Leslie Zemeckis is an American author, documentary filmmaker, and actress. Her creative output primarily explores the lives and histories of women in entertainment, with a particular focus on burlesque performers, strippers, and figures from the circus. Zemeckis has directed four documentary films, including "Behind the Burly Q," "Bound by Flesh," "Mabel Mabel Tiger Trainer," and "Grandes Horizontales." She has also authored three non-fiction books that delve into similar subject matter.

In addition to her filmmaking and writing, Zemeckis has been involved in performance art, creating and starring in her own burlesque show. She has also contributed articles on burlesque and has been recognized for her work, receiving the Ellis Island Medal of Honor in 2023. Zemeckis maintains a monthly book column for the Montecito Journal, further extending her engagement with literary and cultural commentary.

Leslie Zemeckis has dedicated a significant portion of her career to documenting and exploring the world of burlesque and its performers. Her documentary "Behind the Burly Q" and its accompanying book involved extensive research across the country, interviewing individuals who were part of past burlesque shows. This dedication to preserving the history of the art form is evident in her meticulous approach to gathering stories and insights. Zemeckis has also engaged directly with the performance aspect, participating in burlesque shows and even performing as her alter-ego, Staar, with the Santa Barbara Symphony. Her book "Goddess of Love Incarnate: The Life of Stripteuse Lili St. Cyr" further highlights her commitment to bringing the stories of these often-overlooked female entertainers to a wider audience.

Beyond the realm of classic burlesque, Zemeckis's directorial work has also delved into the lives of other notable historical women. Her documentary "Grandes Horizontales" examines the lives of 19th-century French courtesans, offering a glimpse into their navigation of upper-class society. This film, like her other projects, centers on the experiences and societal roles of women, albeit in a different historical and cultural context. Her body of work consistently highlights female figures who operated within specific social structures, often pushing boundaries or carving unique paths for themselves.