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She stopped playing the “sexy bombshell” role a while ago, but her sense of humor and direct way of saying things hasn't changed. Today she is about to premiere the series “Súper Ada” (via América Televisión), in which she plays a manager of musical artists, and she plans to make a film about her life, directed by Gino Tassara. “I think the most valuable thing in all this time was my professional and personal development,” he admits looking back. This is the starting point for her reunion with Somos, a magazine that has accompanied her every step of the way and keeps records of each of her stages.
—A while ago we saw some photos you took for Somos when you were first starting out. What memories do you have from this time?
At first everything was like a game. I didn't think I would last long in it. My plan for the performance was to earn money to buy a stroller. That's how I saw things. But I finished “Caligula” and two weeks later Michel Gómez called me to do “Those Above and Below.” They offered me three times my salary and I took it. Then little by little more series suggestions came. I wanted to have fun.
The actress moved to Miami in 2006 and appeared in several Telemundo productions. In 2011 he returned to Peru.
/ JUAN FRANCISCO MELGAR
—Was it difficult for you as a young person to deal with media exposure?
It didn't cost me anything. In reality, I didn't really care what the press or people said about me. I've always been a person without poses. If I had to go out in my pajamas, I did. I didn't suppress my personality either. He used to say things very effusively. It was pretty intense, as the kids would say now.
—Are you planning to tell everything in your film?
We will focus primarily on the period of the 80s and 90s. The idea is to create a balance between my beginnings and everything that came after: the series, the motorcycles, the discos, when the bullet fell on me… So much has happened that we have to carefully consider where we are going lead the story.
—Where did the idea of making a film about you come from?
I'm not saying my life has been exemplary, but I feel like we can leave a message through the film. There are nuances, good and bad things happen to all of us. Nobody lives completely happy or sad.
—Is your daughter Ariana confirmed to play you?
It's a possibility, but it's not confirmed. Acting is a hobby for her, but at the moment she is pursuing something else. He is studying at the university and doing his internship. Let's see what happens later.
Leslie competed on the second season of The Big Chef: Celebrities. He says this program gave his career new impetus.
—You have three children, young adults. How is your relationship with them? Do they remember you?
Our relationship is pretty good. I was a relatively new mother and made many mistakes that are no longer relevant to examine. It's not easy being a single mother and having to raise three children. You always strive to give them the best and make sure they have a good education, but what worries me the most is that they don't lack love. All three are quiet, good people. I'm more scandalous and party-loving than she is.
“Today you are more inconspicuous off camera and lead a much quieter life.
Well, time and maturity teach you. You learn that it's not always good to show a lot of your private life, but that it's better to keep some things to yourself. When it comes to networking, it's nice to share when you're in a nice place, but not beyond that. Whether I was with someone on this trip or not, whether I was drunk or not, no one cares.
Leslie with her three children: Nadim (24), Ariana (22) and Malek (20). Your daughter could play her on the big screen.
—You are also a spokesperson in the fight against skin cancer.
What I'm trying to convey now is a message to people to take care of the sun. Have them use sunscreen. Luckily, when my cancer was discovered it was still in its early stages. I wasn't afraid, I felt like I could overcome it. That's why it's also important to have preventive examinations carried out. I've been a beach gamer all my life, but unfortunately I didn't take the proper care.
—Some time ago you moved to Punta Hermosa. What does your everyday life look like there?
I am much calmer and more relaxed than in the city. I always liked the night and I was a little crazy, I won't deny it, but today I can say that I am at peace with myself. The surroundings of the sea and nature helped me to discover myself.
Before becoming an actress, Leslie was well known in the modeling world. She competed in the Miss Peru pageant in 1991.
/ TRADE
– Do you think a lot about your past?
I try to think much more positively and enjoy my solitude. Before I didn't like being alone, I felt the need to be with people. Today I see everything more clearly, especially the goals and dreams I want to achieve. I would like to work abroad again or have a show on the radio.
—Does accepting loneliness mean not having a partner?
I'm getting to know myself, but I'm still very social. I am a herd animal. I would say I'm more than a bear, I'm a wolf. Although I enjoy being alone, I find it nice to go out with someone, or several [risas]. I just came out of a five and a half year relationship; I'm still friends with him, we're legs. But at the moment I have no plans to get into another relationship. //
Aside from that…
We are an icon
Leslie appeared on the cover of our magazine in September 1994. At the time, she was one of the stars of the soap opera “Those Above and Below,” which recorded historic ratings peaks on Peruvian television. Over the years, the actress and model has appeared on these pages countless times. “I have a very special affection for Somos because it has chronicled my career from the beginning to the present day,” he tells us.
