Levar Burton Net Worth: Bio, Career, and Life Story
Levar Burton Net Worth is a popular search because LeVar Burton has
worked in TV for many years. He is not only an actor. He is also a host,
director, author, producer, and a strong voice for reading.
Many people know him from Roots, Star Trek: The Next Generation,
and Reading Rainbow. These three projects made him a trusted name in
American TV. As of 2026, most public estimates place his net worth at
about $6 million.
Who Is LeVar Burton?
LeVar Burton is an American actor, host, director, and author. His full
name is Levardis Robert Martyn Burton Jr. He was born on February
16, 1957, in Landstuhl, West Germany.
He became famous at a young age when he played Kunta Kinte in the
1977 TV miniseries Roots. That role made him known across America.
Later, he played Geordi La Forge in Star Trek: The Next Generation.
He also hosted Reading Rainbow for 23 years.
| Quick Info | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Levardis Robert Martyn Burton Jr. |
| Date of Birth | February 16, 1957 |
| Age in 2026 | 69 years old |
| Birthplace | Landstuhl, West Germany |
| Nationality | American |
| Main Work | Actor, host, director, author |
| Famous For | Roots, Star Trek, Reading Rainbow |
Early Life
LeVar Burton spent much of his childhood in Sacramento, California. His
mother, Erma Gene Burton, worked as an educator, social worker, and
administrator. His father served in the U.S. Army Signal Corps.
His family gave strong value to education. This helped shape his love for
books, learning, and storytelling. These values later became a big part
of his work on Reading Rainbow.
Education
LeVar Burton first studied in a Catholic seminary as a teenager. He once
thought about becoming a priest. Later, he changed his path and followed
acting.
He studied at the University of Southern California. His training
helped him build a strong base for film, TV, and stage work. His education
also helped him speak with confidence as a host and public figure.
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LeVar Burton Net Worth in 2026
levar burton net worth is estimated at around $6 million in 2026.
This number is not official because he does not share his private money
details. Still, many entertainment finance sources use this estimate.
His wealth came from acting, hosting, directing, producing, writing, and
voice work. He built his career slowly and stayed active for decades. His
income also came from public events, conventions, books, and media deals.
| Income Source | How It Helped His Wealth |
|---|---|
| Acting | Roles in Roots, Star Trek, and other shows |
| Hosting | Long run on Reading Rainbow |
| Directing | TV episodes and films |
| Producing | Educational and children’s media |
| Writing | Books and literacy projects |
| Voice Work | Narration, podcasts, and guest roles |
| Events | Fan conventions and speaking work |
Why LeVar Burton Became Famous
LeVar Burton became famous in 1977 through Roots. He played young
Kunta Kinte, a role that became one of the most powerful roles in TV
history. The role also earned him major respect as a serious actor.
Later, he joined Star Trek: The Next Generation as Geordi La Forge.
The role made him famous among science fiction fans. He also became a
symbol of intelligence, hope, and future technology.
Reading Rainbow and His Big Impact
levar burton net worth is linked strongly to Reading Rainbow.
He hosted the PBS children’s show from 1983 to 2006. The show helped
children love books and reading.
Reading Rainbow also won many awards. Burton received 12 Daytime Emmy
Awards and a Peabody Award as host and executive producer of the
show. These awards helped build his name as a trusted education figure.
Levar Burton Career Journey
LeVar Burton started his career with a huge break in Roots. For many
actors, the first role is small. For Burton, his first major role became
historic. It opened many doors for him in Hollywood.
He then built a long career in acting and directing. He directed episodes
of Star Trek, Charmed, JAG, Las Vegas, and other shows.
He also directed the Disney Channel movie Smart House.
Star Trek Success
levar burton net worth grew from his long role in Star Trek: The
Next Generation. He played Geordi La Forge from 1987 to 1994. The show
became one of the most loved science fiction series.
His Star Trek work also gave him long-term fan value. He still attends
events and conventions linked to the franchise. These events help keep
his career and public image active.
Books, Podcasts, and New Projects
LeVar Burton also works as an author and storyteller. His podcast,
LeVar Burton Reads, lets him share short stories with listeners.
This project fits well with his image as a voice for reading.
He has also planned new books. People reported that Burton had book
projects planned, including a memoir and a book about reading. These
projects show that he still stays active in 2026.
Relationship and Wife
LeVar Burton married Stephanie Cozart Burton on October 3, 1992.
She is a professional makeup artist and has worked in the entertainment
industry for many years.
Their marriage has lasted for more than three decades. Burton often keeps
his private life away from heavy media attention. This helps his family
live with more peace and privacy.
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Family and Children
LeVar Burton has two children. His daughter is Mica Burton, who is
also known in entertainment and online media. He also has a son, Eian
Burton, from a previous relationship.
Family matters a lot in his public story. His mother’s work in education
also shaped his mission. That is why his career often connects with books,
learning, children, and culture.
Physical Appearance
LeVar Burton has a warm and calm public image. Fans often remember his
friendly smile and strong voice. He also has a clean and professional
style at public events.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Height | About 5 feet 7 inches |
| Hair Color | Black / gray |
| Eye Color | Dark brown |
| Body Type | Average |
| Style | Simple, neat, and professional |
| Famous Look | Star Trek visor as Geordi La Forge |
IMDb lists his height as 5 feet 7 inches, or about 1.70 meters.
Social Media Presence
levar burton net worth also benefits from his strong public presence.
He connects with fans through interviews, podcasts, books, and social
media. His online image stays clean and positive.
He uses his platform to talk about reading, culture, education, and
storytelling. His voice still matters because many fans grew up watching
him on TV.
| Platform | Type of Content |
|---|---|
| Personal updates and public work | |
| X / Twitter | Thoughts, updates, and social issues |
| Podcast Platforms | LeVar Burton Reads |
| Public Events | Interviews, panels, and fan talks |
Awards and Achievements
LeVar Burton has earned many awards in his long career. Reading Rainbow
became one of his biggest achievements. It helped millions of children
see books as fun and useful.
He also received love from Star Trek fans around the world. His career
shows that success does not always need loud fame. It can also come from
trust, respect, and useful work.
How He Makes Money Today
levar burton net worth in 2026 likely comes from many income streams.
He may earn from royalties, acting jobs, directing work, books, podcasts,
voice projects, and live appearances.
He also earns value from his trusted name. Brands, schools, book groups,
and media companies know him as a safe and respected public figure. That
kind of trust can lead to paid work over many years.
LeVar Burton Net Worth Compared to His Fame
Some fans may think his net worth should be higher because he is very
famous. But TV actors from older shows did not always earn the huge money
that modern stars earn today. His wealth looks strong, but it is not at
the level of major movie stars.
Still, levar burton net worth shows a successful and stable career.
He built money through steady work, not through one short trend. His name
still holds value because people trust him.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is LeVar Burton net worth in 2026?
levar burton net worth is estimated at around $6 million in 2026.
This is a public estimate, not a confirmed private number.
What is LeVar Burton most famous for?
He is most famous for Roots, Star Trek: The Next Generation, and
Reading Rainbow.
Who is LeVar Burton’s wife?
His wife is Stephanie Cozart Burton. They married in 1992.
How old is LeVar Burton in 2026?
LeVar Burton is 69 years old in 2026. He was born on February 16,
1957.
Conclusion
levar burton net worth tells the story of a steady and respected
career. He earned his place through acting, hosting, directing, writing,
and public service. His work in Roots gave him fame, Star Trek
gave him loyal fans, and Reading Rainbow gave him a lasting legacy.
LeVar Burton remains one of the most trusted names in American television.
His 2026 profile shows a man who built success with talent, kindness, and
purpose.
