Levardis Robert Martyn "LeVar" Burton Jr. (born February 16, 1957) is an American actor. He first became famous for acting in the television series Roots. He is probably best known for his role in the popular television series Star Trek: The Next Generation, and as the host of the PBS show Reading Rainbow. He is also the host of the American game showTrivial Pursuit.
LeVar Burton has also written a book called The Aftermath. He has also done work as a television director.
LeVar Burton has two children, a son and a daughter. He lives with his wife and daughter in California.
Awards
Nominations
1977 Emmy — Outstanding Lead Actor for a Single Performance in a Drama or Comedy Series —' Roots ' (Part 1, "Kunta Kinte")
1999, 2003, 2005 Daytime Emmy — Outstanding Performer in a Children's Series —' Reading Rainbow ' (Self)
2004 Genie Award — Best Achievement in Music-Original Song —' Blizzard ' (Co-composer "Center of My Heart")
2006 Black Reel Award — Best Director-Television —' Miracle's Boys '
Wins
Star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame at 7030 Hollywood Blvd. for television achievement (unveiled 1990)
1992 Peabody Award — Reading Rainbow (as executive producer of episode, "The Wall")
1995–1996, 1999, 2002-2003 Image Award — variously for Outstanding Performer in a Children's Series and Outstanding Youth or Children's Series/Special —' Reading Rainbow ' (both as Self and as Executive Producer)