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Entertainment • Actor

LeVar Burton

LeVar Burton is an American actor, director, and television host best known for playing Kunta Kinte in *Roots*, Geordi La Forge in *Star Trek: The Next Generation*, and for hosting *Reading Rainbow* for 23 years.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

LeVar Burton is an American actor, director, and television host best known for playing Kunta Kinte in *Roots*, Geordi La Forge in *Star Trek: The Next Generation*, and for hosting *Reading Rainbow* for 23 years. He has been recognized for his work as a literacy advocate and received the National Humanities Medal in 2023. His career has spanned decades, with notable achievements in television and children's education.

Early life

LeVar Burton was born on February 16, 1957, in Landstuhl, West Germany. His birth name is Levardis Robert Martyn Burton Jr. He was born while his father was stationed there with the U.S. Army.

Breakthrough roles

Burton first became widely known for his Emmy-nominated performance as Kunta Kinte in the 1977 ABC miniseries *Roots*. He later reached a broader audience as Geordi La Forge in *Star Trek: The Next Generation* and appeared in several *Star Trek* films.

Reading Rainbow

Burton hosted and executive-produced *Reading Rainbow* from 1983 to 2006, a total of 23 years. The series became closely associated with children’s literacy and educational television. His work on the show earned multiple Daytime Emmy Awards and a Peabody Award.

Recognition and later work

Burton has received major honors for his television work and literacy advocacy. In 2023, he received the National Humanities Medal for his work as an actor, storyteller, and literacy advocate. He has also continued to work across acting, directing, and media projects.

Key facts

  • Burton portrayed Kunta Kinte in the 1977 ABC miniseries *Roots*.
  • He played Geordi La Forge in *Star Trek: The Next Generation* and later appeared in several *Star Trek* films.
  • He hosted the PBS educational series *Reading Rainbow* from 1983 to 2006.
  • His work on *Reading Rainbow* earned multiple Daytime Emmy Awards and a Peabody Award.
  • In 2023, he received the National Humanities Medal for his work as an actor, storyteller, and literacy advocate.
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Canadian context

Burton is widely known to Canadian audiences through *Star Trek*, PBS broadcasts of *Reading Rainbow*, and his broader influence on children’s literacy and science fiction television.

Frequently asked questions

Who is LeVar Burton?
LeVar Burton is an American actor, director, and television host known for *Roots*, *Star Trek: The Next Generation*, and *Reading Rainbow*.
What role made LeVar Burton famous?
He became widely known for portraying Kunta Kinte in the 1977 miniseries *Roots*.
What is LeVar Burton best known for on television?
He is best known for hosting *Reading Rainbow* and for playing Geordi La Forge in *Star Trek: The Next Generation*.
Where was LeVar Burton born?
He was born in Landstuhl, Rhineland-Palatinate, West Germany.
What awards has LeVar Burton won?
He has won 12 Daytime Emmy Awards and a Peabody Award, and received the National Humanities Medal in 2023.

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LeVar_Burton
    Supports: Birth name, birth date, occupation, major roles, and awards summary.
  2. Britannica — https://www.britannica.com/biography/LeVar-Burton
    Supports: Birth details, major roles, and National Humanities Medal.
  3. National Endowment for the Humanities — https://www.neh.gov/award/levar-burton
    Supports: National Humanities Medal and overview of career milestones.
  4. National Book Foundation — https://www.nationalbook.org/people/levar-burton/
    Supports: Reading Rainbow role and literacy advocacy.