Leslie Caron, a French-American actress, dancer, and writer, is best known for her roles in classic Hollywood films such as “Gigi,” “An American in Paris,” and “Lili.” She has been a prominent figure in the entertainment industry for over six decades.
Early Life
Caron was born on July 1, 1931, in Boulogne-sur-Seine, a suburb of Paris. Her mother was an American dancer and her father was a French chemist. She grew up with an older brother and sister in various parts of France.
At the age of 11, Caron began taking ballet lessons at the Paris Opera Ballet School. She quickly became one of the school’s most promising students and was soon discovered by Gene Kelly while performing in a ballet in Paris.
An American In Paris
Leslie Caron’s breakout role came when she was cast as Lise Bouvier in the 1951 film “An American In Paris.” At the time of filming, she was only 19 years old. The film starred Gene Kelly as an American expatriate who falls in love with Lise Bouvier, a shy shopgirl who dreams of becoming a ballet dancer.
Caron’s performance earned her critical acclaim and made her an overnight sensation. The film went on to win six Academy Awards, including Best Picture.
Later Career
After the success of “An American In Paris,” Caron went on to star in many more films throughout the 1950s and 1960s. Some of her most notable films include “Lili,” “Gigi,” “Fanny,” and “The L-Shaped Room.”
In addition to her acting career, Caron also worked as a dancer on stage and television. She appeared in several Broadway productions throughout the 1980s and 1990s.
Personal Life
Caron has been married three times and has two children. Her first marriage was to French film director, Jean-Pierre Aumont.
Her second marriage was to British theatre producer, Peter Hall. She is currently married to Canadian film producer, Robert Wolders.
Conclusion
Leslie Caron’s performance in “An American In Paris” remains one of the most iconic roles in Hollywood history. Although she was only 19 years old at the time of filming, her talent and grace captivated audiences around the world. Caron’s long and illustrious career has made her a true Hollywood legend.