She toured with the revue "High Time" performing in plays such as Bus Stop (1955), The Gazebo (1958) (with William Bendix), Little Mary Sunshine (1959), and Come Blow Your Horn (1961).

Film appearances include Synanon (1965), A Guide for the Married Man (1967), Gunn (1967), The Wicked Dreams of Paula Schultz (1968), Will Penny (1968), The Night They Raided Minsky's (1968), and a small role in Blue Hawaii (1961).

Early in 1969, she was a favorite with the soldiers; thousands of 8x10s were printed and mailed after her photo was published by the New York Daily News posing as Eve in a homemade costume.