I was trying to be very at ease in this arrogant person, and very worldly, but something human came into the part. I hate to say that. I wanted to be totally worldly.

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.