

She co-starred with Dean Martin in The Wrecking Crew, and had her breakout role in Valley of the Dolls, for which she was nominated for a New Star of the Year Golden Globe in 1968. She would go on to star in five more films, including a roll opposite her future husband, director Roman Polanski, in his spoof The Fearless Vampire Hunters.

In 1965, she appeared alongside David Niven in the film Eye of the Devil.

She was also reportedly up for the role of Billie Jo on the comedy Petticoat Junction but was passed over. With Ransohoff's help, Tate garnered minor roles on network sitcoms like Mister Ed as well as a recurring part on The Beverly Hillbillies. In 1962, Tate met and signed a contract with Martin Ransohoff, director of Filmways, Inc.
