In 1979, Brown starred in the short-lived Granada Television comedy series Take My Wife.

Brown has starred in over fifty low-budget films, under the names Sadie Lane and Misty Mundae.

Brown also wrote, directed, and starred in a 2002 remake of the 1969 film Lustful Addiction.

In 2008, Brown starred in the film Proud American.

Beginning in 2008, Brown starred as Nina Sharp in the Fox television series Fringe.

Brown also starred in the Broadway version of 42nd Street in the early 80s.

In 1989, Brown starred in that cable network's comedy and music-video show Just Say Julie.

In 2012, Brown starred in the film, Think Like a Man, as Alex.

Since 2009, Brown has starred on the NBC comedy Community as Shirley Bennett.

As a child, Brown starred as the title character in the first national tour of the musical Annie.