LeVar Burton’s estimated net worth is around $2.5 million. This figure reflects his extensive career as an actor, director, producer, and beloved children’s television host known for iconic roles and educational contributions.
LeVar Burton is a name that resonates with warmth, wisdom, and wonder for millions. From soaring through outer space as Lt. Commander Geordi La Forge in Star Trek: The Next Generation to igniting imaginations as the host of PBS’s Reading Rainbow, his career has been a lifelong commitment to storytelling and education. Fans and the financially curious alike often wonder about the wealth behind this multifaceted entertainer. How has his diverse career translated into his financial standing? This article delves into the essential insights of LeVar Burton’s net worth, exploring his income streams, career achievements, and the enduring legacy that has shaped his financial success.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Net Worth | Approximately $2.5 Million |
| Profession | Actor, Director, Producer, Author, Host |
| Date of Birth | February 16, 1957 |
| Age | 67 years old (as of early 2024) |
| Place of Birth | San Bernardino, California, USA |
| Nationality | American |
| Spouse | Stephanie Co M. Burton (married 1992) |
| Children | 2 |
| Education | University of Southern California (B.A. in Theater) |
What is LeVar Burton Net Worth: Essential Insight’s Net Worth?
LeVar Burton’s net worth is estimated to be in the range of $2.5 million. This figure is a culmination of decades of work across television, film, and his significant contributions to children’s media and literacy. While not possessing the billionaire status of some Hollywood titans, Burton’s financial success is a testament to a consistent and impactful career. His income stems from a variety of sources, including acting roles, directing, producing, and various ventures tied to his public persona and advocacy.
Sources of Income
LeVar Burton’s financial portfolio is built upon a diverse range of income streams, reflecting his versatility and longevity in the entertainment industry. His career has spanned iconic television shows, films, production work, and significant endeavors focused on literacy and education.
Acting Roles
Burton’s acting career has been a cornerstone of his income. He gained widespread recognition for his portrayal of Kunta Kinte in the groundbreaking miniseries Roots (1977). This role earned him critical acclaim and paved the way for future opportunities. His most iconic television role was as Lt. Commander Geordi La Forge in Star Trek: The Next Generation (1987-1994), a role he reprised in subsequent Star Trek films and the series Star Trek: Picard (2020). These long-running and popular series likely provided substantial salaries over their respective runs, including syndication residuals, which continue to generate income.
He also starred in the much-loved children’s science fiction series Reading Rainbow (1983-2006), hosting and producing the show. While this was also a production endeavor, his active on-screen presence as host contributed to his earnings.
Other notable acting credits include:
- The Death of a Prophet (1981)
- The Midnight Hour (1985)
- Captain Planet and the Planeteers (voice role, 1990-1996)
- The Big Bang Theory (guest role, 2018)
- The Flash (guest role, 2014-2016)
Each acting credit, regardless of its length, contributes to his overall income, with residuals from popular shows being a significant long-term asset.
Directing and Producing
Beyond his on-screen performances, LeVar Burton has also built a successful career behind the camera. He has directed numerous episodes of television shows, including Star Trek: The Next Generation, Star Trek: Deep Space Nine, JAG, and NCIS. Directing and producing roles often come with higher pay scales and provide more creative control. His production company, Skyboat Media, which he co-founded with his wife, Stephanie Co M. Burton, has produced audiobooks, documentaries, and other media projects, adding another layer to his income streams.
The success of productions like Reading Rainbow also involved his executive producer role, which would have resulted in production fees and profit participation. This diversification into production showcases his business acumen and ability to capitalize on his expertise within the industry.
Narration and Voice-Over Work
LeVar Burton’s distinctive and resonant voice has made him a sought-after narrator and voice actor. He has lent his voice to numerous audiobooks, documentaries, and animated characters. His work on audiobooks for Skyboat Media has been particularly extensive, covering a wide range of genres and authors. This is a lucrative area for performers with strong vocal talents, offering consistent work and royalties.
Notable narration projects include:
- Numerous audiobooks, including works by various esteemed authors.
- Documentaries and educational programs.
- Voice roles in animated series and video games.
Endorsements and Appearances
As a widely recognized and respected public figure, LeVar Burton has likely participated in various endorsement deals and public appearances throughout his career. These could range from advertising campaigns for children’s products to speaking engagements at educational conferences and fan events. While specific details of such deals are rarely publicized, they represent a common income source for celebrities of his stature.
Literacy Advocacy and “Reading Rainbow” Revival
LeVar Burton’s passion for literacy is deeply ingrained in his public identity. While Reading Rainbow ended its initial run in 2006, Burton has continued to champion reading. He launched a Kickstarter campaign in 2014 to bring Reading Rainbow back as an app and website, which significantly exceeded its funding goal, raising over $5.4 million. This success demonstrated the public’s enduring affection for the brand and Burton’s ability to mobilize his fanbase. While the financial details of the resurrected Reading Rainbow are private, its revival undoubtedly contributed to his ventures and brand value, potentially generating licensing fees and revenue from the digital platform.
Author and Speaker
LeVar Burton has also authored several books, including his memoir, “Aftermath: My Journey Through Post-Traumatic Stress.” Royalties from book sales contribute to his income. Furthermore, his engaging speaking style makes him a popular choice for motivational speeches and keynote addresses, particularly on topics related to education, literacy, and overcoming challenges.
The combination of these varied income streams—acting, directing, producing, voice work, endorsements, and literacy-focused ventures—collectively forms the financial foundation of LeVar Burton’s net worth.
Career Highlights
LeVar Burton’s career is a tapestry woven with iconic roles and significant contributions that have left an indelible mark on television and popular culture. His journey is characterized by a commitment to quality, education, and compelling storytelling.
- Roots miniseries (1977): This landmark television event cast Burton as the young Kunta Kinte, a Mandinka warrior captured and enslaved. His powerful and sensitive portrayal earned him critical acclaim, an Emmy nomination, and introduced him to a global audience. The miniseries was a cultural phenomenon and is considered one of the most important American television productions of all time.
- Reading Rainbow (1983-2006): As the host and executive producer, Burton became a household name for a generation of children. The show encouraged a love of reading through engaging stories and exploration, becoming one of the most successful and longest-running children’s programs in television history. Its impact on childhood literacy is immeasurable. According to Reading Rainbow’s official site, the show reached millions of children worldwide.
- Star Trek: The Next Generation (1987-1994): Burton starred as the blind, magnetically-sighted Chief Engineer, Lt. Commander Geordi La Forge. This beloved science fiction series allowed him to portray a complex and inspiring character, appealing to a vast and dedicated fanbase. The role solidified his place in science fiction history and led to appearances in four Star Trek feature films.
- Directing Career: Burton extended his expertise behind the camera, directing episodes for Star Trek: The Next Generation, Star Trek: Deep Space Nine, JAG, and NCIS. This demonstrates his versatility and ability to excel in multiple facets of production.
- 2014 Reading Rainbow Kickstarter: Burton successfully led a crowdfunding campaign to revive Reading Rainbow for a new digital era, offering an app and website. The campaign was tremendously successful, raising over $5.4 million and highlighting the enduring love and trust audiences have in his vision for children’s education.
- Presidential Medal of Freedom Nomination: In recognition of his contributions to literacy and arts, Burton was nominated for the Presidential Medal of Freedom multiple times, underscoring his cultural significance and impact beyond entertainment.
- Continued Acting and Hosting: He has continued to appear in television series like The Big Bang Theory and The Flash, and hosted Jeopardy! during its guest host period in 2021, demonstrating his enduring appeal.
Early Life & Education
LeVar Burton was born on February 16, 1957, in San Bernardino, California. His early life was marked by his mother’s love for literature and education, which she instilled in him and his sisters. He spent part of his childhood in the Philippines while his mother was serving there with the U.S. Army. This experience, along with his exposure to diverse cultures, likely shaped his broad perspective.
Burton initially considered a career in the seminary, attending Ignatianum Institute in Los Angeles to prepare for the priesthood. However, his passion for acting and storytelling led him to pivot his educational path. He enrolled at the University of Southern California (USC), where he earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Theater. His academic training provided him with a strong foundation in the performing arts, setting the stage for his successful career in film and television.
Personal Life
LeVar Burton has maintained a relatively private personal life, focused on his family and his advocacy work. He married his wife, Stephanie Co M. Burton, in 1992. Stephanie also has a career in the entertainment industry, working as a professional makeup artist and producer. Together, they co-founded Skyboat Media, a production company focused on audiobooks and other media ventures.
The couple has two children: a daughter, Michaela Jean Burton, and a son, Devar Burton. Burton has often spoken candidly about the importance of family and his experiences as a father, particularly his desire to encourage reading and learning in his children. He has been a supportive partner and father, balancing the demands of his high-profile career with his commitment to his loved ones.
Assets & Lifestyle
While LeVar Burton’s exact asset portfolio is not publicly disclosed, it is reasonable to infer that his wealth is diversified across various investments, real estate, and intellectual property related to his successful career. His lifestyle appears to be comfortable and grounded, reflecting his long-standing commitment to education and family values rather than ostentatious displays of wealth.
Given his decades in a highly visible career, it’s probable that he has invested in:
- Real Estate: Like many successful individuals in the entertainment industry, Burton likely owns one or more properties.
- Investments: Smart financial planning typically involves investments in stocks, bonds, and other financial instruments, managed to support long-term financial security.
- Intellectual Property: His ownership stake and ongoing royalties from Reading Rainbow, Star Trek appearances, and other productions represent significant intangible assets.
- Production Company (Skyboat Media): The assets and revenue generated by his production company contribute to his overall financial standing.
Burton’s public persona and lifestyle are characterized by a focus on literacy, education, and personal growth. He embraces opportunities to connect with fans and advocate for causes he believes in, often through social media, where he is known for his thoughtful and engaging presence. His journey exemplifies a career built on substance, passion, and consistent work, leading to a secure and respected financial position.
Comparison Section
To provide a clearer perspective on LeVar Burton’s net worth, let’s compare it with a few other prominent figures in television and children’s entertainment, acknowledging that net worth figures can fluctuate and are often estimates.
| Celebrity | Primary Profession(s) | Estimated Net Worth | Key Contributions |
|---|---|---|---|
| LeVar Burton | Actor, Host, Producer | ~$2.5 Million | Reading Rainbow, Star Trek, Roots |
| Mr. Rogers | Host, Educator | ~$5 Million (estimated at time of death) | Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood |
| Bill Nye | Science Communicator, Host | ~$8-10 Million | Bill Nye the Science Guy |
| SpongeBob SquarePants (Voice Actor – Tom Kenny) | Voice Actor | ~$12 Million (for Tom Kenny) | SpongeBob SquarePants |
This comparison highlights that while LeVar Burton’s net worth is significant and reflects a successful career, it falls within a moderate range compared to some individuals who have achieved massive commercial success through highly merchandised franchises or vastly different career paths. Burton’s wealth is more a testament to sustained presence, impactful contributions to education, and a career built on passion and purpose rather than purely commercial dominance.
FAQ Section
What is LeVar Burton’s current net worth?
LeVar Burton’s estimated net worth is approximately $2.5 million. This figure reflects his long and successful career as an actor, director, producer, and television host.
How did LeVar Burton make his money?
He made his money primarily through his iconic acting roles in Roots and Star Trek: The Next Generation, hosting and producing the beloved children’s show Reading Rainbow, directing television episodes, narration work, and his ventures related to literacy.
Is LeVar Burton still active in Hollywood?
Yes, LeVar Burton remains active. He continues to act in television series such as Star Trek: Picard and has taken on hosting roles, including guest-hosting Jeopardy!. He is also involved in various advocacy and media projects.
What was LeVar Burton’s most famous role?
While many know him for Reading Rainbow, his role as Lt. Commander Geordi La Forge in Star Trek: The Next Generation is arguably his most famous television role, earning him a dedicated fanbase and significant recognition in science fiction history. His portrayal of Kunta Kinte in Roots was also incredibly significant and critically acclaimed.
Did LeVar Burton direct any Star Trek episodes?
Yes, LeVar Burton directed several episodes of Star Trek: The Next Generation and Star Trek: Deep Space Nine, showcasing his talent behind the camera.
What is the significance of Reading Rainbow to his Net Worth?
While Reading Rainbow was a passion project focused on literacy, it also provided LeVar Burton with substantial income through his roles as host and executive producer. The show’s enduring popularity and its successful revival efforts continue to be associated with his brand and potential revenue streams.
Does LeVar Burton have any business ventures outside of acting?
Yes, LeVar Burton, along with his wife, co-founded Skyboat Media, a production company specializing in audiobooks and other media. He is also actively involved in initiatives to promote literacy and is a sought-after speaker.
Conclusion
LeVar Burton’s journey through Hollywood and the world of media is a compelling narrative of talent, dedication, and purpose. With an estimated net worth of $2.5 million, his financial success mirrors the impact and longevity of his career. From revolutionizing children’s television with Reading Rainbow to exploring the final frontier as Geordi La Forge, Burton has consistently chosen roles and projects that not only entertain but also educate and inspire. His diversification into directing, producing, and his continued advocacy for literacy demonstrate a shrewd understanding of leveraging his platform for meaningful endeavors. LeVar Burton stands as a beloved figure whose financial standing is a well-earned reflection of a life rich in artistic achievement and positive influence.
