Elle Rio appeared in more than 80 adult films throughout the 1980s. She began her career in porn in 1986 and soon became a familiar presence in many straight-to-video releases. Her limited grasp of the English language did not hinder her career. The Latina was renowned for the sneering, beckoning grins she aimed at the audience and her co-stars. Elle disappeared from the adult film scene almost as quickly as she had entered it. The story given the most credence is that she made all the money she wanted to and went back to Brazil to get married. She made her last film in 1989, although several she made before then have been released since that time, along with compilations of her earlier work.

In 1987, was featured in a music video for popular rock band, KISS