Levar Burton

Photo of Levar Burton

Biography

That is, until he took on the iconic character of Geordi La Forge in "Star Trek: The Next Generation" (syndicated, 1987-1994). In the few years that followed the airing of "Roots" - a landmark in television history and American culture - the young actor found himself blessed with several starring roles in telepics such as "Billy: Portrait of a Street Kid" (CBS, 1977) and "One in a Million: The Ron LeFlore Story" (CBS, 1978). However, by the …
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Job Title

Actor, Director, Producer

Born

February 16, 1957

Career Milestones

Feature directorial debut. "Blizzard" (lensed 2002)

2002

Again played the role of Geordi La Forge in the feature "Star Trek: Nemesis"

2001

Was briefly seen as Martin Luther King Jr in "Ali"

1999

Directed "Smart House" for The Disney Channel

1998

Reprised role of Geordi La Forge in "Star Trek: Insurrection"

1998

Helmed the Showtime biopic "The Tiger Woods Story"

1996

Once again portrayed Geordi La Forge in "Star Trek: First Contact"

Directed episodes of "Star Trek: The Next Generation" spin-offs, "Star Trek: Deep Space Nine" and "Star Trek: Voyager" and later "Enterprise"

1994

Reprised the role of Geordi La Forge for the feature "Star Trek: Generations"

Joined the CBS period drama, "Christy", as a recurring character

1993

Hosted "The American Television Awards" on ABC

1994

Directed a "Star Trek: The Next Generation" seventh season episode entitled "The Pegasus" (date approximate)

1993

TV directorial debut, "Second Chances", a sixth season episode of "Star Trek: The Next Generation" (date approximate)

1990

Provided the voice of Kwame for "Captain Planet and the Planeteers"

1988

Reprised the role of Kunta Kinte for "Roots: The Gift", an ABC TV-movie Christmas special

1987

Co-starred as Lieutenant Commander Geordi La Forge, part of the futuristic ensemble of the syndicated sci-fi series, "Star Trek: The Next Generation"

1982

Served as host and producer (began as contributing producer and evolved to co-executive producer) of "Reading Rainbow", a multi-award-winning children's educational series

1980

First substantial feature role, "The Hunter", starring Steve McQueen (in his final film)

1978

Played title role in the TV biopic, "One in a Million: The Ron LeFlore Story" about a street kid who becomes a convict before making it as a major league baseball player

1977

Feature debut, "Looking For Mr. Goodbar"

1977

TV-movie debut, starred in "Billy: Portrait of a Street Kid"

1977

First TV special, guest on "The Paul Lynde Comedy Hour"

1977

Acting debut, played Kunta Kinte, the first American progenitor of author Alex Haley's family, in the acclaimed landmark ABC miniseries, "Roots"

1974

Left the seminary to become an actor (date approximate)

1970

Entered a Catholic seminary to study for the priesthood at age 13 (date approximate)

Awards

1977

Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actor For a Single Appearance In a Drama or Comedy Series in Roots