Levar Burton is an American actor, presenter, director, producer, and author. He is notable for his role in Star Trek: The Next Generation as Lt. Commander Geordi La Forge. Burton’s first leading career role as young Kunta Kinte in Roots in 1977.
Quick Facts
| Name | LeVar Burton |
| Category | Actors |
As of 2020, Levar Burton’s estimated net worth is $8 million. He earns income from directing, acting, and producing roles. Burton, who hosted and produced PBS Reading Rainbow, now owns the franchise after the TV series was canceled in 2006. The new company bears Levar Burton Kids, while the iPad app is called Skybrary. He has also written two books.
Levar Burton is renowned for remodeling TV presentation for kids through Reading Rainbow. This article gives Levar Burton’s age, height, net worth, and his role at Reading Rainbow. Most lovers of Star Trek will surely enjoy this.
Early Life
Levar Burton was born LeVardis Robert Martyn Burton Jr., but he is best known with his stage name Levar Burton. Born on 16 February 1957, though American, his birthplace was Landstuhl Germany. His father, who shares the same name with him, was a photographer for the U.S. Army Signal Corps while his mother was a social worker and educator. Burton has two sisters, and they were all raised in California by their mother.
Burton attended St. Pius X Minor Seminary to become a Catholic Priest. At 17 years of age, he decided against being a priest. Burton enrolled for a drama degree at the University of Southern California after obtaining a scholarship. He graduated in B1974, from the University of Southern California School of Theatre. He landed his first acting role two years later appearing in a film The Man Who Was Almost a Man, a movie based on Richard Wright’s short story.
Career breakthrough
Levar Burton’s breakthrough came in the following year (1977) when is landed and featured as young Kunta Kinte in Roots. He got nominated for an Emmy in the Outstanding Lead Actor for a Single Appearance in Drama or Comedy Series Category. Subsequently, Burton played a visiting role in Fantasy Island. In 1983, he started hosting Reading Rainbow, a multicultural TV Series designed for young people. The show was produced by WGBH for PBS, focusing on teens ranging from 9 – 15 years of age. The show stood out as one of the longest-running children’s programs on the network.
As the host and producer of Reading Rainbow, Burton won 12 Emmy awards while the series received numerous broadcast awards. In 1986, Burton featured as Geordi La Forge in the Star Trek: The Next Generation TV Series. He reprised the role in the following features of the films – Star Trek: Generation (1994) and Star Trek: Nemesis (2002). Burton is also a director. Burton’s directed his first theatrical film in 2003. The film was Blizzard for which he won Chicago International Children’s Film Festival.
He also directed some episodes of Star Trek, making him the only regular cast to have done so. He directed episodes of Charmed, Las Vegas, Miracle Boys, and Tiger Woods Story. He is on the board of directors for the Directors Guild of America.
Burton has been featured in some films and TV series as an actor. He was in these films Murder, She Wrote, Soul Food, Smart House, The Big Bang Theory, Family Guy, Batman: The Animated Series, Perception, Hell’s Kitchen, and Ali as Martin Luther King Jr. and so on.
Levar Burton: Religion, wife, and children
LevarBurton was born into a Roman Catholic family, but currently, he does not identify with any religion. According to him, ‘I walked away from the Seminary. I walked away from Catholicism; I walked away from organized religion because I felt that there was more for me to explore in the world that I could do without adhering to one specific belief system or another.’
Burton lives in Sherman Oaks, California, with his wife, – Stephanie Cozart Burton. Stephanie Cozart is a professional make – up artist. Burton started dating his current wife in 1991, and they got married the following year. He has two children, a son Eian Burton from his former marriage and a girl Michaela’ Mica’ with Stephanie Cozart. He dated Joyce Dewitt around 1980. The trend of divorced among celebrities didn’t affect Burton’s marriage to Stephanie Burton. They have been married for 28 years; this is very rare among Nollywood celebrities. However, it was rumored that he was gay but no evidence to prove it.
Burton is one of the directors for a non-profit medical research organization AIDS. Burton is also a writer with two published works – Aftermath (1997) and The Rhino Who Swallow a Storm (2014). His childhood neighborhood honored him by naming a park Sacramento after his name in 2019. The park is located near his childhood house.
Levar Burton and Reading Rainbow
Burton accepted to host Reading Rainbow, and starting the hosting and producing if the series in 1983. Reading Rainbow was designed for young people between the ages of 9 – 15 years of age. WGBH produced it for PBS. The series ran for 23 seasons of creating quality content for youngsters hence why it lasted for 23 good years. The TV series won numerous awards and turned Burton into a star.
The series was canceled in 2006. In 2014, Burton and other workers in Reading Rainbow started a campaign to bring back Reading Rainbow make it accessible to all children globally. When Reading Rainbow was canceled, he partnered with Mark Wolfe to acquire the global rights to the brand leading to the formation of a new media company for children. The name of the company was RRKIDZ.
In 2017, Western New York Educational Television (WNED-TV) sued Burton for copyright infringement by the use of Reading Rainbow brand to advertise and market their new iPad App and other online media. Burton’s new company had rebranded Reading Rainbow into an iPad, which instantly become a hit. Therefore, Burton the names from RRKIDZ to LeVar Burton Kids and the iPad app to Skybrary.
Levar Burton: net worth, height, and age
Levar Burton’s net worth is $8 million. He earns income from directing, acting, voicing, and producing roles. Burton, who hosted and produced PBS Reading Rainbow, now owns the franchise after the TV series was canceled in 2006. The new company is called Levar Burton Kids, while the iPad app is called Skybrary. Also, he earns from the sales of his two books, Aftermath (1997) and The Rhino Who Swallow a Storm (2014). Burton stands at 5 ft. 6 inches (1.7m) and weighs 75kg. He is 63 years old.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Levar Burton’s bio
What is Levar Burton’s bio’s net worth in 2026?
Levar Burton’s bio’s estimated net worth reflects their career earnings, investments, and business ventures. Full financial analysis and income breakdowns are provided in this article.
What is Levar Burton’s bio’s most famous role?
Levar Burton’s bio is best known for memorable performances that have cemented their reputation in the entertainment industry.
Is Levar Burton’s bio still acting?
Levar Burton’s bio continues to pursue acting opportunities and remains active in the entertainment industry with ongoing and upcoming projects.
Does Levar Burton’s bio have children?
Levar Burton’s bio’s family life, including whether they have children, is covered in the personal life section of this biography.
What is Levar Burton’s bio’s height?
Levar Burton’s bio’s physical attributes including height, weight, and other measurements are listed in this comprehensive profile.
Where does Levar Burton’s bio live now?
Levar Burton’s bio’s current residence and lifestyle are discussed in this article, reflecting their personal preferences and financial standing.
10 Interesting Facts About Levar Burtons Bio
Levar Burtons Bio has led a fascinating life both in and out of the spotlight. Here are some lesser-known facts that fans might not be aware of.
1. Early Beginnings Were Humble
Before achieving fame, Levar Burtons Bio faced numerous challenges and setbacks. Like many successful individuals in the entertainment and business world, the early years were marked by determination and resilience that would later define their career trajectory. Growing up, Levar Burtons Bio showed early signs of the talent and drive that would eventually lead to worldwide recognition.
2. Multiple Talents Beyond the Spotlight
Levar Burtons Bio is known for having interests and skills that extend well beyond their primary career. This versatility has contributed to their sustained relevance and ability to connect with diverse audiences across different platforms and industries. From creative hobbies to intellectual pursuits, the range of talents might surprise even dedicated fans.
3. Philanthropic Efforts
Away from the cameras and public appearances, Levar Burtons Bio has been actively involved in charitable work. Their philanthropic efforts span multiple causes, reflecting a genuine commitment to giving back to communities and supporting those in need. This dedication to charity has earned respect from both peers and fans alike.
4. Business Ventures and Investments
Levar Burtons Bio has demonstrated sharp business acumen by diversifying income streams beyond their primary profession. Strategic investments in various industries have contributed significantly to overall net worth and financial security. This entrepreneurial mindset sets Levar Burtons Bio apart from many contemporaries in the field.
5. Social Media Influence and Digital Presence
Levar Burtons Bio maintains an active and engaging presence across major social media platforms, using these channels to connect directly with fans, promote projects, and share glimpses of daily life. Their digital footprint has become an integral part of their brand and continues to grow steadily.
Career Timeline and Professional Journey
The professional journey of Levar Burtons Bio is a testament to hard work, strategic decision-making, and an unwavering commitment to excellence. From the earliest days in the industry to current projects, every phase has contributed to building the impressive career we see today.
Breaking Into the Industry
Levar Burtons Bio first gained attention through a combination of talent and timing. The initial breakthrough came after years of dedicated effort, and it set the stage for everything that followed. Industry professionals quickly recognized the unique qualities that Levar Burtons Bio brought to the table, leading to increasingly prominent opportunities and collaborations with other top-tier talent.
Rise to Prominence
The period of rapid ascent saw Levar Burtons Bio taking on bigger projects and gaining wider recognition. Key partnerships, collaborations, and strategic career moves during this phase helped establish a solid foundation for long-term success. Each milestone built upon the previous one, creating a compounding effect on both reputation and earning potential that continues to this day.
Current Endeavors and Future Plans
Today, Levar Burtons Bio continues to evolve professionally, taking on new challenges and exploring fresh opportunities. With a well-established brand and loyal following, the future looks extremely promising. Industry analysts and fans alike anticipate exciting developments as Levar Burtons Bio continues to push boundaries and redefine what success looks like in their field.
How Does Levar Burtons Bio Make Money? Income Sources Explained
Understanding the wealth of Levar Burtons Bio requires looking beyond a single income stream. Like many successful public figures, the financial portfolio is diversified across multiple revenue channels, each contributing to the overall net worth figure that continues to grow year over year.
Primary Income Stream
The core earnings come from the primary profession, which has been the foundation of financial success. Over the years, consistent performance and growing demand have led to increasingly lucrative contracts and deals. This primary income alone would place Levar Burtons Bio among the top earners in the field.
Endorsements and Brand Partnerships
Brand endorsements represent a significant portion of annual income. Companies are willing to pay premium rates for association with the name and image, recognizing the marketing value that comes with an established reputation and dedicated fan base spanning multiple demographics.
Investments and Passive Income
Smart financial planning has led to building a portfolio of investments that generate passive income. Real estate holdings, equity investments, and business ownership stakes all contribute to a financial safety net that extends well beyond active career earnings. This forward-thinking approach to wealth management ensures financial stability regardless of career fluctuations in the industry.
Legacy and Cultural Impact
Levar Burtons Bio has made a lasting impact that extends beyond personal achievements. The influence on the industry and popular culture has inspired a new generation of aspiring professionals who look to this career as a blueprint for success. Through groundbreaking work and consistent excellence, Levar Burtons Bio has helped reshape expectations and standards across the entire landscape.
The cultural footprint can be measured not just in financial terms but in the way public perception has been shifted and doors have been opened for others. Whether through innovative work, philanthropic efforts, or simply by being authentically themselves in the public eye, the legacy continues to grow with each passing year and new generation of fans.
Industry experts frequently cite Levar Burtons Bio as one of the most influential figures in their field, and contributions have helped reshape standards and expectations across the entire industry landscape. The impact will likely be felt for decades to come.