LeVar Burton could be the greatest entertainer on the planet. Few people can touch him when it comes to groundbreaking drama, science fiction & children’s education. Burton went on to play Kunta Kinte in Roots through to Geordi La Forge in Star Trek: The Next Generation, over a career that spanned generations.
LeVar Burton has an estimated net worth of about $6 million as of 2026. Most of his wealth comes from film acting, television hosting and directing, producing in feature films and TV series, voice performances, journalism assignments, and other media production work.
He has arguably enjoyed the most remarkable career of anyone through television, film, education, and literature, giving him one of the highest-profile multitalented entertainer names in America.
LeVar Burton Wiki Bio Snapshot & Personal Profile
| Attribute | Details |
| Full Name | Levardis Robert Martyn Burton Jr. |
| Known As | LeVar Burton |
| Profession | Actor, Director, Author, Producer, Presenter |
| Gender | Male |
| Nationality | American |
| Date of Birth | February 16, 1957 |
| Birthday | February 16 |
| Age (2026) | 69 Years Old |
| Zodiac Sign | Aquarius |
| Birthplace | Landstuhl, West Germany |
| Current Residence | Los Angeles, California, USA |
| Education | University of Southern California |
| Marital Status | Married |
| Wife | Stephanie Cozart Burton |
| Marriage | 1992–Present |
| Children | Two |
| Father | Levardis Robert Martyn Burton Sr. |
| Mother | Erma Gene Christian |
| Siblings | Two sisters |
| Height | 5 ft 7 in (1.70 m) approximately |
| Weight | Around 70 kg (154 lbs), estimated |
| Hair Color | Black |
| Eye Color | Brown |
| Ethnicity | African-American |
| Primary Income Sources | Acting, Television, Directing, Producing, Books |
| Best Known For | Roots, Reading Rainbow, Star Trek: The Next Generation |
| Film Debut | Alibi Ike (1985) |
| Notable Awards | Multiple Emmy Awards and Peabody Award recognition |
| Current Status | Active Actor, Director, Author & Presenter |
| Net Worth (2026) | Approx. $6 Million |
LeVar Burton Early Life & Family Background
LeVar Burton was born on 16 February 1957 in Landstuhl, West Germany. His father was a U.S. Army photographer stationed in Germany) He spent most of his childhood in Sacramento, California and became interested in performing at a young age.
Miss Burton was originally going to be a priest and attended seminary school before acting. That call altered the course of his life and ultimately took him to one of television’s most powerful jobs.
Education Journey
Burton studied theatre at Sacramento State University. While reading, his formal education honed his acting skills and prepared him for work. Though still in his youth, he landed the role that would catapult him to worldwide fame. His academic training provided an early foundation for the stage and screen career that followed.
LeVar Burton Net Worth 2026: What are the Current Numbers?
As of 2026, LeVar Burton’s estimated net worth is approximately $6 million. Instead of a single acting role, he has accumulated his income through various areas of entertainment. He earns money primarily from television and film acting, Reading Rainbow, Star Trek: The Next Generation, TV directing, voice-over, books/ publishing and producing. He has had a long career spanning multiple areas in entertainment.
LeVar Burton Net Worth Comparison With Other Television Stars
Over a long career, Burton has earned a place as an eminent television figure. Estimates of celebrity net worth may vary because private investments, contracts, taxes and assets aren’t always publicly available.
| Personality | Profession | Estimated Net Worth |
| LeVar Burton | Actor & Presenter | $6 Million |
| Patrick Stewart | Actor | Varies by estimate |
| Jonathan Frakes | Actor & Director | Varies by estimate |
| William Shatner | Actor & Author | Varies by estimate |
| Whoopi Goldberg | Actress & Presenter | Varies by estimate |
LeVar Burton Net Worth Growth Over the Years
Burton earned his millions slowly but surely over decades with both television and film projects. Roots was his first true breakout role as an actor, but Reading Rainbow and Star Trek opened further avenues of consistent work for him. These figures represent estimated milestones rather than audited financial statements.
| Year | Estimated Net Worth |
| 2018 | $4 Million |
| 2020 | $4.5 Million |
| 2022 | $5 Million |
| 2024 | $5.5 Million |
| 2025 | $6 Million |
| 2026 | $6 Million |
Early Career Beginnings That Shaped LeVar Burton Net Worth
Burton received his big break professionally when he landed the role of Kunta Kinte in the landmark 1977 miniseries Roots.
The production became a television phenomenon and made Burton a household name to millions. His work earned him an Emmy nomination for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series and announced him as a serious young actor. Roots proved a huge success and led to subsequent roles on television and film.
First Key Roles and Projects
After Roots, Burton worked hard to develop his acting career. So he became best known for a stint on Star Trek: The Next Generation as Lieutenant Commander Geordi La Forge.
He made his way into all 178 episodes of the series and would revisit the character on separate occasions in four Star Trek films. That may become one of the signature accomplishments of a storied career.
The Television World For The LeVar Burton Net Worth
Burton’s riches have largely stemmed from television. Star Trek: The Next Generation gave him international fame, and Reading Rainbow gave him a whole different audience.
Reading Rainbow was created by Burton and ran for 23 seasons, becoming one of the most acclaimed children’s educational programs in American television. Burton has spent nearly 10 years helping kids learn to read through this program, establishing himself as champion and crusader for children’s literacy and education.
Joint Ventures Which Increased His Nest Egg
Designer and director Burton has worked with many actors, directors, writers and producers. His work throughout the Star Trek franchise also linked him to actors such as Patrick Stewart, Jonathan Frakes, Brent Spiner, Marina Sirtis and Gates McFadden.
His directorial work opened further behind-the-camera career paths for him. Burton also directed numerous episodes of Star Trek: The Next Generation and other television productions, proving his skills were not limited to acting.
Breakthrough Contributions That Expanded Market Value
For a single actor, the intersections of Roots, Reading Rainbow, and Star Trek produced a strangely diverse résumé for Burton. Different audiences will come across each project.
Roots made him a dramatist, Reading Rainbow made him your trusted edutainer, and Star Trek made him an international SFF icon. This adaptability kept him relevant through the generations.
How LeVar Burton Managed His Net Worth
Burton has cultivated numerous professional revenue streams during his career. He didn’t just limit himself to acting and branched out into directing, producing, hosting, voice acting and publishing. That diversification kept him working, too, as TV fashions changed.
By combining entertainment work with educational media, production, and literary projects, Burton built a career capable of generating income from several creative fields rather than relying on acting alone.
Investments, Assets, and Lifestyle Choices
Burton has little insight into what his private investments look like and what goes on under the hood of personal assets. Other celebrities use Instagram and publicity tours to display their extravagant purchases.
Burton has more or less kept his public persona framed around entertainment, literacy, education and advocacy. Accordingly, exact figures concerning a property, holding or other asset must be regarded with caution in the absence of public documentation.
Career Decisions Influencing Financial Growth
One of the biggest and arguably most pivotal moves early in his career was accepting to play Kunta Kinte in Roots.
Then he was cast in another long-running international role when he joined Star Trek: The Next Generation. His work on Reading Rainbow had a similarly important influence, not just because it shaped his career beyond acting.
Contributions By Personal Ventures To Net Worth
Burton has made extra earnings with directing, producing, voice acting, as well as books, in addition to other publishing & entertainment projects.
The literary and educational aspects of his professional life occupied space in institutions and took on a public persona. These endeavours aligned with his television career and helped him maintain an active presence across a wide spectrum of entertainment.
LeVar Burton Key Awards & Achievements
- Breakthrough role as Kunta Kinte in Roots
- Emmy-nominated performance for Roots
- Starred as Geordi La Forge in Star Trek: The Next Generation
- Appeared in all 178 episodes of the series
- Reprised Geordi in four Star Trek films
- Hosted Reading Rainbow for 23 seasons
- Executive produced Reading Rainbow
- Television director and producer
- Author and publishing contributor
- Major advocate for children’s literacy
Is LeVar Burton Married? Current Relationship Status
Yes. LeVar Burton is married to the very talented woman: Stephanie Cozart Burton. The pair married in 1992 and has managed to develop a stable relationship out of the reach of much of Hollywood.
Stephanie has also done makeup for film and television. Burton has two children, one of whom is his daughter Mica Burton, who has found work in both entertainment and online media.
Past Relationships & Public Attention
Burton has largely kept a low profile. Compared to many celebrities, his public image has been largely free of controversy, focusing instead on the successes he has achieved in his career and his efforts around education. In the past, coverage about LeVar has generally focused on Roots, Star Trek, Reading Rainbow, and his work in teaching literacy, not love matters.
Public Image & Media Coverage
But LeVar Burton has cultivated a weirdly positive public persona. He is noted not only for his career as a successful actor but also as a prominent figure in adult literacy and children’s literature.
His work with Reading Rainbow for millions forged a lifelong bond with reading. His performances in Roots and Star Trek lent him authority through both drama and science-fiction fare.
Future Legacy & Career Impact
LeVar Burton is so much larger than any one role on television. His part as Kunta Kinte was one of the pieces that made Roots among the most profound TV works of its time. His famous portrayal of Geordi La Forge landed him in the annals of Star Trek lore, and Reading Rainbow introduced generations of kids to the art of reading.
His wealth story, which yields an estimated $6 million net worth in 2026. He spans decades of sustained work in acting, directing, producing, television, and publishing. Perhaps his greatest legacy will be the amalgamation of entertainment and edification that was the hallmark of his career.
10 Surprising Facts You Didn’t Know About LeVar Burton
| Fact | Detail |
| 1 | His full name is Levardis Robert Martyn Burton Jr. |
| 2 | He was born in Landstuhl, West Germany. |
| 3 | His breakthrough role was Kunta Kinte in Roots. |
| 4 | His performance in Roots earned an Emmy nomination. |
| 5 | He played Geordi La Forge on Star Trek: The Next Generation. |
| 6 | He appeared in all 178 episodes of the series. |
| 7 | He hosted Reading Rainbow for 23 seasons. |
| 8 | He also directed episodes of Star Trek. |
| 9 | He has worked as an author and producer. |
| 10 | His career spans more than five decades. |
Conclusion
LeVar Burton had a career unlike almost anyone else in any medium; few entertainers have hit in drama, science fiction, children’s education and television production. His groundbreaking performance as Kunta Kinte in Roots would make him a household name around the world. Portraying Geordi La Forge then endeared him to the Star Trek community.
Over the years, his roles as a director, producer, writer and presenter opened up new professions. Burton’s financial turnaround is indicative of over 5 decades’ worth of hard work. Even more importantly, it marries fun with learning, influencing television viewers and generations of children.
FAQs About LeVar Burton Net Worth & More
What is LeVar Burton’s net worth in 2026?
LeVar Burton’s estimated net worth in 2026 is approximately $6 million.
How does LeVar Burton make money?
His income has come from acting, television hosting, directing, producing, voice acting, books, and publishing.
How old is LeVar Burton in 2026?
LeVar Burton is 69 years old in 2026.
Why is LeVar Burton famous?
He is best known for playing Kunta Kinte in Roots, Geordi La Forge in Star Trek: The Next Generation, and hosting Reading Rainbow.
How many episodes of Star Trek: The Next Generation did LeVar Burton appear in?
Burton appeared as Geordi La Forge in all 178 episodes of the series.
How long did LeVar Burton host Reading Rainbow?
He hosted Reading Rainbow for 23 seasons.
Is LeVar Burton married?
Yes. He has been married to Stephanie Cozart Burton since 1992.
How many children does LeVar Burton have?
LeVar Burton has two children.
Where was LeVar Burton born?
He was born in Landstuhl, West Germany.
What is LeVar Burton’s biggest career achievement?
His most significant achievements include his breakthrough as Kunta Kinte in Roots, his long-running role as Geordi La Forge, and his influential work on Reading Rainbow.
