LeVar Burton

LeVar Burton

Birth : 1957-02-16, Landstuhl, Rhineland Palatinate, Germany

History

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia. Levardis Robert Martyn Burton, Jr. (born February 16, 1957, height 5' 7" (1,70 m)) professionally known as LeVar Burton, is an American actor, director, producer and author who first came to prominence portraying Kunta Kinte in the 1977 award-winning ABC television miniseries Roots, based on the novel by Alex Haley. He is also well known for his portrayal of Geordi La Forge on the syndicated science fiction series Star Trek: The Next Generation and as the host of the PBS children's program Reading Rainbow.

Profile

LeVar Burton
LeVar Burton
LeVar Burton

Movies

Butterfly in the Sky
Self
Two seconds into the bubbling synth sounds of its theme song will have a child of the 1980s or ‘90s exclaiming “Reading Rainbow!” Such is the beloved and ubiquitous nature of the classic children’s literary television show that introduced millions of kids to the wonder and importance of books. Not only did the series insist on having kids speak to kids about their favorite stories, but Reading Rainbow introduced the world to one of the most adored television hosts of all time in LeVar Burton. Thanks to his direct, non-patronizing and, most importantly, kind delivery, Burton became a conduit to learning for children of every background—an entrancing guide to subjects unknown.
The Right to Read
Executive Producer
The Right to Read shares the stories of an activist, a teacher, and two American families who fight to provide our youngest generation with the most foundational indicator of life-long success: the ability to read.
Definition Please
LeVar Burton
The story of Monica Chowdry, a National Spelling Bee champ…from 15 years ago. Life hasn’t quite panned out as expected for Monica since her big win. When her estranged older brother returns home to help care for their sick mother, the siblings must find a way to reconcile.
Brentwood
LeVar Burton
A running feud between Star Trek actors Brent Spiner and Levar Burton is the basis for this TV comedy pilot.
School of the Future
Researchers and educators highlight the gaps in the U.S. education system and share their visions for innovative and meaningful learning environments.
Lennon or McCartney
Self
550 artists were interviewed over ten years. At some point during those interviews, they were asked a question and told to answer with one word only. Some stuck to one, some said more, some answered quickly, some thought it through, and some didn't answer at all. That question… Lennon or McCartney?
Reunification - 25 Years After Star Trek: The Next Generation
Self
Reunification: 25 Years After Star Trek – The Next Generation is a 61-minute documentary celebrating the 25th anniversary of Star Trek: The Next Generation.
Rise of the Zombies
Dr. Dan Halpern
When zombies overrun San Francisco, a desperate group survives by locking themselves inside Alcatraz Prison. When the undead breach the island, our heroes are forced to return to the mainland overrun with the undead.
Stardate Revisited - The Origin of Star Trek: The Next Generation
Self
Feature-length documentary offering the definitive look at the making of the iconic science fiction classic; STAR TREK: THE NEXT GENERATION! Includes never-before-seen revealing behind-the-scenes footage, newly found screen tests, and fascinating all-new interviews with the key creative personnel from the show, as well as the entire regular cast.
The Jensen Project
Kendrick
After a sixteen-year absence, married scientists Claire and Matt Thompson reunite with The Jensen Project. The Jensen Project is a secret community of geniuses doing cutting edge research they share anonymously to help the world.
Taken in Broad Daylight
Mike Timbrook
Every 24 hrs. after a child's been kidnapped by a stranger, chances of finding them alive diminishes to almost 100% ... The true and inspiring survival story of kidnapped teen, Anne Sluti, and how she manages to stay alive by manipulating her captor, engineering her own rescue and negotiating her safe release after 6 days of hell.
Superman/Batman: Public Enemies
Black Lightning (voice)
United States President Lex Luthor uses the oncoming trajectory of a Kryptonite meteor to frame Superman and declare a $1 billion bounty on the heads of the Man of Steel and his ‘partner in crime’, Batman. Heroes and villains alike launch a relentless pursuit of Superman and Batman, who must unite—and recruit help—to try and stave off the action-packed onslaught, stop the meteor Luthors plot.
Reach for Me
Director
Old and bitter, Alvin just wants some peace and quiet in his last days. His wish, however, is not granted when a young, vibrant and ironically full of life Kevin becomes Alvin's hospice roommate. Through this "odd couple" relationship, Alvin learns that its not the minutes in our life, its the moments in your life that matter.
Reach for Me
Nathanial
Old and bitter, Alvin just wants some peace and quiet in his last days. His wish, however, is not granted when a young, vibrant and ironically full of life Kevin becomes Alvin's hospice roommate. Through this "odd couple" relationship, Alvin learns that its not the minutes in our life, its the moments in your life that matter.
40 Years of Star Trek
Himself
The Space Channel celebrates the 40th anniversary of the original STAR TREK. Produced by Mark Askwith, hosted by Jonathan Llyr and featuring interviews with George Takei, Nichelle Nichols, William Shatner, Peter David, Michael Okuda, Denise Okuda, F. Murray Abraham, Lawrence Montaigne, Leonard Nimoy, Garrett Wang, France Nuyen, Michael Reeve, George Clayton Johnson, Denise Crosby, Marc Scott Zicree, Garfield Reeves-Stevens, D.C. Fontana, Scott Bakula, Jolene Blalock, DeForest Kelley, LeVar Burton, Dr. Mae Jemison, Rob Salem, Walter Koenig, J.G. Hertzler, Dean Devlin, Harlan Ellison, Richard Arnold, Jeffrey Combs, Rick Berman, Bjo Trimble, Jim Lee, Alice Cooper, and Robert Picardo.
Steve McQueen: The Essence of Cool
Self
Friends, family, co-stars and admirers of actor Steve McQueen talk about his life and his movie career.
Blizzard
Night Watchman Elf (uncredited)
A young girl's aunt tells her the tale of a young ice skater and an enchanted reindeer.
Blizzard
Director
A young girl's aunt tells her the tale of a young ice skater and an enchanted reindeer.
Star Trek: Nemesis
Lt. Commander Geordi La Forge
En route to the honeymoon of William Riker to Deanna Troi on her home planet of Betazed, Captain Jean-Luc Picard and the crew of the U.S.S. Enterprise receives word from Starfleet that a coup has resulted in the installation of a new Romulan political leader, Shinzon, who claims to seek peace with the human-backed United Federation of Planets. Once in enemy territory, the captain and his crew make a startling discovery: Shinzon is human, a slave from the Romulan sister planet of Remus, and has a secret, shocking relationship to Picard himself.
Ali
Martin Luther King, Jr.
In 1964, a brash, new pro boxer, fresh from his Olympic gold medal victory, explodes onto the scene: Cassius Clay. Bold and outspoken, he cuts an entirely new image for African Americans in sport with his proud public self-confidence and his unapologetic belief that he is the greatest boxer of all time. Yet at the top of his game, both Ali's personal and professional lives face the ultimate test.
Smart House
Director
Ben Cooper and his family struggling to get a grip on household chores, school and work. Ben is the family caretaker. So when Ben sees that a Smart House is being given away, he enters the competition as often as he can. The family wins the house (named Pat). After moving in Pat's personality begins to radically change, the family starts to resent her.
Our Friend, Martin
Martin at Age 26 (voice) (as Levar Burton)
Two teens are sent back in time to meet Martin Luther King Jr. at several points during his life.
Star Trek: Insurrection
Lt. Commander Geordi La Forge
When an alien race and factions within Starfleet attempt to take over a planet that has "regenerative" properties, it falls upon Captain Picard and the crew of the Enterprise to defend the planet's people as well as the very ideals upon which the Federation itself was founded.
The Tiger Woods Story
Director
With his father coaching him and his mother providing a strong spiritual influence, Tiger Woods rose to fame and fortune. But his success came at a price, as he endured personal struggles with racism, self-doubt and cultural identity.
Trekkies
Himself
A hilarious look at the universe's most fervent fans.
Star Trek: First Contact
Lieutenant Commander Geordi La Forge
The Borg, a relentless race of cyborgs, are on a direct course for Earth. Violating orders to stay away from the battle, Captain Picard and the crew of the newly-commissioned USS Enterprise E pursue the Borg back in time to prevent the invaders from changing Federation history and assimilating the galaxy.
Star Trek: 30 Years and Beyond
Himself
A star-studded tribute to Star Trek on its 30th anniversary, hosted by many of the stars and guest stars from all of the Trek series and movies. Also features a huge number of clips from all of the series and movies. At the end, real-life astronauts Aldrin and Jemison present NASA award plaques to the cast members.
Yesterday's Target
Winstrom
Memory loss, separation and assassins threaten three time-travelers with special powers who are stuck in the past.
Star Trek: The Next Generation - Gambit
Lt. Cmdr. Geordi La Forge (archive footage)
After hearing a rumor that Captain Picard has been murdered while on an archeological dig, the Enterprise crew sets out to find the smugglers who may have been responsible.
Star Trek: The Next Generation - Chain of Command
Lt. Cmdr. Geordi La Forge (archive footage)
Tensions rise as a possible Cardassian attack looms, and Picard, Dr. Crusher and Worf are sent on a secret mission to find and destroy suspected biological weapons. The headstrong replacement captain, Edward Jellico, is cold and demanding - to the dismay of the remaining crew. But when Picard is captured by the Cardassians and tortured for information, dismay turns to anger and resistance as Jellico's plans exclude a rescue mission. With his options running out, Picard must fight to save his sanity and ultimately, his life.
Star Trek: The Next Generation - Time's Arrow
Lt. Cmdr. Geordi LaForge (archive footage)
An engineering team finds evidence of an alien presence on Earth in 19th century San Francisco: Data's severed head, buried five hundred years ago. An investigation inadvertently sends Data back to 19th century San Francisco, where he meets Jack London, Mark Twain, and a younger version of the long lived Guinan. Following Data back in time the crew of the Enterprise must locate Data and prevent his death while stopping the enigmatic Devidians from destroying Earth's history.
Star Trek: The Next Generation - Unification
Lt. Cmdr. Geordi La Forge (archive footage)
When the Federation calls for help in locating an ambassador suspected of defecting, Picard is troubled to learn that Spock is the one who has vanished. Seeking information from Spock's ailing father, Sarek, and unlikely help from the Klingons, Picard and his crew find the ambassador pursuing a personal mission on Romulus: a Vulcan/Romulan reunification. But though the Romulans claim to support the same goal, their motives are not what they seem.
Star Trek: The Next Generation - Redemption
Geordi LaForge (archive footage)
Loyalties are divided when civil war splits the Klingon Empire. When Worf sees a chance to regain his wrongfully lost family honor, he must choose between his duty as a Starfleet officer and his heritage as a Klingon warrior. Meanwhile, Picard struggles to keep the Federation from being dragged into the fray. But a shocking new adversary from the past threatens to destroy both the Federation and the Klingon Empire.
Star Trek: Generations
Lt. Commander Geordi La Forge
Captain Jean-Luc Picard and the crew of the Enterprise-D find themselves at odds with the renegade scientist Soran who is destroying entire star systems. Only one man can help Picard stop Soran's scheme...and he's been dead for seventy-eight years.
Parallel Lives
Dr. Franklin Carter
A college reunion turns into a tangled web of passion, romance and intrigue as old friends and enemies catch up with each other's lives. Includes a long list of stars.
Star Trek: The Next Generation -  All Good Things...
Lieutenant Commander Geordi La Forge
Picard finds himself traveling between the past, present, and future while attempting to prevent the destruction of humanity... by his own actions.
Journey's End - The Saga of Star Trek: The Next Generation
Self
Your destination: the 24th century. Your mission: to voyage where few have gone before--behind the scenes of Star Trek: The Next Generation! Join Jonathan Frakes, Next Generation's Commander William Riker, for this fascinating chronicle of Gene Roddenberry's beloved, Emmy Award-winning series. You'll explore the Enterprise, meet the show's stars (and some villainous guest stars), learn special-effects secrets and makeup magic, and finally get the answer to that nagging question, "Where is the bathroom on the Enterprise?" Other highlights include a visit to a Star Trek convention, and a stop at the scoring stage to watch Marina Sirtis (Lt. Commander Deanna Troi) lead the orchestra in a recording session. This program concludes with a special look at the series' thrilling final episode ("All Good Things . . .") and a sneak peak at the crew's movie debut, Star Trek: Generations. So set a course for an adventure like no other.
Firestorm: 72 Hours in Oakland
Fire Chief J. Allan Mather
Based on the actual events of the 1991 brush fires that swept across Northern California which left countless people without homes. A rookie fire chief who just started his new job must deal with the raging fires.
Star Trek: Deep Space Nine - Behind the Scenes
Geordi La Forge
Star Trek: Deep Space Nine – Behind the Scenes was a fifty minute documentary hosted by Terry Farrell that looked at the creation of Star Trek: Deep Space Nine, specifically its pilot episode "Emissary". Written by Stephen R. Wolcott and directed by Donald R. Beck, the documentary first aired on 4 January 1993 as a syndicated special of the by Paramount Television produced current media affairs show Entertainment Tonight, at the time the franchise's primary publicity outlet for anything live-action Star Trek related. In the documentary, Farrell (Jadzia Dax) takes the viewer on a tour around the Deep Space 9 sets. The feature also has interviews with the cast, producers, writers and other production staff members and takes a look at the making of "Emissary".
Star Trek: 25th Anniversary Special
Self
This documentary is hosted by William Shatner and Leonard Nimoy and they take us through the history of Trek. We also get to see bloopers from the original series and the current space program and how progression has been in reality, hosted by LeVar Burton.
Star Trek: The Next Generation - The Best of Both Worlds
Lt. Cmdr. Geordi La Forge (archive footage)
The Enterprise has a deadly encounter with the Borg, resulting in Picard's kidnap, while Commander Riker encounters a beautiful rival with an eye on his job.
Central Park
Himself
CENTRAL PARK is a film about the famous New York City landmark and the variety of ways in which people make use of it: running, boating, walking, skating, music, theatre, sports, picnics, parades and concerts. The film also illustrates the complex problems the New York City Parks Department deals with in order to maintain and preserve the park and keep it open and accessible to the public.
Roots: The Gift
Kunta Kinte
On Christmas Eve 1770, a young African warrior, who three years prior had been captured and sold into slavery in America, leads a desperate group of runaway slaves as they attempt to reach freedom in the North.
The Star Trek Saga: From One Generation to the Next
Himself
This special is hosted by Patrick Stewart and traced the history of Star Trek from its inception with "The Cage" through to Star Trek IV: The Voyage Home and the first season of Star Trek: The Next Generation. It also showed brief previews of Star Trek V: The Final Frontier and TNG's second season. Also it was principally a container for the premiere of a full color print of "The Cage" which had, according to the special, recently been recovered from Paramount's studio archives.
A Special Friendship
Ben Sumner
During the American Civil War, two women, a wealthy white woman and a freed black slave, join forces to fight for freedom and the abolition of slavery.
Liberty
Robert Johnson
Drama about how the Statue of Liberty came to be erected in New York Harbor in the early 1880s and the people responsible for its creation.
The Supernaturals
Pvt. Michael Osgood
Nichelle Nichols is an army sergeant who leads her platoon into the woods of the deep south on a training exercise. Unfortunately, it is the site where a bunch of yankee soldiers murdered a town of confederates. The corpses of the dead soldiers rise up to wreak revenge.
The Midnight Hour
Vinnie Davis
Phil, Melissa, Mitch, Mary, and Vinnie are high school friends, who unwittingly raise the dead on Halloween night. Once the dead have returned, Pitchford Cove will never be the same again....or will it?
And the Children Shall Lead
Glenn Scott
Mississippi in the early '60s is the setting for this story of a 12-year-old African-American girl who, along with her white friends, tries to ease increasing racial tensions.
Booker
Davis
Set in the 1860's South, Booker is the impassioned story of the boy who struggled through slavery to found the Tuskegee Institute. Through the eyes of nine-year-old Booker T. Washington, viewers witness the end of the Civil War, the cruelties that endured after slavery was abolished, and the hard work that led Booker to education and true freedom. Booker is a one-hour drama based on the childhood of Booker T. Washington and his quest for education in the chaotic aftermath of the Civil War. Booker was shown nationally on PBS by the series, WONDERWORKS and subsequently on the Disney Channel, the BBC, and throughout the world. Booker continues to be broadcast and used in thousands of schools in America and abroad. The film was chosen as among the top 10 best home video release for children by Parenting Magazine and best script for a children's drama by the Writer's Guild of America.
The Jesse Owens Story
Professor Preston
The Jesse Owens Story is a biographical film about the black athlete Jesse Owens. Dorian Harewood plays the Olympic gold-winning athlete. The drama won a 1985 Primetime Emmy Award and was nominated for two more.
Emergency Room
Ray Walden
An ER doctor divides her time between saving lives, playing hospital politics, and juggling a love affair with a fellow doctor.
Grambling's White Tiger
Charles 'Tank' Smith
A young white man goes to a historically black college for the chance to be the starting quarterback. There he encounters considerable resentment and learns what it's like to be in the minority.
The Acorn People
Rodney
An unemployed teacher becomes a counselor at a summer camp for severely disabled children.
The Hunter
Tommy Price
During his long career, bounty hunter Ralph "Papa" Thorson has caught over 5,000 criminals. Now, while he is working on apprehending fugitives in Illinois, Texas and Nebraska, he himself is being hunted by a psychotic killer.
Dummy
Donald Lang
The real-life account of an illiterate, deaf-and-mute, black youth who was accused of murdering a prostitute, and the relationship that developed between him and his court-appointed attorney, who also was deaf, and the events leading up to his precedent-setting trial.
The Muppets Go Hollywood
Self
Kermit the Frog throws a glamorous party at the Cocoanut Grove nightclub to celebrate the premiere of the Muppets' first feature film, The Muppet Movie. Hosts Dick van Dyke and Rita Moreno interview the wide array of celebrities and Muppets who attend the event. Gary Owens serves as off-camera announcer, and appears on-screen to introduce Miss Piggy.
Mickey's 50
Self
"Mickey's 50" is a 90-minute special that aired on The Wonderful World of Disney on November 19, 1978. The special was made to commemorate the 50th birthday of Mickey Mouse and highlights many moments in his career.
Battered
Andrew Sinclair
Gritty drama of three interweaving stories of three women of various backgrounds and ages whose marriages are complicated by spouse-abuse by their husbands.
One in a Million: The Ron LeFlore Story
Ron LeFlore
The true story of baseball star Ron LeFlore, from his days as a street-corner punk with no future to his days behind bars on a petty robbery conviction to his ultimate once-in-a-lifetime chance with the Detroit Tigers, where he became an outstanding baseball player.
Looking for Mr. Goodbar
Cap Jackson
A dedicated schoolteacher spends her nights cruising bars, looking for abusive men with whom she can engage in progressively violent sexual encounters.
Billy: Portrait of a Street Kid
Billy Peoples
A young ghetto kid despairs of ever getting out of that environment and making something of himself, until one day he gets a job as an assistant in a veterinarian's office, and working with all the animals begins to affect his outlook on life.
Almos' a Man
Dave
Although Dave (LeVar Burton) and his family are poor sharecroppers in the Deep South in the 1930's, this 15 year-olds problem is shared by teenagers today: he stands with one foot in adulthood and the other in childhood. "Almos' A Man", yet still treated like a child, he struggles for an identity. There's one thing, one symbol of manhood, Dave thinks, that could guarantee him instant respect: a gun.
Transformers Rescue Bots: Rescue Family
Transformers Rescue Bots: Rescue Family