Danette began acting professionally on the stage at age 67.
One of her first substantial roles was opposite James Earl Jones in The Great White Hope.
In The New York Times Theatre Reviews 1999-2000, D. J. R. Brickner wrote of her performance in Uncle Jack, noting that she was a "Broadway veteran" who imbued her role of Mary with a "touching authenticity".
When Leila Danette celebrated her 100th birthday she had a party in her honor attended by family and friends, including Joe Turner of Amityville. Turner reported that she didn't walk too well but drove a "mean scooter.".
She was an American stage, film and television actress.