LeVar Burton
In Star Trek: The Next Generation, LeVar Burton plays the blind Lieutenant Geordi La Forge. "He's been blind since birth, but sees through the use of the VISOR (Visual Instrument and Sensory Organ Replacement) he wears over his eyes. In fact, I am told that my character is named after a disabled Star Trek fan who passed away," explains LeVar.
LeVar presently serves as host and series producer of "Reading Rainbow," the highly acclaimed Emmy Award-winning series on PBS, now in its 17th year. A 1990 recipient of a star on Hollywood's legendary Walk of Fame, LeVar is also proud to be a member of the cast of "Captain Planet," an animated series designed to empower children to be environmentally responsible.
After applying for and winning a scholarship to USC, LeVar began working toward a degree in drama and fine arts. During his sophomore year he auditioned for his Emmy-winning role Kunte Kinte in the award-winning miniseries, "Roots."
Following "Roots," LeVar starred in a variety of television movies including the Emmy-nominated "Dummy," "One in a Million: The Ron LeFlore Story," "Grambling's White Tiger," "The Guyana Tragedy: The Story of Jim Jones," "Battered," "Billy: Portrait of a Street Kid," "A Roots Christmas: Kunte Kinte's Gift" and the miniseries "Liberty." Among his feature film credits are "Looking for Mr. Goodbar," "The Hunter" with Steve McQueen and "The Supernaturals."
As the president of Eagle National Films, LeVar is currently developing projects for film and television, some of which he will direct as well as produce.
LeVar has also directed several episodes of Star Trek: Voyager, dating back to the show's first season. His Voyager duties includes starring and directing in the fifth season episode "Timeless."
