She made her film debut in the 1996 film Foxfire, starring opposite Angelina Jolie and Peter Facinelli. Burress auditioned for the role of Dorothy Wheeler in the motion picture Valentine, but the role went to Jessica Capshaw. However, Director Jamie Blanks still wanted Burress to star in the film. During a meeting, they looked each other in the eye and both said, "Ruthie", resulting in Burress having the role of Ruthie Walker.