Fred Astaire was a more formal, trained dancer who loved waltzing and only danced with the girls.

Caron is best known for the musical films An American in Paris (1951) Lili (1953) Daddy Long Legs (1955) Gigi (1958) and for the non-musical films Fanny (1961) The L-Shaped Room (1962) and Father Goose (1964). In 1989 Leslie Caron was a member of the jury at the 39th Berlin International Film Festival. Caron was prepared for a performing career from childhood by her mother.

In 2006 her performance in Law and Order: Special Victims Unit won her an Emmy for guest actress in a drama series. She received two Academy Award nominations for Best Actress.