LeVar Burton Net Worth, Relationships, Age/Birthdate & Birthday

A Life in Storytelling: The Remarkable Journey of LeVar Burton

From Army-Base Beginnings to a Life of Creative Pursuit

LeVar Burton was born Levardis Robert Martyn Burton Jr. on February 16, 1957, in Landstuhl, West Germany — a military base where his father was stationed with the U.S. Army Signal Corps.His mother, Erma Gene Christian, later raised him and his two sisters in Sacramento, California.

As a boy, Burton was steeped in a world that emphasized education and reading — his mother ensured that books and language were central to everyday life. At age 13, he entered a Roman Catholic seminary, originally intending to follow the priesthood. But as he grew older, his doubts about faith and a growing passion for storytelling led him away from that path. He later studied drama at the University of Southern California.

That formative journey — from disciplined seminary student to curious drama major — would set the stage for a career defined by empathy, intellect, and art.

Defining Roles: Sculpting Identity Through Performance

Burton’s breakthrough came in 1977 when, still a college student, he landed the role of Kunta Kinte in the seminal ABC miniseries Roots. The portrayal of a young man torn from his homeland and thrust into the horrors of slavery resonated deeply with audiences — establishing Burton not just as an actor, but as a storyteller giving voice to history.

Yet, Burton didn’t stop there. In 1983 he became the host and executive producer of the children’s show Reading Rainbow, a platform through which he encouraged reading and learning for a generation of young viewers. The show ran for 23 seasons and won multiple awards under his stewardship.

In the mid-1980s he added science fiction stardom to his résumé — cast as Lt. Commander Geordi La Forge in Star Trek: The Next Generation (1987–1994). Across these vastly different mediums — historical drama, children’s TV, and sci-fi — Burton demonstrated an ability to inhabit worlds and characters with authenticity and purpose.

Over the decades, Burton expanded his creative imprint beyond acting. He directed dozens of television episodes (from “Star Trek” series to dramas), authored books, and later launched a podcast to continue telling stories. Through every medium, his mission remained clear: to inspire, educate, and connect.

More Than Fame: Advocacy, Impact and What Drives Him

Burton’s life and career have consistently been underlined by a belief in the power of storytelling — not merely as entertainment, but as a force for empathy, education, and social change. Inspired by his upbringing, he has long championed literacy and fought against censorship.

He has also contributed behind the scenes: as a director, a producer, an author — refusing to be confined by any single identity. His path reflects a deep-rooted commitment to purposeful work, something that resonates in each chapter of his journey.

In 1990, he was honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame — symbolic not only of his popularity, but of his lasting imprint on television and culture.

Financial Snapshot: What Is LeVar Burton’s Net Worth

Despite a career spanning nearly five decades and including roles in major cultural landmarks — from “Roots” to “Star Trek” to “Reading Rainbow” — public estimates consistently place LeVar Burton’s net worth at approximately US$6 million.

This figure reflects earnings from his acting, directing, producing, and hosting roles across television and media — including his long tenure on “Reading Rainbow,” his appearances in “Star Trek,” and other film and TV work.

While some might consider this modest compared to blockbuster movie stars, Burton’s financial standing belies the breadth and depth of his influence. He appears motivated less by wealth than by the reach and meaning of his work — a fact many fans and observers still find deeply admirable.

Personal Life & Relationships: Family, Partnership, and Legacy

On October 3, 1992, Burton married Stephanie Cozart Burton, a makeup artist whose career includes work on television shows and films. Together they have a daughter, Mica Burton, who has made her own name as an actress, cosplayer, and host.

He also has a son from a previous relationship.

Burton’s personal life appears grounded and private. Despite decades in the spotlight, he has maintained a stable family life — seemingly unshaken by fame, and committed to values of education, creativity, and integrity.

Why LeVar Burton Matters: Legacy Beyond the Spotlight

LeVar Burton’s journey reflects more than the arc of a successful Hollywood actor; it’s the story of a man driven by purpose. From the young Kunta Kinte — a character grappling with freedom and identity — to Geordi La Forge, a symbol of hope, representation, and technological optimism, to the guiding voice of children discovering the world through “Reading Rainbow” — Burton has repeatedly chosen roles that matter.

His commitment to storytelling, literacy, and representation resonates across generations. His net worth may be modest compared to some of his peers — but his influence is outsized and profound. In a world saturated with fleeting fame, Burton has built a legacy grounded in empathy, knowledge, and human connection.

For journalists, fans, and anyone seeking a model of artistry + purpose, LeVar Burton stands as a reminder that true legacy isn’t measured only in dollars — but in lives touched, minds opened, and stories shared.