Levardis Robert Martyn Burton Jr. (born February 16, 1957, in Landstuhl, West Germany), professionally known as LeVar Burton, is an American actor, director and author who first came to prominence playing Kunta Kinte in the 1977 award-winning television miniseries Roots, based on the novel by Alex Haley. He is also well-known for his role of Geordi La Forge in Star Trek: The Next Generation and as the host of the PBS children's program Reading Rainbow.
(1995) Daughter, Michaela Jean born.
Graduated University of Southern California School of Theatre
1 son named Ian, 1980, decided by the courts after paternity suit. He won joint custody.
LeVar Burton's father, Levardis Robert Burton Senior, was a career Army NCO from 1954 to 1976. Levardis Burton retired in the rank of Sergeant First Class, just as his son's acting career was beginning to gain notoriety.
As of November 2003 holds the record for the most number of Star Trek episodes directed by a Star Trek actor. He has directed more than two-dozen episodes for every one of the four "modern era" Trek series.
While co-starring in "Star Trek: The Next Generation" (1987), was also continuing his role as host of "Reading Rainbow" (1983).
His character Geordi La Forge on "Star Trek: The Next Generation" (1987) was named after George La Forge, a Star Trek fan who died from muscular dystrophy.
Is a strong supporter of literacy in children.
On "Star Trek: The Next Generation" (1987), his character's parents were played by two of his "Roots" (1977) (mini) co-stars: Ben Vereen played his father on "Star Trek TNG" and his grandson in "Roots" (1977) (mini) and Madge Sinclair played his character's wife in "Roots" (1977) (mini) and his mother on "Star Trek TNG".
At age 13, entered a Catholic seminary to study for the priesthood.
In the original Next Generation script, Burton's character, Geordi LaForge, was going to be gay.
Author of a science fiction novel, Aftermath.
Met his wife Stephanie Cozart Burton in 1988 during filming of "Roots: The Gift" and married in October 1992.
