Born in Los Angeles, California, Rudie became an overnight star, in 1956, with her performance in the title role in the episode "Eloise" on television's Playhouse 90. It brought her critical acclaim, much press coverage, and an Emmy nomination at age six—the first time a child actress was so honored. She returned to Playhouse 90 the following year, portraying the young Perle Mesta in The Hostess with the Mostest.[citation needed]

The television "Eloise" was an adaptation of the popular book by Kay Thompson, which owed much to the delicate line illustrations of Hilary Knight. The marketing of "Eloise" and the subsequent book sequels practically always featured the illustrations of Knight, and numerous photographs were published in the 1950s of Rudie in the role. Her popularity as a child star led to the merchandising of at least one product which did not associate her with the character of Eloise, Evelyn Rudie Paper Dolls (Saalfield, 1958).

During the late 1950s, she also appeared on Alfred Hitchcock Presents, General Electric Theater, Lawman, The Red Skelton Show, and Wagon Train, along with seven appearances on The Tonight Show with Jack Paar. During this period, she also was an actress on radio programs, including Suspense.

Nine-year-old Evelyn Rudie appeared as a contestant on the October 29, 1959, episode of the TV quiz program You Bet Your Life, hosted by Groucho Marx. Rudie danced a waltz with her fellow contestant and told a joke in the German language. The pair earned $500.[2]

After appearing uncredited in director George Sidney's Bye Bye Birdie (1963), she focused on education. She graduated from Hollywood High with honors and then studied film production at UCLA. Over a 36-year span, she has given more than 10,000 stage performances in 350 plays.[citation needed]

Rudie's star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame is located at the corner of Hollywood and Highland.