Lesley-Marie Colburn's childhood was a unique blend of glamour and entertainment, as she grew up directly across the street from the legendary comedian Groucho Marx in the affluent neighborhood of Beverly Hills. Her paternal uncle, Sol M. Wurtzel, was a prominent figure in the Hollywood film industry, having served as a producer and holding the esteemed position of Vice President at the Fox Film Corporation. Wurtzel played a pivotal role in securing his niece's early entry into the world of cinema, casting her in an uncredited role as far back as 1952 and subsequently introducing her to the renowned producer, Cecil B. DeMille.
On the maternal side, Lesley-Marie's uncle, Mel Berns, held the distinguished position of head of makeup at RKO Studios, often taking on the task of transforming his niece into various characters for roles at RKO. This exposure to the technical aspects of filmmaking undoubtedly had a profound impact on her future endeavors.
Lesley-Marie's father, Sid Colburn, was a haberdasher and clothier to the stars in Beverly Hills, with his daughter working under her own name, Lesley-Marie Colburn. However, prior to her parents' divorce, she had adopted her mother's maiden name, Behar, and was known as Marie Behar during her time at the Hollywood Professional School. This decision was likely influenced by her mother's position as the French instructor at the same institution, Madame Behar.
