Curious about LeVar Burton net worth? As an acclaimed actor, director, and host, Burton has built a notable financial portfolio over the years. His career, spanning several decades, offers a fascinating look into the entertainment industry’s financial aspects. This overview gives you a peek into his earnings and financial strategies.
Contents
- 1 Quick Facts
- 2 What is the Net Worth of LeVar Burton in 2024?
- 3 Finance Overview
- 3.1 Early Career and Breakthrough Roles
- 3.2 The Success of Reading Rainbow
- 3.3 Star Trek: The Next Generation and Its Financial Impact
- 3.4 Other Acting Roles and Contributions to Wealth
- 3.5 Directing and Production Ventures
- 3.6 Business Ventures and Investments
- 3.7 Awards and Recognitions and Their Financial Impact
- 3.8 Personal Life and Its Influence on Wealth
- 3.9 Philanthropy and Its Financial Considerations
- 4 FAQs about LeVar Burton
- 4.1 Who is LeVar Burton?
- 4.2 What are Burton’s most famous roles?
- 4.3 What is Burton’s contribution to education?
- 4.4 Has he won any awards?
- 4.5 What is Burton’s background in acting?
- 4.6 What books has LeVar Burton written?
- 4.7 How did he impact children’s programming?
- 4.8 What are Burton’s views on literacy?
- 4.9 What recent projects has LeVar Burton been involved in?
- 5 Conclusion
Quick Facts
| FACT | DETAIL |
|---|---|
| Real Name | Levardis Robert Martyn Burton Jr. |
| Popular Name | LeVar Burton |
| Gender | Male |
| Birth Date | February 16, 1957 |
| Age | 67 |
| Parents | Erma Gene (née Christian), LeVar Burton Sr. |
| Siblings | Two sisters |
| Birthplace | Landstuhl, West Germany |
| Nationality | United States of America |
| Ethnicity | African-American |
| Education | University of Southern California, Christian Brothers High School, USC School of Dramatic Arts |
| Marital Status | Married |
| Sexual Orientation | N/A |
| Wife/Spouse | Stephanie Cozart |
| Children | Eian Burton Smith, Michaela Mica Jean Burton |
| Dating | N/A |
| Net Worth | $6 Million |
| Years active | 1976–present |
| Source of Wealth | Acting, Directing, Producing, Business Ventures |
| Height | 1.7 m |
What is the Net Worth of LeVar Burton in 2024?
LeVar Burton‘s net worth in 2024 is estimated to be $6 million. This positions him among notable personalities in the entertainment industry. Compared to his peers and colleagues:
- Patrick Stewart
- Brent Spiner
- William Shatner
- Gene Roddenberry
- Avery Brooks
- Kate Mulgrew
These individuals have also made significant contributions to television and film, particularly within the Star Trek franchise.
Finance Overview
Early Career and Breakthrough Roles
LeVar Burton’s journey to fame began with a significant shift in his career aspirations. Initially intending to become a priest, he changed paths at the age of 17 and pursued acting.
His breakthrough role came in 1977 when he portrayed Kunta Kinte in the ABC miniseries Roots. This role not only catapulted him to stardom but also earned him an Emmy nomination for Outstanding Lead Actor. This early success laid a strong foundation for his financial growth and career longevity.
The Success of Reading Rainbow
One of the cornerstones of Burton’s career is his role as the host and executive producer of Reading Rainbow. The educational children’s show ran for 23 years, from 1983 to 2006, and won over 2000 awards, including 26 Emmys.
The show’s success translated into substantial financial rewards. Burton’s acquisition of the global rights to Reading Rainbow led to the creation of the Reading Rainbow app for iPad in 2012. This app quickly became a top educational tool, further bolstering his financial portfolio.
Star Trek: The Next Generation and Its Financial Impact
In 1987, Burton took on the iconic role of Geordi La Forge in Star Trek: The Next Generation. This role extended his fame and contributed significantly to his earnings.
Burton’s involvement in the Star Trek franchise didn’t end with acting; he directed several episodes across various Star Trek series, including Deep Space Nine, Voyager, and Enterprise. His dual role as an actor and director within this franchise ensured a steady and lucrative income stream.
Other Acting Roles and Contributions to Wealth
Beyond Roots and Star Trek, Burton’s acting career includes roles in films like Looking for Mr. Goodbar (1977), Dummy (1979), The Hunter (1980), and portraying Martin Luther King Jr. in Ali (2001).
His guest appearances on popular TV shows such as Fantasy Island, The Love Boat, Murder, She Wrote, Community, and The Big Bang Theory contributed to his financial stability.
Additionally, his voice acting roles in animated series like Captain Planet and the Planeteers, Batman: The Animated Series, Gargoyles, and Family Guy diversified his income sources.
Directing and Production Ventures
Burton’s talents extend beyond acting to directing. He has directed episodes of numerous TV shows, including Star Trek, Charmed, JAG, Las Vegas, and NCIS: New Orleans.
Notably, he directed the Disney Channel Original Movie Smart House in 1999 and the film Blizzard in 2003. His directing endeavors have not only showcased his versatility but also added significantly to his earnings.
Business Ventures and Investments
LeVar Burton’s entrepreneurial spirit is evident in his co-founding of RRKIDZ, a new media company for children. The launch of the Reading Rainbow app was a significant achievement, illustrating his ability to adapt to changing media landscapes. These business ventures have provided additional revenue streams and reinforced his financial position.
Awards and Recognitions and Their Financial Impact
Throughout his career, Burton has received numerous accolades, including 12 Daytime Emmy Awards and a Peabody Award for Reading Rainbow.
He also won a Grammy Award for Best Spoken Word Album for The Autobiography of Martin Luther King Jr. and has a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. These recognitions have not only honored his contributions but also enhanced his marketability and earning potential.
Personal Life and Its Influence on Wealth
LeVar Burton’s personal life, including his marriage to makeup artist Stephanie Cozart and his two children, plays a role in his financial decisions. The family’s real estate investments, particularly their property in Sherman Oaks, California, contribute to their overall wealth.
Burton’s personal values and commitment to his family have influenced his approach to financial management.
Philanthropy and Its Financial Considerations
Burton’s commitment to philanthropy is evident through his involvement with the AIDS Research Alliance and other charitable endeavors.
His contributions to these causes not only reflect his values but also enhance his public image. Philanthropy, while often reducing immediate financial gains, builds long-term goodwill and positively impacts his reputation.
FAQs about LeVar Burton
Who is LeVar Burton?
He is an acclaimed actor, director, and author, best known for his roles in Roots and Star Trek: The Next Generation.
What are Burton’s most famous roles?
Burton’s iconic performances include Kunta Kinte in Roots and Geordi La Forge in Star Trek: The Next Generation.
What is Burton’s contribution to education?
As the host of Reading Rainbow, Burton encouraged children’s literacy and a love of reading for over 23 years.
Has he won any awards?
Yes, he has received multiple Emmys and a Grammy Award for his work on Reading Rainbow and other projects.
What is Burton’s background in acting?
He studied drama at the University of Southern California and gained fame with his role in Roots.
What books has LeVar Burton written?
He has written several books, including The Rhino Who Swallowed a Storm, a children’s book, and his autobiography Aftermath.
How did he impact children’s programming?
Reading Rainbow significantly influenced children’s television by promoting reading and providing educational content.
What are Burton’s views on literacy?
He is a passionate advocate for literacy, believing it is essential for personal and societal growth.
What recent projects has LeVar Burton been involved in?
He is involved in the LeVar Burton Reads podcast and guest-hosted Jeopardy!
Conclusion
Curious about how LeVar Burton amassed his wealth? You’re not alone. Engage with us in the comments, share your thoughts, or delve deeper into celebrity financial stories at rachelparris.com. Join the discussion and explore more about the richest male actors to get a closer look at how the stars align their financial universe! Thank you for reading.
