Sunday Profile: LeVar Burton
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 27 ก.พ. 2021
- When LeVar Burton switched his career ambitions from the seminary to the stage, his first audition was for the TV miniseries “Roots,” which brought him instant fame as the enslaved Kunta Kinte. Since then the actor became renowned for his role in “Star Trek: The Next Generation,” and as host of the PBS literacy series “Reading Rainbow.” Correspondent Mo Rocca talks with Burton about the broad sweep of his career, including his podcast, “LeVar Burton Reads.”
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Levar Burton is a national treasure.
I agree
He is
definitely!
👍🏼
LeVar is his own star.
LeVar Burton has changed the world for the better-and done it with: grace, humility, and empathy, an American treasure.
Did not know Mr. Rogers mentored him but I am not surprised at all.
Truly. He like you are a blessing from Heaven.
LeVar also narrates The Good Neighbor: The Life and Work of Fred Rogers. 😃
Say it again he always made me proud he is black excellent at it's finest
Agreed, but a lot of good people in history ruffled feathers. Let's not fetishize humility for black men; simply because it makes white people feel noble.
When I see LeVar, I automatically start singing:
Butterfly in the sky, I can go twice as high. Take a look, it's in a book, a Reading Rainbow! 💗
So he brainwashed you Oksad
Exactly 😁👏🏽
@@genxer6928 brainwashed to Denver a song fondly? Read? Or use critical thinking? Not as sad as missing the point!
I LOVE that song!!! Makes my heart happy!
Absolutely right
Yes! Fred Rogers and LeVar Burton occupy the same neighborhood in my head and heart.
Lovely way to say it!
ditto ♥️
❤️
Me too! Add Bob Ross
SAME!!
Roots was the beginning of a life long admiration for LeVar Burton. Truly an amazing man.
Oh, absolutely! I love LaVar dearly.
The look on his face when he said,'I saw white men', spoke volumes.
Yes! Didn't he date a USA president's daughter at one time?
Levar is such a handsom man and good guy. His character in Star Trek taught me Tolerance as a kid and Reading Rainbow broadened my imagination.
As a man not gonna committ him being handsome but I will say he held up nice that woman took good care of him mr Burton is a icon
WOW....Well Said 👏🏿👏🏿👏🏿🏆🏆🏆
@@geraldfer Good men inspire others to be their best self's.
That little girl running up to hug him at the end got me. She was so excited she just couldn’t wait. He has affected so many. He’s a phenomenal actor. A wonderful human being.
Yes I absolutely agree that was so touching!!!💚
He does seem like a wonderful human being. That's a life unmeddled with, not sabotaged at every turn. #gangstalking
It made me cry 😭💓💓💓💓
That little girl is all of us.
I love that Mister Rogers was his mentor.
Kind of makes me tear up about how humble and good this man is.
This is the type of person we need as a leader.
He’s too intelligent and honest for that job.
To lead the flock.
You have learned nothing over the last 4 years
He's def someone to admire, however, we need to look to ourselves for leaders.
Everyone is so concerned about blindly following someone else.
Agreed
LaVar Burton is on a very limited list of people that truly have improved this world. Great segment.
We owe this man so much. It makes sense that Mr. Rogers was a mentor to him, LeVar is the closest thing we have to him left on this earth. ❤️
👍I’ve never heard a bad thing about him. He didn’t sling any mug at anyone & didn’t have any mud slung at him. He’s been a blessing to so many. Bless him.🙏💝🤗
Roots was probably the most endearing and challenging character I've ever had to witness on tv. Levar did a phenomenal job portraying Kunta Kinte.
I agree with you.
My Korean-American family was glued to the TV every night watching Roots. I was only in 5th grade but have never forgotten Kunta Kinte. Bravo, Levar Burton!
Love the shot of the little girl impulsively embracing him, and his reaction.
A class act.
A wonderful human being.
Always kind, considerate and willing to help out. Levar is likely a role model for millions. And if he isn’t, he ought to be!
Best wishes, Levar!
i'm not gonna lie, this guy is THE GOAT of my generation.
Idk Mister Rogers was no slouch
Fr,fr
And some of us know Mr Burton from all three: Roots, Reading Rainbow and Star Trek and how wonderful that he kept us company. We are grateful!
Amen.
Mr. Burton, helped raised me as a small child. I will forever be grateful for Reading Rainbow.
I'll say it if nobody else will..LeVar SHOULD Host Jeopardy (Or at least do a guest week of it)
Perfect host👍
I AGREE 🖒
I was thinking the same thing
I came here just to say the same thing! I think Alex would be so happy with that choice.
As a Bronx boy born and raised since 1981, I have to say... that's one helluva profile picture. I grew up remembering when WPIX Channel 11 NYC utilized the Twin Towers as their logo. Even their Sunday Afternoon Movie program block used the Midtown skyline with the logo placed where the Towers stood. Ah, the 80's...😎🇵🇷🇺🇸🗽🦂
64 years old? He looks 10 years younger!
If you die his hair brown, he will look forty.
He looks good at 64
the only thing that age LeVar Burton is his hair. Other than that he hasn’t aged one bit!
I assumed so too!
Raising our daughters on Reading Rainbow I nearly cried when they cancelled it.
I was in my 3rd year of college when "Roots" came out. It was shown during Spring Break so I was at my parents' and watched every single episode. The finale was the Sunday night before classes started up again and I insisted my parents' get me back to school in time to watch it in the dorm. About 15 of us stuffed ourselves into a girl's room to watch it. I also was a Star Trek fan and, as a school librarian and history teacher, watched Reading Rainbow whenever I could catch it. Even if I didn't see it, I knew which books were featured because they suddenly had a waiting list to check out.
Awesome story. Stay safe.
I was in my first year of high school when it premiered. My Social Studies teacher had us watch it as an assignment. Life changing!
Thank you for sharing. Awesome 👌.
I have such a mind crush on LeVar Burton. His joy and intelligence is so infectious!
I’ve been a fan of Mr. Burton since Reading Rainbow. Because of that show, I am an book reader.
Such an amazing figure. This world needs more like him!
Reading Rainbow was one of my favorite shows ever and such an incredibly important endeavor influencing children's literacy for decades!
I remember him from ROOTS and STAR TREK he is one of the most humble kind compassionate loving man unlike many in his profession...he truly is an example of what human kindness means...he's just AWESOMELY AMAZING!!!
He influenced my world in a positive way, and I hope kids in the future will get to experience some of it
When the girl hugged him in the end...someone's cutting onions. Great piece Mo.
This interview warmed my heart
I watched LeVar Burton on all 3 of those! Reading Rainbow, Star Trek, and roots! Loved him in all 3! He is an acting legend.
Truly gracious and humble man.
The one thing that surprised me is that he wanted to be a Catholic priest.
LeVar Burton. What else can I say that hasn't been said already? He's an amazing person, actor, and nostalgia trigger all in one! The world will be a sadder place when he passes on one day, but let's hope that isn't for many years to come. He's a hero, and he always will be.
He looks so much like his mother. Beautiful man, inside and out. I never thought John Amos worked as the grown-up Kunte Kinte. Those eyes!
Yessss, those eyes!!
They need to reboot Reading Rainbow with Levar. Such a good educational show.
Damn right
Indeed
Seriously
Such a gentle, warm, affable, talented, powerful, spiritual, humble, beautiful soul. You’ve always represented us well Mr. Burton. We’re so grateful and thankful for all your great work!
What a wonderful human being. And may I add, his mother is beautiful.
The little girl running to give him a hug !🤗 🙏 ❤️ Clearly he’s made a difference in young people’s lives for the better!
What an amazing gentleman.
I was raised that the N word was worse than the F word. I was 10 when roots came out and my parents made me watch it. It proved to my they were right about the N word and I raised my children the same way.
I grew up on the original ROOTS!!! Reading Rainbow, and Stark Trek the Next Generation. I adore this man!!
I was just thinking about him the other day. 🗯 I've wondered what he was doing over the years. He's AMAZING.....💛
SO Glad this man was a part of my childhood!
He is such a joy. Grew up watching reading rainbow and love listening to levar burton reads
I'm grateful for his work and that just by his wanting to help people and children he'll never meet. I love Reading Rainbow. :)
my kids was crazy over him. I wish there was more people like him. that just loved people.
I would love to see LeVar host Jeopardy.
Well lets push for it
Didn’t think of that....very nice.
Great suggestion.
YES!!
No diss but I was hoping for Neil Degrasse Tyson
Periodt
One of my favorite people on the planet! A true hero in my eyes!
It's Reading Rainbow for me 🌈 🤗
Reading Rainbow was my favorite show! Im still a huge reader thanks to his show.
I first saw him in "Roots." He was great as was the entire cast. That started the entire genealogy craze
It makes soooo much sense that Mister Rogers was his mentor! They give the same warmth whenever they talk 🥺💕
Le Var Burton is a gift from God. 😇☝️☝️😇
Yes he really is as a blk man I try to follow his example
Yes, as a Reading Rainbow fan, it pleases me to no end that he actually cares about the show on an emotional level. And he didn't just view it as a gig. Like so many other children's show hosts do.
He is 🙏😇 God bless 🙏😇 him
Amen. This is the light God is looking for in the earth
@@leehudson2414 yes as you and I. L'chaim and blessings from Jerusalem
This man is forever engraved in my childhood memory as encouraging and loving reading with his show The Reading Rainbow.
Wonderful man with great humility. I’m so glad to have seen this interview and learn about his like after Roots!
"Roots"!
Thank you for the bravery of embodying that story. Bless you.
I looked up to him as a child and now I admire him as a man. His impact is legendary.
When that kid ran to hug him, I cried.
That little girl who just went up and hugged him, that's how I feel about LeVar Burton. And I'm 35+. Her innocence & total love and comfort captured exactly how I feel about this icon who was part of my daily 1 hr TV ritual when i was growing up in the 80s.
And, yes, I still want LeVar Burton to read to me. Lord of the Rings and a whole bunch of children's fantasy would be fantastic!!
He is truly an ICON. I could not have done it alone raising 5 children that all went to college and graduated with honors including IV league colleges without this man. Thank you LaVar Burton.
Besides saying I was touched by him from the start. I too made the connection with Roots. It continued to grow because he let his light shine & he gives God his thanks! Truly a gift to this planet. I say ditto to all comments posted! I love LeVar Burton; continued blessings to him & his family for many years!!❤
I want to specially appreciate you for being a big fan. Thanks for your nice. Comment on my post, it means alot to me . I want you to send me a direct message via Hangouts using my personal email and WhatsApp number that will be indicated below. Also endeavor to add your name to the text so I can know you are the one texting because I don't respond unnecessary messages.
Hangouts mail: levarburton0@gmail.com/+1(2814369377
He was with me in my teens as Kunta Kinte. He was with me in my young adult years as Lt. Cmdr. Geordi LaForge. Today, I continue to have deep admiration and respect for him. I hope his next venture is as the new host of "Jeopardy".
Levar Burton is a national treasure. I have great memories of him in the early 80s watching Reading Rainbow. Glad he is doing super well still today and I wish him many more years of success!!
It is great to see Levar Burton being treated with so much respect and living a full life that he can be happy of. I'm a nobody, but I'm damn proud of that Man!!
One of my favorite actors of all time. His mother is shining brightly with his outstanding love to share books with children and adults. It teaches us that communication starts in our early years. That through reading and sharing we can help shape tomorrow. He’s done and continues to do just that. Thank you! Stay blessed and safe.
I remember him telling a story about filming Roots and being able to run faster than OJ.
Nothing but the utmost respect and admiration for Mr. Levar Burton! He understands who he is and what he has to offer! A man grateful and honored by his successes! Making mama proud! It was the little girl hugging him that made me tear up! The impact he has had and his response to her says so much!
The son of an educator who himself went on to educate on an international scale... And my son's and I greatly enjoyed that journey with him..... Salute to you..And your mom..... Mr.Burton.
A man who was inspired by Mr. Rogers, and hosted one of my favorite shows as a kid. Mr. Burton and Mr. Rogers are definitely around the same level for shaping my childhood.
Our family watched Roots nightly when it first came out. Thanks for highlighting story and sharing that June 01, 2019 was LeVar Burton Day in Sacramento.
This man gets a lot of my respect.
Wait, I can have him read to me?!
Very underrated person. LeVar has done very much for many people. I like seeing that he continues he good work.
I attended a seminar where LeVar attended and was speaking about his experience I would soon have shortly after. I loved the production of ROOTS, and let us not skip over the fact that people of color in the US are not the only ones that have been enslaved. There are still those in other countries still in it. Many types of cultures worldwide have had people enslaved. Women have had a form of it by omission.
In 1977 I was glued to the TV for those 8 days. Lavar acted like an old Pro for his first job.
Wild thing is I was a baby when Roots came out, never really warch Star Trek, and don't really recall connecting with Reading Rainbow, but LeVar Burton has always been a treasure in my eyes and mind. I respect him so much and almost cried just watching this short clip. Love him ❤ 🖤
This man was my hero as a child. I looked forward to Reading Rainbow...EVERYDAY! "I can go twice as high!"
My kids grew up on reading rainbow. And Star Trek. What a great guy . Thank you for all the great memories for my kids.
I am proud to say I grew up with reading rainbow. Teachers would play reading rainbow in class that's how impt his program was. Thank you Levar!!!! 🙏🙏🙏
WHEN I THINK OF, LeVar Burton, I THINK OF HOPE AND POSSIBILITIES, AND I ALWAYS SMILE ! THANK YOU FOR ALL YOU ARE AND ALL YOU HAVE DONE ! XOXOX
He is so humble and down to earth
What an adorable man. I grew up with him and always adored him.
I love Lavar; what an amazing person 🥰
I'm so glad they honored Levar Burton !!!!
LeVar is a class act! 💖
I love the idea of television as a ministry.
He still looks so young! I love this guy reading rainbow was so sweet and ill take lavars word for it everytime
Wish he’d be chosen to permanently host Jeopardy.
Not on short list yet. Katie over LeVar?
Well, he is on the list of guest hosts, isn't he?
I would much prefer he continue acting.
@@hartcoronet9968 They never said
AMERICA WHAT'S THE HOLD UP! HE'S THE PERFECT AND BEST CHIOCE TO HOST.
I love this man, and appreciate the comparison to Mr Rodgers.
LeVar Burton has taught me many things as a child. He will forever have a place in my heart. What a privilege it is to hear your voice through out my life sir! No words could ever than you enough!
He is such a national treasure -- triply iconic!
LeVar Burton is a great American. Its always a comfort to know that during these times of just crippling despair and hopelessness that People like LeVar Burton still exist and are still fighting for a better future.
We need more people like him.....Many many more.
I'm 37 and my Mother and Father home schooled myself and my siblings 7 of us in all and Reading Rainbow was one of my favorite parts of class and Ooooo my when my Father decided to show us ROOTS what an eye opening journey that was I still watch that movie once a year ! But Mr Lavar Burton is one of the Titans who shoulders we stand on down to this day !!! 🥰💐🌹🌹🌹🌹
I was born in 1979, I think I can safely say that little girl at the end is all us kids of that era who love this guy.
Levar burton and Fred Rogers is as close to pure and wholesome as it gets. Thank you for teaching me how to read (Levar) and to be kind (Mr. Rogers) miss those days ... I’ll be 40 this year😌
Amazing man ❤ So grateful to have met him in real life.
What a beautiful and humble person
Mr. Burton is such a gifted artist. I love his work as an actor, and as an educator for "Reading Rainbow." God bless him!
LeVar is all about unity, his films and shows have always brought people together, and I must admit my love of reading blossomed because of Reading Rainbow, a show that for nearly 36 years I've always enjoyed!