Shortly after moving to Hollywood, LaPlaca landed the part of Elyse in TV sitcom version of Barry Levinson's film Diner. That pilot did not get picked up, and soon thereafter La Placa got a part in the made-for-TV movie Listen to Your Heart (1983).
The following year LaPlaca earned a regular spot on Suzanne Pleshette Is Maggie Briggs (1984). She had a small part in Fletch (1985) and she subsequently played Linda Phillips on the series Duet (from 1987 to 1989) and Open House (from 1989 to 1990). LaPlaca also played opposite Kirstie Alley in the 1990 movie Madhouse, with co-star John Larroquette.
LaPlaca has guest-starred on series including ER, Cheers, Family Ties, Desperate Housewives, and Friends (as Rachel's boss, Joanna). She was a regular on Stat (1991), The Jackie Thomas Show (1992), Tom (1994), and the NBC sitcom The John Larroquette Show (from 1994 to 1996). LaPlaca has also guest-starred on animated series such as Johnny Bravo.
She has been married to TV actor/director Philip Charles MacKenzie (her costar on Open House) since 1992.
She also played the character of Andrea in the TV series Boston Legal in two episodes in season 4 (“Glow in the Dark” and “Rescue Me”). She also appeared in Malcolm in the Middle as Barbara in the episode "Convention" and in a recurring role on ’Til Death as Beth, Joy's coworker.
