Net Worth Ranker
What Is LeVar Burton’s Net Worth?
LeVar Burton, a multifaceted American talent as an actor, author, director, producer, and presenter, has cultivated a net worth estimated at $6 million. This figure reflects his diverse career spanning decades across various media platforms.
Early Career and Breakthrough with “Roots”
LeVar Burton’s professional acting career began in 1977 when he was cast as Kunta Kinte in the ABC drama series “Roots.” This role was notably his first professional audition and catapulted him into the public eye. For his performance, he garnered an Emmy Award nomination for Best Actor in a Drama Series, marking a significant early achievement in his career.
Prior to “Roots,” Burton made his feature film acting debut in 1976 with “Almos’ a Man,” setting the stage for his breakthrough role. Following the success of “Roots,” LeVar appeared in the crime drama “Looking for Mr. Goodbar” in 1977, alongside Diane Keaton, Richard Gere, and Tuesday Weld. These early roles were instrumental in establishing his presence in Hollywood and paving the way for future opportunities.
In the late 1970s, Burton took on leading roles in two made-for-television biographical films. In 1978, he starred as Ron LeFlore in “One in a Million: The Ron LeFlore Story,” portraying the journey of a troubled youth from Detroit who overcomes incarceration to play for the Detroit Tigers in MLB. The following year, he played Donald Lang, a deaf black man from Chicago accused of killing two prostitutes, in “Dummy.” This film, co-starring Paul Sorvino, received a Peabody Award and an Emmy nomination for Outstanding Television Movie, further solidifying Burton’s reputation as a versatile and talented actor. These roles were not only critical acclaim, but also contributed to LeVar Burton’s Net Worth.
In the early 1980s, Burton co-starred in the television miniseries “Guyana Tragedy: The Story of Jim Jones,” alongside Powers Boothe, Ned Beatty, and James Earl Jones. This miniseries, based on the real-life Peoples Temple and its mass suicide, added to Burton’s portfolio of dramatic roles. During this period, he also made appearances in episodes of “Trapper John, M.D.” and “Fantasy Island,” showcasing his versatility as an actor. In 1980, he appeared in the crime thriller “The Hunter,” and in 1981, he had a supporting role in the television film “Grambling’s White Tiger,” based on the true story of quarterback Jim Gregory. These roles, while varied, further enriched his acting experience and contributed to his growing prominence in the industry. They also indirectly added to LeVar Burton’s Net Worth.
“Reading Rainbow” and “Star Trek: The Next Generation”
In 1983, Burton embarked on one of the most significant ventures of his career when he became the host and executive producer of the PBS children’s series “Reading Rainbow.” This program, which ran for 23 seasons, garnered Burton numerous accolades, including 24 Daytime Emmy Award nominations and 12 wins. He also received multiple NAACP Image Awards and a Peabody Award in 1992. “Reading Rainbow” became a cultural touchstone, promoting literacy and a love of reading among children, and significantly boosting Burton’s public profile. When the show concluded in 2006, LeVar and his business partner Mark Wolfe launched a new children’s media company called RRKIDZ, extending the legacy of “Reading Rainbow” into new platforms.
In 1986, Burton landed another pivotal role when “Star Trek” creator Gene Roddenberry offered him the part of Geordi La Forge in the “Star Trek: The Next Generation” television series. LeVar starred on the show for all its 178 episodes and also directed two episodes himself. He later reprised his role in the four feature films based on the series: “Star Trek Generations,” “Star Trek: First Contact,” “Star Trek: Insurrection,” and 2002’s “Star Trek: Nemesis.” Additionally, he directed numerous episodes of subsequent “Star Trek” television series, including “Deep Space Nine” and “Voyager.” His involvement with “Star Trek” not only broadened his fanbase but also provided him with opportunities in directing and producing, contributing to his overall income and LeVar Burton’s Net Worth.
The combination of “Reading Rainbow” and “Star Trek: The Next Generation” represents a significant portion of Burton’s career success. “Reading Rainbow” established him as a beloved figure in children’s education, while “Star Trek” solidified his status as a prominent actor in science fiction. These roles have had a lasting impact on his career and public image.
Other Television and Film Roles
In the 1980s, LeVar Burton’s other television credits included the television films “The Jesse Owens Story” and “The Midnight Hour.” He also appeared in episodes of “The Love Boat,” “Murder, She Wrote,” and “Houston Knights,” and was in the zombie horror film “The Supernaturals.” In 1988, he reprised his role as Kunta Kinte in the television film “Roots: The Gift.” These roles demonstrated his versatility and ability to transition between different genres.
From 1990 to 1996, LeVar voiced the character of Kwame on the animated superhero series “Captain Planet and the Planeteers,” adding to his repertoire of voice acting roles. Throughout the 1990s, he appeared on shows such as “Christy,” “Deadly Games,” “Pinky and the Brain,” and “Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood,” showcasing his continued presence in television. These roles, while diverse, helped maintain his visibility and income.
In the early 2000s, Burton portrayed Reverend Martin Luther King Jr. in the Muhammad Ali biopic “Ali.” On television, he was in episodes of “Becker” and “Boomtown,” further demonstrating his range as an actor. Subsequent credits include “The Jensen Project,” “Community,” “The Big Bang Theory,” “Transformers: Rescue Bots,” “Perception,” and “Weird City.” In 2021, following the passing of Alex Trebek, Burton was chosen as a guest host on “Jeopardy!,” marking a significant moment in his career and adding to his public profile. LeVar Burton’s Net Worth has been built through a variety of different roles.
Directing Career
In addition to his acting roles, Burton has also had a successful directing career. He directed several episodes of “Star Trek,” showcasing his skills behind the camera. He also directed the television films “The Tiger Woods Story” and “Smart House,” expanding his directing portfolio.
In 2003, Burton made his feature film directorial debut with “Blizzard,” a Christmas family film in which he also appeared. He subsequently directed episodes of “JAG,” “Miracle’s Boys,” “Las Vegas,” and “NCIS: New Orleans,” demonstrating his versatility as a director across different genres and television series. In 2008, LeVar directed “Reach for Me,” which won an AARP Movies for Grownups award, adding to his accolades as a director. Directing also provides a great addition to LeVar Burton’s Net Worth.
Personal Life and Philanthropy
In 1992, Burton married makeup artist Stephanie Cozart. They have two children, son Eian and daughter Michaela. His personal life has been relatively private, with a focus on his family and career.
LeVar joined the AIDS Research Alliance’s board of directors in 2012, demonstrating his commitment to philanthropic causes. In 2016, he was chosen as one of five inaugural honorees on the Sacramento Walk of Stars, recognizing his contributions to the entertainment industry and his connection to his hometown. Three years later, a park in the city close to where Burton grew up was named in his honor, further cementing his legacy in Sacramento. These honors reflect his impact on both the entertainment industry and his community.
Real Estate
In 1996, LeVar and Stephanie purchased a home in Sherman Oaks, California, for $1.475 million. They listed this property in 2009 for $1.85 million. Real estate investments, such as this home in Sherman Oaks, can significantly contribute to an individual’s overall LeVar Burton’s Net Worth by appreciating value over time. While specific details about other real estate holdings are not available, this particular transaction provides insight into Burton’s investment strategy in real estate.
