Roles at the Ugala in works by Estonian authors and playwrights include those of: A. H. Tammsaare, Oskar Luts, Hella Wuolijoki, Rein Saluri, Urmas Lennuk, Jaan Kross, Juhan Smuul, Olav Ehala, and several others.
[6][7][8] Leila Säälik made her film debut as Anete in the 1971 Kaljo Kiisk directed Tallinnfilm drama Tuuline rand, which was an adaptation of the 1951 four volume novel of the same name by author Adu Hint.
[9][10] In 2006, Säälik would return to film with the role of Mathilde III in the Roman Baskin directed Vana daami visiit; an adaptation of the 1956 tragicomic play by Swiss dramatist Friedrich Dürrenmatt.
[12][13] In 2013, Leila Säälik appeared as the character Malle in the Ilmar Raag directed romantic drama Kertu, starring Ursula Ratasepp and Mait Malmsten for Amrion.
[14][15] Since 2010, Leila Säälik has appeared in the role of Maimu Laurand, a sharp-tongued and spiteful mother-in-law, on the popular Kanal 2 drama series Pilvede all.