While continuing voice studies in New York City, Holden became a model best known as "the Breck Girl".
She went on to model on magazine covers and to film national commercials such as for Ivory Soap, Dentyne, Kellogg's, Chevrolet, Gillette, Playtex, Arrid, and 7 Up.
Holden guest-starred on primetime shows such as The Love Boat; Magnum, P.I.; Matt Houston; Three's Company; Taxi; Night Court; Mike Hammer; Remington Steele; Barney Miller; Quincy, M.E.; T.J. Hooker; Police Squad! and others.
1983
She then joined the cast of the TV series Knight Rider in the series regular role of April Curtis during the show's second season (1983–1984).
Knight Rider has appeared in syndication in over 200 countries throughout the world, most notably in Australia, Canada, Germany, and the United Kingdom.
She played the diabolical Elena on ABC's soap opera General Hospital, and later moved to Tennessee to help care for her ill sister.
During this period she appeared in many stage plays and musicals such as the role of Nancy in Oliver! and Lola in Damn Yankees.
Holden starred in a production of Baby, the Musical at the Boiler Room Theatre in Franklin, Tennessee
1989
Holden charted two singles for TRA-Star Records in 1989: "The Truth Doesn't Always Rhyme" and "License to Steal".
She recorded the album The Highway Runs Both Ways for Curb Records and a self-titled album for BMG Europe.
In 1989, Holden was recognized as both New Independent Artist and New Independent Female at the first Cash Box magazine Nashville Music Awards.
1993
She was co-host of the TNN dance show Dancin' at the Hot Spots in 1993.
She continues to tour internationally with her music, and serves as an emcee and performer for various charitable and corporate events as well as for military and veterans affairs.
2009
In 2009, Holden portrayed the character Beth in the movie adaptation of The Book of Ruth: Journey of Faith.
2010
In the early 2010s, Holden and Kevin Sasaki toured in "Together Forever", a musical tribute to Eydie Gormé and Steve Lawrence.
Holden's most recent CD single release is "Dreams Come True", a duet with Tony LeBron, on Silver Blue/Summit Records.
Holden married Bobby Vassallo, her childhood sweetheart.
Holden has been active with relief organizations.
She was a founding board member of Operation California (now Operation USA), traveling for charity work in Ethiopia during the famine.
She later helped form Operation Texas, providing help to earthquake victims in Mexico City.
2015
In 2015, Holden starred in the feature Hollywouldn'ts, and also had a lead role in a pilot for Comedy Central.
2017
On May 15, 2017, filmmaker Richard Rossi announced Holden had been cast in the lead role of Sister Sara Sunday in the independent film Canaan Land.
While she was still a model, Holden formed a country music group and toured with it for two years.
Classically trained as a voice major and piano minor in college, Holden has sung opera and performed the lead roles in such musicals as Oliver! and Damn Yankees.
She recorded a country album for Curb records, and her music videos have appeared on TNN and CMT.
She recorded both a country and gospel album for BMG Records in Switzerland, and toured in Europe and Asia, including performing for the King of Malaysia.
She was the featured performer with the United States Air Force Band at a memorial for World War II veterans.
During Holden's service as president of the Music City Christian Fellowship, she performed as singer and mistress of ceremonies for the Christian Country Music Awards and the Sunday gospel shows at the Grand Ole Opry.