LeVar Burton

LeVar Burton

Born:February 16, 1957

Place of Birth:Landstuhl, Rhineland Palatinate, Germany

Known For:Acting

Biography

LeVar Burton, born Levardis Robert Martyn Burton Jr. on February 16, 1957, is a multi-talented American actor, director, and television host who has left an indelible mark on the entertainment industry. Burton is perhaps best known for his iconic portrayal of Geordi La Forge in the beloved sci-fi series Star Trek: The Next Generation from 1987 to 1994. His compelling performance as the intelligent and skilled chief engineer garnered him a dedicated fan base and solidified his place in television history.

Beyond Star Trek, Burton showcased his acting prowess in various notable roles, including his groundbreaking portrayal of Kunta Kinte in the landmark ABC miniseries Roots in 1977. This role not only showcased his exceptional acting abilities but also highlighted his commitment to telling important stories that resonate with audiences on a profound level. Additionally, Burton's role as the host of the PBS Kids educational series Reading Rainbow for an impressive 23 years, from 1983 to 2006, further solidified his status as a beloved figure in children's television.

Throughout his career, Burton has received numerous accolades for his work, including an impressive 12 Daytime Emmy Awards and a prestigious Peabody Award for his contributions as the host and executive producer of Reading Rainbow. His dedication to promoting literacy and education through his work has had a lasting impact on generations of viewers, earning him a special place in the hearts of fans worldwide.

In addition to his acting and hosting roles, Burton has also delved into the world of podcasting, creating and hosting the popular show LeVar Burton Reads from 2017 to 2024. Described as a "Reading Rainbow for adults," the podcast further showcases Burton's passion for storytelling and his ability to engage audiences of all ages with his captivating voice and storytelling skills.

In October 2024, Burton took on a new challenge as the host of the Trivial Pursuit television game show, which aired on The CW network and streamed online. This latest endeavor once again highlighted Burton's versatility as a host and entertainer, showcasing his ability to engage audiences in a wide range of formats and genres.

Throughout his illustrious career, Burton has been recognized for his contributions to the entertainment industry, including receiving a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 1990 in honor of his achievements in television. His impact on popular culture, dedication to education, and versatile talents have solidified his legacy as a respected and beloved figure in the world of entertainment.

Images

LeVar Burton
LeVar Burton
LeVar Burton

Filmography

Acting

Star Trek: First Contact

Star Trek: First Contact

Lieutenant Commander Geordi La Forge

1996

The Borg, a relentless race of cyborgs, are on a direct course for Earth. Violating orders to stay away from the battle, Captain Picard and the crew of the newly-commissioned USS Enterprise E pursue the Borg back in time to prevent the invaders from changing Federation history and assimilating the galaxy.
Star Trek: Nemesis

Star Trek: Nemesis

Lt. Commander Geordi La Forge

2002

En route to the honeymoon of William Riker to Deanna Troi on her home planet of Betazed, Captain Jean-Luc Picard and the crew of the U.S.S. Enterprise receives word from Starfleet that a coup has resulted in the installation of a new Romulan political leader, Shinzon, who claims to seek peace with the human-backed United Federation of Planets. Once in enemy territory, the captain and his crew make a startling discovery: Shinzon is human, a slave from the Romulan sister planet of Remus, and has a secret, shocking relationship to Picard himself.
Ali

Ali

Martin Luther King, Jr.

2001

In 1964, a brash, new pro boxer, fresh from his Olympic gold medal victory, explodes onto the scene: Cassius Clay. Bold and outspoken, he cuts an entirely new image for African Americans in sport with his proud public self-confidence and his unapologetic belief that he is the greatest boxer of all time. Yet at the top of his game, both Ali's personal and professional lives face the ultimate test.
Star Trek: Insurrection

Star Trek: Insurrection

Lt. Commander Geordi La Forge

1998

When an alien race and factions within Starfleet attempt to take over a planet that has "regenerative" properties, it falls upon Captain Picard and the crew of the Enterprise to defend the planet's people as well as the very ideals upon which the Federation itself was founded.
Star Trek: Generations

Star Trek: Generations

Lt. Commander Geordi La Forge

1994

Captain Jean-Luc Picard and the crew of the Enterprise-D find themselves at odds with the renegade scientist Soran who is destroying entire star systems. Only one man can help Picard stop Soran's scheme...and he's been dead for seventy-eight years.
Superman/Batman: Public Enemies

Superman/Batman: Public Enemies

Black Lightning (voice)

2009

United States President Lex Luthor uses the oncoming trajectory of a Kryptonite meteor to frame Superman and declare a $1 billion bounty on the heads of the Man of Steel and his ‘partner in crime’, Batman. Heroes and villains alike launch a relentless pursuit of Superman and Batman, who must unite—and recruit help—to try and stave off the action-packed onslaught, stop the meteor Luthors plot.
Looking for Mr. Goodbar

Looking for Mr. Goodbar

Cap Jackson

1977

A short, unhappy affair with a married man leads a dedicated schoolteacher into the alcohol-and-drug fueled underworld of singles’ bars, where she begins to engage in a pattern of dangerous sexual activity.

Production