LeVar Burton
LeVar Burton
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Full Name and Common Aliases
LeVar Thomas Burton is an American actor, author, and educator born on February 16, 1957.
Birth and Death Dates
Born: February 16, 1957
Still living as of 2023
Nationality and Profession(s)
American
Actor, Author, Educator
Early Life and Background
LeVar Burton was born in Landstuhl, West Germany, to a family of educators. His mother, Aravis Burton, was an educator, and his father, Frank L. Burton Jr., was an officer in the United States Army. When LeVar was two years old, his family moved to Gary, Indiana, where he grew up. He developed a love for acting at a young age, participating in school plays and community theater productions.
Major Accomplishments
LeVar's breakthrough role came when he played Kunta Kinte in the 1977 television miniseries _Roots_. This critically acclaimed production earned him multiple awards and nominations, including an Emmy Award. He reprised this role in the 1988 sequel, _Roots: The Next Generations_.
Burton is also known for his iconic portrayal of Geordi La Forge in the popular science fiction television series _Star Trek: The Next Generation_, which ran from 1987 to 1994. His character, who was blind and used a device called the VISOR (Visual Instrument and Sensory Organ Replacement), paved the way for greater representation of people with disabilities on television.
Notable Works or Actions
Reading Rainbow: LeVar hosted this popular children's book series from 1983 to 2006, promoting literacy and a love of reading in young audiences.
Star Trek: The Next Generation: In addition to his role as Geordi La Forge, Burton directed several episodes of the show.
* Education: LeVar has been an advocate for education throughout his career. He co-founded _Reading Rainbow_ with the goal of making books more accessible and appealing to children.
Impact and Legacy
LeVar Burton's contributions to television and education have had a lasting impact on audiences around the world. As an actor, he has played a wide range of roles, breaking down barriers for people of color in the entertainment industry. His advocacy for literacy and education has inspired countless young readers to develop a love for books.
Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered
LeVar Burton is widely quoted and remembered for his inspiring words on the importance of reading and learning. As host of _Reading Rainbow_, he introduced millions of children to the magic of books, emphasizing that "you don't have to be great to start, but you have to start to be great." His dedication to education has made him a beloved figure in popular culture, reminding audiences of the transformative power of storytelling and the impact one person can have on others.
Quotes by LeVar Burton
I’ve always been interested in gadgets and technology and I’ve always been a reader.
It’s definitely true that there are a lot of the devices we used on ‘Star Trek,’ that came out the imagination of the writers, and the creators that are actually in the world today.
And it’s here and it’s ready and we can really revolutionize the way we educate our children with tablet computers, and I’m committed to doing whatever I can to speaking to whomever I can to send this signal – to pound this message home. Now is the time.
I’m enormously proud of the fact that Star Trek has really not just sparked an interest, but encouraged, a few generations of people to go into the sciences.
I’m excited to see how current and future technologies revolutionize the way we learn.
We can’t afford to sacrifice another generation of American children to bureaucratic politics. We’ve got to get it done. The future, the health, the life – our nation depends on it and it’s just foolish to think or act otherwise.
Jim Carrey can do anything he wants, right? There are guys like that. I’m not one of those guys, so my career has been cobbled together with what the universe has put in front of me.
In a society that functions optimally, those who can should naturally want to provide for those who can’t. That’s how it’s designed to work. I truly believe we’re here to take care of one another.
