Elaine Joyce a call-girl service on the side. Joyce also hosted the first season (1986–87) of "The All New Dating Game." Throughout the 1980s and 1990s she was featured in many series, including "Mr. Merlin", (in which she portrayed the character Alexandra, a sorceress); "Beverly Hills, 90210"; "Melrose Place"; "Magnum, P.I."; "Simon & Simon"; "Too Close For Comfort"; and "Murder, She Wrote". In 1972, she made her Broadway debut in the title role in "Sugar", the musical adaptation of the film "Some Like It Hot", in which she portrayed band singer Sugar Kane, the role originated by Marilyn Monroe in the movie.
Marilyn Monroe protested that the film was immoral, but the movie proved popular with audiences and grossed $6 million at the box office. While "Variety" deemed it "clichéd" and "morbid", "The New York Times" commented that "the falls and Miss Monroe are something to see", as although Monroe may not be "the perfect actress at this point ... she can be seductive – even when she walks". Monroe continued to attract attention by wearing revealing outfits in publicity events, most famously at the "Photoplay" awards in January 1953, where she won the "Fastest Rising Star" award. She wore a skin-tight gold lamé