LeVar Burton was born on February 16, 1957, in Landstuhl, West Germany, and grew up in Sacramento, California. He graduated from Christian Brothers High School in 1974, and later spent some time at a seminary. He later enrolled in the University of Southern California’s drama program on a scholarship. As a sophomore there, Burton won the lead role of Kunta Kinte in the 1977 miniseries Roots.
Roots became a cultural landmark and earned Burton an Emmy nomination for his performance. In 1983, he became host and executive producer of PBS’s Reading Rainbow, a role he held for 23 years. The series won 12 Daytime Emmy Awards and a Peabody Award before ending in 2006. For seven of those years, he played Geordi La Forge in Star Trek: The Next Generation and its film sequels.
After Reading Rainbow ended, Burton hosted the short-fiction podcast LeVar Burton Reads from 2017 to 2024. He guest-hosted Jeopardy! for a week in 2021. In 2023, he returned to the franchise as Geordi La Forge in Star Trek: Picard‘s third season. Since October 2024, Burton has hosted and executive-produced The CW’s Trivial Pursuit, which is now entering an expanded third season.
Television shows LeVar Burton has presented, including current programs and past presenting roles.
TV shows that LeVar Burton currently presents, including their role and the period they have been associated with each program.
Television shows LeVar Burton presented in the past, with details of previous roles and presenting periods.
No past shows found.
List of all television networks and broadcasters this host has worked with throughout their career, including current and previous affiliations.
Television networks and broadcasters LeVar Burton currently works with, including the shows and presenting roles associated with each.
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Television networks and broadcasters LeVar Burton has worked with in the past, highlighting previous affiliations and presenting roles.
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An overview of LeVar Burton's marital status, relationship history, and children.
Married
A record of LeVar Burton's known marriages and relationships, including partners and relevant dates.
Information about LeVar Burton's children, including their names, birth years, and other available family details.
Born 1980 · Biological child
Other parent: Chimara P. Smith
Born 1994 · Biological child
Other parent: Stephanie Cozart
LeVar Burton's educational background, including schools attended, academic qualifications, and honorary degrees.
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LeVar Burton's awards and honors, recognizing achievements and contributions throughout their career.