Joyce Hyser's debut film was in 1980's "The Hollywood Knights". Then she did the role of Sylvia in "They All Laughed" in 1981. She appeared in the hit film as Joyce "Valley Girl" in 1983 and in 1984 she was Linda in "This Is Spinal Tap". In 1985 her role as Terry Griffith in "Just One of the Guys" became one of her best known and loved roles.

After the year 1985 however, Joyce started appearing in guest appearances in many television shows to the delight of her fans. Her first appearance (of many in television's popular shows of the day) was in "Freddys Nightmares" then "Mancuso FBI", "Midnight Caller", "Melrose Place" etc. In the 1990-91 "The Flash" she appeared as 'Megan Lockheart.' Her character proved so popular she was brought back 2 more times before the series untimely end. In "LA Law" she had a recurring role as Jimmy Smits' girlfriend.

She also appeared in such TV movies as "Police Story-Monster Manor" in 1985 and "Murder in High Places" in 1991.

"Wedding Band" was one of her hits released in 1991 and then came "Greedy" in 1994.

Joyce Hyser was featured prominently in the music video "I Can Dream about You" by Dan Hartman. She was also featured prominently in a music video for "Pin Cushion" by ZZ Top.

In the early 2000s, she started a new phase in her career as a screenwriter as well as continuing to act in select roles of quality.