LeVar Burton

LeVar Burton's father, Levardis Robert Burton Senior, was a career Army NCO from 1954 to 1976. Levardis Burton retired in the rank of Sergeant First Class, just as his son's acting career was beginning to gain notoriety.

LeVar Burton's father, Levardis Robert Burton Senior, was a United States Army NCO from 1954 to 1976. Levardis Burton retired in the rank of Sergeant First Class, just as his son's acting career was beginning to gain notoriety.

He played Madge Sinclair's son in four different productions: Almos' a Man (1976) (TV), One in a Million: The Ron LeFlore Story (1978) (TV), Guyana Tragedy: The Story of Jim Jones (1980) (TV) and "Star Trek: The Next Generation" (1987). He also played her character's husband in "Roots" (1977), though by that time the role of the older Kunta Kinte had been assumed by John Amos.

1 son named Ian, 1980, decided by the courts after paternity suit. He won joint custody.

One son named Ian, 1980, decided by the courts after paternity suit. He won joint custody.

On "Star Trek: The Next Generation" , his character's parents were played by two of his "Roots" co-stars: Ben Vereen played his father on "Star Trek TNG" and his grandson in "Roots" and Madge Sinclair played his character's wife in "Roots" and his mother on "Star Trek TNG".

While co-starring in "Star Trek: The Next Generation" , was also continuing his role as host of "Reading Rainbow" .

His character Geordi La Forge on "Star Trek: The Next Generation" was named after George La Forge, a Star Trek fan who died from muscular dystrophy.

His character Geordi La Forge on "Star Trek: The Next Generation" (1987) was named after George La Forge, a Star Trek fan who died from muscular dystrophy.

On "Star Trek: The Next Generation" (1987), his character's parents were played by two of his "Roots" (1977) co-stars: Ben Vereen played his father on "Star Trek TNG" and his grandson in "Roots" (1977) and Madge Sinclair played his character's wife in "Roots" (1977) and his mother on "Star Trek TNG".

While co-starring in "Star Trek: The Next Generation" (1987), he was also continuing his role as host of "Reading Rainbow" (1983).

Met his wife, Stephanie Cozart Burton, in 1988 during the filming of Roots: The Gift (1988) (TV) and married in October 1992.

Daughter, Michaela Jean born.

Daughter, Michaela Jean born. [1995]

As of November 2003 holds the record for the most number of Star Trek episodes directed by a Star Trek actor. He has directed more than two-dozen episodes for every one of the four "modern era" Trek series.

As of November 2003, he holds the record for the most number of Star Trek episodes directed by a Star Trek actor. He has directed more than two-dozen episodes for every one of the four "modern era" Trek series.