LeVar Burton

LeVar Burton is an actor, director, and host, known for his iconic roles as Kunta Kinte and Geordi La Forge in "Roots" and "Star Trek: The Next Generation" respectively.

TV Actor

February 16, 1957

Aquarius

68

Landstuhl, Germany

LeVar Burton is an American actor, director, and children’s television host. He is best known for his roles as Lieutenant Commander Geordi La Forge in the television series “Star Trek: The Next Generation” (1987-1994) and as Kunta Kinte in the television miniseries “Roots” (1977).

Burton was born in Landstuhl, West Germany, and raised in Sacramento, California. He attended the University of Southern California, where he studied theater. After graduating, he began his acting career in the late 1970s with small roles in television shows and movies.

Burton’s big break came in 1982 when he was cast as Geordi La Forge in “Star Trek: The Next Generation.” He played the role for seven seasons and became a fan favorite. Burton also had a successful voice acting career, providing voices for characters in animated series such as “Captain Planet and the Planeteers” and “The Magic School Bus.”

In addition to his acting work, Burton has also been involved in educational programming. He hosted the popular children’s show “Reading Rainbow” from 1983 to 2006. The show encouraged children to read and featured interviews with authors and celebrities. Burton has also written several children’s books and has been a vocal advocate for literacy.

Burton has received numerous awards for his work, including 12 Emmy Awards, a Grammy Award, and a Peabody Award. He was also inducted into the National Association of Broadcasters Hall of Fame in 2014.

Burton is married to Stephanie Cozart Burton, and they have two children together. He is also an avid reader and enjoys playing the piano.