Levar Burton’s estimated net worth is around $2 million, primarily built through his iconic acting roles, successful production work, and his deeply impactful literacy advocacy.
Levar Burton is a name that resonates with generations, evoking warm memories of beloved childhood shows and a passion for reading. From his groundbreaking role in “Roots” to his endearing tenure on “Star Trek: The Next Generation” and his heartwarming hosting of “Reading Rainbow,” Burton has captivated audiences for decades. His career is a masterclass in diverse talent, spanning acting, directing, and producing. This longevity and versatility have understandably piqued public interest in his financial success. Let’s delve into the fascinating world of Levar Burton’s net worth, exploring how this talented individual has earned his fortune.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Estimated Net Worth | $2 Million |
| Profession | Actor, Producer, Director, Author, Educator |
| Date of Birth | February 16, 1957 |
| Place of Birth | San Bernardino, California, USA |
| Nationality | American |
| Active Years | 1976–Present |
| Notable Works | Roots, Star Trek: The Next Generation, Reading Rainbow, Roots: The Next Generation |
What is Levar Burton Net Worth: Genius Earnings Revealed?
Levar Burton’s net worth is estimated to be around $2 million as of recent financial reports. This figure represents the accumulated wealth from his extensive and varied career in the entertainment industry, alongside his significant contributions as an author and advocate. While not in the billionaire stratosphere, Burton’s financial standing is a testament to a consistent and impactful career that has touched millions through television, film, and literature.
The journey to this net worth is a multifaceted one, drawing income from acting, voice work, producing, directing, and lucrative endorsement deals. His enduring popularity and strong personal brand have allowed him to maintain a financially stable career for over four decades.
Sources of Income
Levar Burton’s financial success is a rich tapestry woven from diverse income streams. His acting career, which launched him into the public eye, has been a cornerstone, but his entrepreneurial spirit and dedication to education have also significantly contributed to his wealth.
Acting and Television Roles
Burton’s early breakthrough came with the 1977 miniseries “Roots,” where his portrayal of Kunta Kinte earned him critical acclaim and a Primetime Emmy nomination. The show was a massive cultural phenomenon, and the subsequent residuals from such a widely broadcast and syndicated series would have provided a steady income stream over the years.
Following “Roots,” he landed the iconic role of Lt. Commander Geordi La Forge in “Star Trek: The Next Generation” (1987–1994). This science fiction staple became a global hit, and the long-running series, along with its subsequent films and syndication, was a major financial success for its cast. Burton also directed over a dozen episodes of the show, adding to his earnings.
His most beloved role in many fans’ eyes might be as the host and executive producer of the children’s educational program “Reading Rainbow,” which aired for 23 seasons (1983–2006). The show was not only critically acclaimed and beloved but also a commercial success, generating significant income through production and syndication rights. Burton’s consistent presence and his deep commitment to the show’s message of literacy were central to its longevity and impact.
Producing and Directing
Beyond on-screen performances, Levar Burton has a substantial career behind the camera. He has produced numerous television programs and films. His production company, Gushi Productions, has been involved in various projects, including “Reading Rainbow” itself, “Star Trek: The Next Generation,” and documentaries. Producing roles often come with higher earning potential and ownership stakes, contributing significantly to his overall net worth.
His directing credits extend to shows like “Star Trek: The Next Generation,” “JAG,” and “NCIS.” Directing offers a different, often more lucrative, set of responsibilities and compensation compared to acting alone.
Author and Narration
Levar Burton has also penned several books, including children’s books like “The Rhino Who Saved Christmas” and “A Christmas Tale.” While book sales can be unpredictable, successful authorship can provide royalties and advances, adding to his income. Furthermore, his distinctive voice has made him a sought-after narrator for audiobooks, documentaries, and other voice-over projects, which can be a lucrative side hustle.
Endorsements and Business Ventures
Over his career, Burton has lent his recognizable voice and trusted image to various commercial endorsements. Brands often seek out celebrities with positive public personas and wide appeal for their campaigns. While specific figures are rarely disclosed, such endorsements can provide substantial financial compensation. He has also been involved in other business ventures, including an app called “Riff” and efforts to bring “Reading Rainbow” back to digital platforms.
“Reading Rainbow” Revival Efforts
In 2011, Levar Burton launched a Kickstarter campaign to bring “Reading Rainbow” back as an educational app and website. The campaign was a massive success, raising over $5.4 million and becoming the second-most funded campaign in Kickstarter’s history at the time. While much of this funding was for development and operational costs, it also highlighted Burton’s entrepreneurial capabilities and his continued strong connection with his audience, indirectly benefiting his brand and future earning potential.
Career Highlights
Levar Burton’s career is marked by groundbreaking roles and enduring cultural impact. His journey in Hollywood is a story of talent, perseverance, and a commitment to meaningful projects.
- Roots (1977): His breakout performance as Kunta Kinte in this landmark ABC miniseries earned him widespread critical acclaim and introduced him to a global audience. The role was deeply challenging and historically significant, earning him an Emmy nomination.
- Star Trek: The Next Generation (1987–1994): As Lt. Commander Geordi La Forge, Burton became a beloved figure in the “Star Trek” universe. His portrayal of the blind engineer, whose VISOR technology allowed him to “see,” was nuanced and influential. He also directed several episodes of the series.
- Reading Rainbow (1983–2006): For over two decades, Levar Burton was the warm, inspiring voice and face behind “Reading Rainbow.” This beloved PBS children’s show fostered a love of reading in millions of children and earned numerous Emmy Awards, solidifying Burton’s reputation as an educator and advocate.
- Grammy Award Wins: Burton has won two Grammy Awards for Best Spoken Word Album for Children for his work on “The Train to somewhere” and “Adventures of Tom Sawyer.”
- Directing Credits: He has directed episodes of “Star Trek: The Next Generation,” “Star Trek: Picard,” “JAG,” “NCIS,” and the television film “The Tiger Woods Story.”
- Author: Levar Burton has authored several children’s books, sharing his passion for stories and imagination.
Early Life & Education
Levar Arrington Burton Jr. was born on February 16, 1957, in San Bernardino, California. He was raised in a military family by his mother, Erma, and stepfather. His early life was spent moving around, primarily on the naval base in Inglewood, California, and later in Sacramento, California.
Burton’s educational path was influenced by his artistic aspirations. He attended the University of Southern California on a scholarship, initially studying to become a Catholic priest. However, his passion for acting led him to switch his major to Theater Arts at the University of Southern California School of Dramatic Arts, where he earned his Bachelor of Fine Arts degree.
According to his Wikipedia page, his dedication to his studies and his burgeoning acting career were evident from a young age, setting the stage for his future successes.
Personal Life
Levar Burton has been married to Stephanie Caradine since 1992. Together, they have two children: a daughter named Michaela and a son named Tiggy.
Burton is a devoted father and husband. He has often spoken about the importance of family and his commitment to raising his children in the public eye with values of integrity and education. His personal life is generally kept private, but he is known for his consistent character and positive public image.
Assets & Lifestyle
While specific details about Levar Burton’s assets and lifestyle are not publicly disclosed, his financial stability suggests a comfortable living. Given his income streams, it’s reasonable to assume he owns property, likely including a primary residence.
His career has allowed him to travel extensively, both for work and personal enjoyment. While he is not known for ostentatious displays of wealth, his lifestyle is undoubtedly one of comfort and security, reflecting a life well-lived and a career built on integrity and passion. His dedication to literacy and education also suggests that his investments may include contributing to educational causes or foundations.
Comparison Section
Comparing Levar Burton’s net worth to other prominent actors from his era or similar genres can provide context. For instance, actors who consistently starred in long-running, high-grossing franchises or had significant ownership stakes in their productions often amass higher net worths. Consider William Shatner, who played Captain Kirk in the original “Star Trek” series and has had a long and varied career, with an estimated net worth significantly higher than Burton’s, often cited in the tens of millions.
Similarly, actors from shows like “Friends” or “Seinfeld,” which achieved massive syndication deals and merchandise empires, have seen their net worths climb into the hundreds of millions. However, Levar Burton’s career, while incredibly impactful and respected, did not necessarily involve the same scale of backend deals or global box office blockbusters that often propel net worths into the hundreds of millions.
His focus on educational programming like “Reading Rainbow,” while culturally invaluable, may not have generated the same astronomical financial returns as pure entertainment blockbusters. Furthermore, while his “Star Trek” role was significant, the financial structure of television syndication and merchandising in the late 80s and early 90s differed from today’s landscape. Levar Burton’s net worth of around $2 million reflects a career rich in cultural significance and a steady, well-earned income rather than extreme commercial bonanzas.
FAQ Section
What is Levar Burton’s primary source of income?
Levar Burton’s primary sources of income have historically been his acting roles, particularly in “Roots” and “Star Trek: The Next Generation,” and his long-standing role as host and producer of “Reading Rainbow.”
How much did Levar Burton make from Reading Rainbow?
While exact figures are not public, “Reading Rainbow” aired for 23 seasons and was produced for a significant portion of that time by Levar Burton’s company. The show’s syndication and licensing revenue would have provided a substantial and consistent income stream over the years.
Has Levar Burton ever been a billionaire?
No, Levar Burton’s estimated net worth is around $2 million. He has not been a billionaire at any point in his career.
What other projects is Levar Burton involved in financially?
Besides residuals from his iconic roles, Levar Burton has earned income from authoring books, directing television episodes, voice acting, and entrepreneurial ventures such as the “Reading Rainbow” app.
Is Levar Burton still acting?
Yes, Levar Burton continues to be active in acting and directing. He has appeared in recent projects such as “Star Trek: Picard” and continues to lend his voice to various projects.
How did the Reading Rainbow Kickstarter contribute to his wealth?
The highly successful Kickstarter campaign for “Reading Rainbow” (raising over $5.4 million) was primarily for the development and funding of the new digital platform. While it didn’t directly add to his personal net worth in the way a salary would, it proved his strong business acumen and continued ability to engage his audience for potential future ventures and brand value.
Conclusion
Levar Burton’s net worth of approximately $2 million paints a picture of a career that truly values impact and longevity over sheer commercial extravagance. From his compelling performances in “Roots” and “Star Trek: The Next Generation” to his unwavering dedication to fostering literacy through “Reading Rainbow,” Burton has built a legacy that extends far beyond financial figures.
His income sources are a testament to his multifaceted talent: acting, producing, directing, writing, and even successful digital ventures. Each avenue has contributed to his financial stability, allowing him to continue pursuing projects he is passionate about. While his net worth may not rival that of some of Hollywood’s biggest movie stars, it represents a life of meaningful work, sustained success, and a profound positive influence on countless individuals. Levar Burton’s genius truly lies not just in his earnings but in the enduring value he has brought to the world.
