LeVar Burton partners with Live Beyond California
1 year ago
United States LeVar Burton's career spans iconic roles, celebrated literacy advocacy, and influential directing, establishing him as a prominent figure in entertainment and education.
After Reading Rainbow went off the air in 2006, Burton and his business partner, Mark Wolfe, acquired the global rights to the brand and formed RRKIDZ, a new ... RRKidz was later sued by WNED-TV for alleged copyright infringement for use of the Reading Rainbow brand in marketing the new iPad app and other online media, leading to RRKidz becoming LeVar Burton Kids and the iPad app, Skybrary.
LeVar Burton and Alicia Levi – From Reading Rainbow to Partnering With RIF.
I would've thought longtime Lucid Air owner Levar Burton would be good fit as a Brand Ambassador.
LeVar Burton teaches the "Power of Storytelling" in the MasterClass.
Levardis Robert Martyn Burton Jr. was born on February 16, 1957, in Landstuhl, Rhineland-Palatinate, Germany. His mother, an educator and social worker, raised him and his two sisters in Sacramento, California, where she emphasized reading. Burton initially pursued priesthood, entering St. Pius X Minor Seminary, but later shifted to acting, studying drama at the University of Southern California. While an undergraduate, he secured a lead role in the 1977 television miniseries “Roots.” Following “Roots,” Burton continued his acting career, appearing in films such as “Looking for Mr. Goodbar” (1977) and “The Hunter” (1980), for which he received an NAACP Image Award.
In 1983, Burton became the host and executive producer of the educational television series “Reading Rainbow” on PBS, a role he maintained for 23 years. The show earned 12 Daytime Emmy Awards and a Peabody Award. Concurrently, from 1987 to 1994, he starred as Lieutenant Junior Grade Geordi La Forge in “Star Trek: The Next Generation.” This role extended to several “Star Trek” feature films, including “Star Trek: Generations” (1994) and “Star Trek: First Contact” (1996). Beyond acting, Burton developed a significant directing career, helming episodes for various “Star Trek” series, as well as shows like “Charmed” and “NCIS: New Orleans.” He also directed the 1999 Disney Channel Original Movie “Smart House” and the theatrical film “Blizzard” (2003).
In recent years, Burton has continued his dedication to storytelling and literacy through new ventures. After “Reading Rainbow” concluded its original run, he and his business partner acquired the brand rights and launched RRKIDZ, developing digital educational content, including the Skybrary app. From 2017 to 2024, he hosted the popular podcast “LeVar Burton Reads,” reading short fiction for adult audiences. In 2023, he received the National Humanities Medal for his contributions to literacy and storytelling. His career trajectory highlights a sustained commitment to creative expression and educational outreach across diverse media platforms.
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