Leslie Caron: A Journey Through Dance, Love, And Cinema

At just 17 years old, Leslie Caron caught the eye of the legendary Gene Kelly while performing in Paris. She recalls that moment vividly, remembering how he saw her dance at the premiere of a ballet about Oedipus and the Sphinx. Just 18 months later, she found herself on the set of the beloved musical An American in Paris, where she faced the daunting challenge of acting for the first time. “I had never spoken in my life on the stage,” she confesses, highlighting her nerves about performing vocally in front of an audience.

Now at the age of 90, Leslie enjoys a serene life in London, surrounded by her grandchildren, friends, and a beautiful garden. Her constant companion is a rescue dog named Jack, whom she credits for keeping her active. “I keep fit. I owe it to my little dog to keep him fit,” she says, showcasing her commitment to maintaining her health and vitality even in her golden years.

Leslie's life has been filled with love and complexities, particularly in her relationship with Warren Beatty. She fondly remembers their passionate romance in the 1960s, even as she reflects on the challenges it brought. Leslie recalls Warren waking her up in the night, worried that she wasn't thinking about him. “I thought it was funny!” she muses, yet she later recognized this as a sign of his controlling nature. “He considered himself my tutor and told me how to dress and behave,” she reveals, providing insight into the dynamics of their relationship.

Biography

A Life of Dance and Film

Leslie Caron's career took off after her debut in An American in Paris in 1951. She quickly became a celebrated leading lady, earning two Oscar nominations for her performances in Gigi and The L-Shaped Room. Notably, she is one of only six women who have had the unique opportunity to dance on screen with both Gene Kelly and Fred Astaire, yet she has kept secret her favorite partner. “For 70 years, I’ve refused to answer that. A great dancer is a great dancer,” she emphasizes, showing her respect for both legends.

Among her co-stars, Leslie holds Cary Grant in high esteem, regarding him as the most talented actor she has ever worked with. “He was a remarkable performer. He was very instinctive, seductive, intelligent,” she recalls. Despite his charm, she notes that Cary, who had a humble upbringing, often worried about finances and had a complicated nature.

Throughout her life, Leslie has balanced her career with her personal life, experiencing marriage and divorce three times. She recently decided to retire from acting, stating, “During the first lockdown, I decided I was retiring. I don’t have to get up tomorrow morning to do something.” This newfound freedom has given her a sense of liberation, a well-deserved break after a long and eventful career.

Reflections on Love and Life

Leslie's experiences in love, particularly with Warren Beatty, were intense yet challenging. She noticed unsettling patterns in their relationship, especially regarding his admiration for his sister, Shirley MacLaine. “Warren always had girlfriends who resembled his sister, and I had many of her qualities,” she explains, shedding light on the complexities of their romance.

Despite the ups and downs, Leslie retains a sense of humor about her past. She reflects on the romantic notions of youth, acknowledging the flattery that comes from someone obsessively thinking about you. Yet, she also offers a cautionary tale about the need for independence and self-identity in relationships.

As she enjoys her quiet life in London, Leslie Caron continues to inspire with her grace, wisdom, and remarkable career. With each story she shares, audiences are reminded of the beauty and complexity of life in the spotlight, and the value of cherishing one's own path.