LeVar Burton

LeVar Burton

1957-02-16 Landstuhl, Rhineland Palatinate, Germany 74 Credits

Biography

Levardis Robert Martyn Burton Jr. (born February 16, 1957) is an American actor, director, and television host. He played Geordi La Forge in Star Trek: The Next Generation (1987–1994), Kunta Kinte in the ABC miniseries Roots (1977), and was the host of the PBS Kids educational television series Reading Rainbow for 23 years (1983–2006). Burton received 12 Daytime Emmy Awards and a Peabody Award as host and executive producer of Reading Rainbow. His other roles include Cap Jackson in Looking for ...

Known For

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Complete Filmography

To the Journey: Looking Back at Star Trek: Voyager

To the Journey: Looking Back at Star Trek: Voyager

2024

as Self

Acting

The documentary explores the legacy of Star Trek: Voyager (1995).

Butterfly in the Sky

Butterfly in the Sky

2024

as Self

8.2
Acting

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 ...

Star Trek: Picard - The IMAX Live Series Finale Event

Star Trek: Picard - The IMAX Live Series Finale Event

2023

as Commodore Geordi La Forge

7.7
Acting

Get ready to send off Jean-Luc Picard and his crew in style! On Wednesday, April 19, experience the last two episodes of Star Trek: Picard in IMAX, fo...

The Right to Read

The Right to Read

2023

Executive Producer

2.0
Producing

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 f...

Secrets of Sacred Architecture

Secrets of Sacred Architecture

2022

as Narrator (voice)

7.0
Acting

For most of America's history, sacred buildings represented our greatest feats of innovative engineering and artistic design. Unlock the elements of ...

Definition Please

Definition Please

2020

as LeVar Burton

3.2
Acting

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. W...

Brentwood

Brentwood

2018

as LeVar Burton

8.0
Acting

A running feud between Star Trek actors Brent Spiner and Levar Burton is the basis for this TV comedy pilot.

Transformers: Rescue Bots - Rescue Family

Transformers: Rescue Bots - Rescue Family

2017

10.0
Acting

The Rescue Bots (Chase, Heatwave, Blades and Boulder) along with their human counterparts, the Burns, are one big happy Rescue Family! Together, they ...

School of the Future

School of the Future

2016

7.0
Acting

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

Lennon or McCartney

2014

as Self

5.2
Acting

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. ...

A Star Is Drawn: Rob Simone's Look Inside Comic-Con

A Star Is Drawn: Rob Simone's Look Inside Comic-Con

2014

as Self

Acting

This fast-paced Documentary was filmed inside America's biggest Comics/Film Convention and includes informative and humorous interviews with Levar Bur...

Star Trek: The Next Generation - The Best of Both Worlds

Star Trek: The Next Generation - The Best of Both Worlds

2013

as Lt. Cmdr. Geordi La Forge (archive footage)

7.1
Acting

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 h...

Reunification - 25 Years After Star Trek: The Next Generation

Reunification - 25 Years After Star Trek: The Next Generation

2012

as Self

7.0
Acting

Reunification: 25 Years After Star Trek – The Next Generation is a 61-minute documentary celebrating the 25th anniversary of Star Trek: The Next Gener...

Rise of the Zombies

Rise of the Zombies

2012

as Dr. Dan Halpern

4.3
Acting

When zombies overrun San Francisco, a desperate group survives by locking themselves inside Alcatraz Prison. When the undead breach the island, our he...

Stardate Revisited - The Origin of Star Trek: The Next Generation

2012

as Self

5.5
Acting

Feature-length documentary offering the definitive look at the making of the iconic science fiction classic; STAR TREK: THE NEXT GENERATION! Includes ...

The Jensen Project

The Jensen Project

2010

as Kendrick

5.5
Acting

After a sixteen-year absence, married scientists Claire and Matt Thompson reunite with The Jensen Project. The Jensen Project is a secret community of...

Taken in Broad Daylight

Taken in Broad Daylight

2009

as Mike Timbrook

5.0
Acting

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 surviva...

Superman/Batman: Public Enemies

Superman/Batman: Public Enemies

2009

as Black Lightning (voice)

7.1
Acting

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 ...

Reach for Me

Reach for Me

2008

as Nathanial

3.0
Acting

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...

Reach for Me

Reach for Me

2008

Director

3.0
Directing

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...

40 Years of Star Trek

40 Years of Star Trek

2006

as Self

4.3
Acting

The Space Channel celebrates the 40th anniversary of the original STAR TREK. Produced by Mark Askwith, hosted by Jonathan Llyr and featuring interview...

Steve McQueen: The Essence of Cool

Steve McQueen: The Essence of Cool

2005

as Self

6.0
Acting

Friends, family, co-stars and admirers of actor Steve McQueen talk about his life and his movie career.

Blizzard

Blizzard

2003

as Night Watchman Elf (uncredited)

5.8
Acting

A young girl's aunt tells her the tale of a young ice skater and an enchanted reindeer.

Blizzard

Blizzard

2003

Director

5.8
Directing

A young girl's aunt tells her the tale of a young ice skater and an enchanted reindeer.

Star Trek: Nemesis

Star Trek: Nemesis

2002

as Lt. Commander Geordi La Forge

6.3
Acting

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...

Ali

Ali

2001

as Martin Luther King, Jr.

6.8
Acting

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 enti...

Smart House

Smart House

1999

Director

5.9
Directing

Ben Cooper and his family are struggling to get a grip on household chores, school and work. So when Ben sees that a Smart House is being given away, ...

Our Friend, Martin

Our Friend, Martin

1999

as Martin at Age 26 (voice) (as Levar Burton)

6.9
Acting

Two teens are sent back in time to meet Martin Luther King Jr. at several points during his life.

Star Trek: Insurrection

Star Trek: Insurrection

1998

as Lt. Commander Geordi La Forge

6.4
Acting

When an alien race and factions within Starfleet attempt to take over a planet that has "regenerative" properties, it falls upon Captain Picard and th...

The Tiger Woods Story

The Tiger Woods Story

1998

Director

2.0
Directing

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 pr...

Trekkies

Trekkies

1997

as Self

6.4
Acting

Denise Crosby takes a first look at the huge fans of "Star Trek" from around America and how the series has affected and shaped their lives.

Star Trek: First Contact

Star Trek: First Contact

1996

as Lieutenant Commander Geordi La Forge

7.3
Acting

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 o...

Star Trek: 30 Years and Beyond

Star Trek: 30 Years and Beyond

1996

as Self

5.8
Acting

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 ...

Yesterday's Target

Yesterday's Target

1996

as Winstrom

3.5
Acting

Memory loss, separation and assassins threaten three time-travelers with special powers who are stuck in the past.

Star Trek: Generations

Star Trek: Generations

1994

as Lt. Commander Geordi La Forge

6.5
Acting

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 syste...

Parallel Lives

Parallel Lives

1994

as Dr. Franklin Carter

5.0
Acting

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 lo...

Star Trek: The Next Generation - All Good Things...

Star Trek: The Next Generation - All Good Things...

1994

as Lieutenant Commander Geordi La Forge

9.0
Acting

Q returns as Capt. Picard finds himself continually shifting into the past, future, and present, and he must use that to discover a threat to humanity...

Journey's End - The Saga of Star Trek: The Next Generation

Journey's End - The Saga of Star Trek: The Next Generation

1994

as Self

6.9
Acting

Your destination: the 24th century. Your mission: to voyage where few have gone before--behind the scenes of Star Trek: The Next Generation! Join Jona...

Star Trek: The Next Generation - Gambit

Star Trek: The Next Generation - Gambit

1993

as Lt. Cmdr. Geordi La Forge (archive footage)

6.5
Acting

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 ...

Star Trek: The Next Generation - Descent

Star Trek: The Next Generation - Descent

1993

as Geordi La Forge

7.0
Acting

The Enterprise is diverted to Ohniaka Three, when the colony signals that it is under attack. Arriving at the outpost, the Starfleet Officers discover...

Star Trek: The Next Generation - Birthright

Star Trek: The Next Generation - Birthright

1993

as Geordi La Forge

Acting

The Enterprise arrives at Deep Space Nine where a mysterious alien, Jaglom Shrek, claims he can prove that Worf's father Mogh, is still alive. Meanwhi...

Firestorm: 72 Hours in Oakland

Firestorm: 72 Hours in Oakland

1993

as Fire Chief J. Allan Mather

4.5
Acting

Based on the actual events of the 1991 brush fires that swept across Northern California which left countless people without homes. A rookie fire chie...

Star Trek: Deep Space Nine - Behind the Scenes

Star Trek: Deep Space Nine - Behind the Scenes

1993

as Geordi La Forge

1.0
Acting

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 S...

Star Trek: The Next Generation - Chain of Command

Star Trek: The Next Generation - Chain of Command

1992

as Lt. Cmdr. Geordi La Forge (archive footage)

6.1
Acting

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 biolo...

Star Trek: The Next Generation - Time's Arrow

Star Trek: The Next Generation - Time's Arrow

1992

as Lt. Cmdr. Geordi LaForge (archive footage)

7.4
Acting

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...

Star Trek: Federation Science

Star Trek: Federation Science

1992

1.0
Acting

Produced by the Oregon Museum of Science and Industry (lead writer, Mark Bourne), the exhibit was originally developed to coincide with both the 25th ...

Star Trek: The Next Generation - Unification

Star Trek: The Next Generation - Unification

1991

as Lt. Cmdr. Geordi La Forge (archive footage)

6.0
Acting

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 vanishe...

Star Trek: 25th Anniversary Special

Star Trek: 25th Anniversary Special

1991

as Self

5.7
Acting

This documentary is hosted by William Shatner and Leonard Nimoy and they take us through the history of Star Trek. We also get to see bloopers from th...

Star Trek: The Next Generation - Redemption

Star Trek: The Next Generation - Redemption

1991

as Geordi LaForge (archive footage)

6.4
Acting

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 bet...

Central Park

Central Park

1990

as Self

7.4
Acting

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, skat...

Roots: The Gift

Roots: The Gift

1988

as Kunta Kinte

6.8
Acting

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 r...

The Star Trek Saga: From One Generation to the Next

The Star Trek Saga: From One Generation to the Next

1988

as Self

2.6
Acting

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 H...

A Special Friendship

A Special Friendship

1987

as Ben Sumner

Acting

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...

Star Trek: The Next Generation - electronic press kit

1987

as Self

Acting

Original electronic press kit publicizing the long-awaited sequel to NBC’s “Star Trek”. Program distributed via first-run syndication.

Liberty

Liberty

1986

as Robert Johnson

Acting

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

The Supernaturals

1986

as Pvt. Michael Osgood

3.9
Acting

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 wher...

The Midnight Hour

The Midnight Hour

1985

as Vinnie Davis

6.0
Acting

Phil, Melissa, Mitch, Mary, and Vinnie are high school friends, who unwittingly raise the dead on Halloween night. Once the dead have returned, Pitchf...

And the Children Shall Lead

And the Children Shall Lead

1985

as Glenn Scott

10.0
Acting

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 in...

Booker

1984

as Davis

Acting

Booker tells the true story of Booker T. Washington, who, as a young slave, dreams of learning to read and write. After the Civil War frees him, Booke...

The Jesse Owens Story

The Jesse Owens Story

1984

as Professor Preston

7.9
Acting

The Jesse Owens Story is a biographical film about the black athlete Jesse Owens. Dorian Harewood plays the Olympic gold-winning athlete. The drama wo...

Emergency Room

Emergency Room

1983

as Ray Walden

Acting

An ER doctor divides her time between saving lives, playing hospital politics, and juggling a love affair with a fellow doctor.

I Love Liberty

I Love Liberty

1982

as Self

Acting

An all-star variety special saluting America.

Grambling's White Tiger

1981

as Charles 'Tank' Smith

Acting

A young white man goes to a historically black college for the chance to be the starting quarterback. There he encounters considerable resentment and ...

The Acorn People

The Acorn People

1981

as Rodney

2.0
Acting

An unemployed teacher becomes a counselor at a summer camp for severely disabled children.

The Hunter

The Hunter

1980

as Tommy Price

5.9
Acting

During his long career, bounty hunter Ralph "Papa" Thorson has caught over 5,000 criminals. Now, while he is working on apprehending fugitives in Illi...

Dummy

Dummy

1979

as Donald Lang

8.5
Acting

The real-life account of an illiterate, deaf-and-mute, black youth who was accused of murdering a prostitute, and the relationship that developed betw...

The Muppets Go Hollywood

The Muppets Go Hollywood

1979

as Self

6.3
Acting

Kermit the Frog throws a glamorous party at the Cocoanut Grove nightclub to celebrate the premiere of the Muppets' first feature film, The Muppet Movi...

Mickey's 50

Mickey's 50

1978

as Self

Acting

"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 bi...

One in a Million: The Ron LeFlore Story

One in a Million: The Ron LeFlore Story

1978

as Ron LeFlore

5.5
Acting

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 convictio...

Battered

Battered

1978

as Andrew Sinclair

Acting

Gritty drama of three interweaving stories of three women of various backgrounds and ages whose marriages are complicated by spouse-abuse by their hus...

Looking for Mr. Goodbar

Looking for Mr. Goodbar

1977

as Cap Jackson

6.3
Acting

A short, unhappy affair with a married man leads a dedicated schoolteacher into the alcohol-and-drug fueled underworld of singles’ bars, where she beg...

Billy: Portrait of a Street Kid

Billy: Portrait of a Street Kid

1977

as Billy Peoples

Acting

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 ...

US Against the World

US Against the World

1977

as Self

Acting

This NBC Special from 1977 pitted celebrities from the worlds of film and TV in the United States against stars from the U.K. and the rest of the Worl...

Almos' a Man

Almos' a Man

1976

as Dave

Acting

Although Dave (LeVar Burton) and his family are poor sharecroppers in the Deep South in the 1930s, this 15-year-old's problem is shared by teenagers t...