Speaker Profile Thumbnail for LeVar Burton

Host of "Reading Rainbow" | Author of 'Aftermath' | Advocate for Literacy and Education

LeVar Burton Speaking Fee: $50,000 to $75,000

Host of "Reading Rainbow" | Author of 'Aftermath' | Advocate for Literacy and Education

Speaker Profile Thumbnail for LeVar Burton
Speaking Fee:
$50,000 to $75,000

Travels From:
LAX - Los Angeles (All Airports)

Primary Topic Category:
Education

Secondary Topic Category:
Authors & Storytellers

 

LeVar Burton Speaker Profile: At A Glance

LeVar Burton is an actor, director, producer, and podcaster whose decades-long body of work includes Roots, Star Trek: The Next Generation, and Reading Rainbow. He is the honored recipient of six NAACP Awards, a Peabody, a Grammy, and 15 Emmy Awards. LeVar is also widely known as the host and executive producer of the PBS children's program Reading Rainbow. His production company, LeVar Burton Entertainment (LBE), develops projects in the film, television, podcasting, and publishing space with the mission to share stories that fosters empathy, champions diversity, and builds community.

LeVar Burton is an acclaimed actor, director, and educator known for his groundbreaking work in television and film. Born on February 16, 1957, in Landstuhl, West Germany, Burton grew up in Sacramento, California, where he found his passion for storytelling at a young age. His interest in acting was sparked during his high school years, eventually leading him to study drama at the University of Southern California. Burton’s big break came in 1977 when he was cast as Kunta Kinte in the landmark television miniseries ""Roots."" His portrayal earned him widespread acclaim and a Primetime Emmy nomination, solidifying his place in Hollywood and making an indelible mark on American television history. This role was groundbreaking not just for his career but for its cultural significance, as it brought a powerful narrative of African American history into millions of homes. He continued to make waves in the entertainment industry with his long-running role as Lt. Commander Geordi La Forge on ""Star Trek: The Next Generation."" His performance on the beloved sci-fi series earned him a dedicated fanbase and showcased his versatility as an actor. Outside of acting, Burton directed several episodes of ""Star Trek"" and other TV series, further expanding his creative footprint. Perhaps equally impactful is Burton’s work as the host and executive producer of ""Reading Rainbow,"" the beloved children’s television program that encouraged generations of kids to develop a love for reading. His efforts on the show were rewarded with multiple Emmy Awards, and his commitment to literacy has had a lasting influence on educational media. The resurgence of ""Reading Rainbow"" as a digital platform underscores Burton's adaptability and continued commitment to education in the digital age. Active in various humanitarian and social causes, Burton is a staunch advocate for literacy, diversity, and social justice. His other accolades include a Grammy Award for Best Spoken Word Album and numerous honors from educational organizations. Through his multifaceted career, Burton has not only entertained millions but also made significant contributions to education and cultural awareness. In every endeavor, his guiding principle remains clear: the power of storytelling can change the world.
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