LeVar Burton Biography

LeVar Burton launched his acting career while still a student at the University of Southern California. At 19, he found himself on the cover of Time Magazine after landing the groundbreaking role of Kunta Kinte in the landmark television series "Roots." A seemingly impossible act to follow, Burton achieved further global acclaim as Chief Engineer Geordi La Forge in the iconic "Star Trek: The Next Generation" television series – a role he reprised in "Star Trek: Picard" in 2023. However, it has been his role as host and executive producer of the beloved PBS children’s series "Reading Rainbow," of which he is most proud. Airing from 1983 to 2009, it was not only one of the longest-running children’s television shows in history but also one of the most acclaimed, earning over 200 awards, including multiple Emmys and a Peabody.

As the honored recipient of six NAACP Awards, a Peabody, a Grammy, and 14 Emmys, including a Lifetime Achievement Award at the Inaugural Children’s & Family Emmys, Burton has demonstrated that he can do it all. In 2024, Burton was awarded the National Humanities Medal by the National Endowment of the Humanities, at a ceremony in the Oval Office, bestowed by President Biden. Honored for his contributions to literacy in America, Burton continues his focus on the importance of literature and storytelling in our everyday lives and is a staunch advocate against the banning of books. He hosted the podcast "LeVar Burton Reads" from 2017 to 2024.

With over 4 million social media followers, a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, and a dedicated park in his hometown of Sacramento, this pop culture icon has the unique ability to reach across all ages, ethnicities, and socioeconomic groups – communicating to a large fan base that is highly engaged and motivated to embrace his message.

BOOK LeVar Burton

Speaker profile last updated by AAE Talent Team on 09/29/2025.

LeVar Burton Speaking Topics

  • On Reaching One's Full Potential

  • The Power of Imagination

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LeVar Burton Videos

LeVar Burton - Growing Up Reading & His Dreams of Hosting “Jeopardy!”

LeVar Burton - Growing Up Reading & His Dreams of Hosting “Jeopardy!”

LeVar Burton recounts his early experiences reading with his mom that led to his love of books, shares the only book he didn’t finish and discusses...

LeVar Burton Wants to Revolutionize Storytelling with Screens

LeVar Burton Wants to Revolutionize Storytelling with Screens

While some people are wary of storytelling through screens, insisting that books above all else are the only way to exercise our imagination, LeVar...

Mica Burton Interviews LeVar Burton

Mica Burton Interviews LeVar Burton

Mica Burton interviews LeVar Burton about how he got in to gaming through her.

  • How do I book LeVar Burton to speak at my event?

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  • What topics does LeVar Burton speak about?

  • Where does LeVar Burton travel from?

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LeVar Burton is a keynote speaker and industry expert who speaks on a wide range of topics such as On Reaching One's Full Potential, The Power of Imagination, The Influence of the Media in Education, The Importance of Literacy, Technology & Storytelling: Making a Difference in the Digital Age and "An Evening With LeVar Burton". The estimated speaking fee range to book LeVar Burton for your event is available upon request. LeVar Burton generally travels from Los Angeles, CA, USA and can be booked for (private) corporate events, personal appearances, keynote speeches, or other performances. Similar motivational celebrity speakers are Daymond John, Hill Harper, Common, Earvin “Magic” Johnson and Erin Gruwell. Contact All American Speakers for ratings, reviews, videos and information on scheduling LeVar Burton for an upcoming live or virtual event.

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