Bates became a semi-regular on Rickles' sitcom CPO Sharkey (1976–78) as the love-interest of 6'7" tall Seaman Pruitt (played by actor Peter Isacksen).

Bates went on to co-star on Blansky's Beauties (a 1977 spin-off of Happy Days) where she played “Arkansas” a gawky Vegas showgirl.

Bates also guest starred in a Love Boat episode where she played an ugly stepsister in a ‘Cinderella’ storyline.

In 1979, Rhonda Bates played “Enid” in Gabe Kaplan’s college basketball comedy film Fast Break.

Rhonda Bates continued to work in a few TV guest shots up until 1988, then apparently quit acting around age 40.