LeVar Burton Then & Now: From ‘Roots’ To ‘Jeopardy’ Guest Host — Photos

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July 26, 2021 11:05AM EDT

LeVar Burton has been a mainstay on television for over 40 years. Take a look at LeVar’s career then and now.

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LeVar Burton Then & Now

LeVar Burton Then & Now — LeVar Burton is a TV icon. For over 40 years, LeVar has made an impact through his roles on television. His breakout role came at just 19 when he was cast as Kunta Kinte in the ABC miniseries ‘Roots.’ LeVar went on to become the host and executive producer of ‘Reading Rainbow,’ a children’s educational program that aired on PBS. He hosted the show for 23 years until it came to an end in 2006. He continues to be a literacy advocate for kids across the globe. In addition to ‘Reading Rainbow,’ LeVar also notably played Geordi La Forge in the ‘Star Trek: The Next Generation’ franchise. He will be making his ‘Jeopardy!’ guest-hosting debut on July 26. When he was announced in the first list of guest hosts, fans formed a petition that now has over 250,000 signatures. See more photos of LeVar Burton then and now in our gallery.

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LeVar Burton On ‘Star Trek’

LeVar Burton On ‘Star Trek’ — LeVar Burton played Lt. Commander Geordi La Forge in the ‘Star Trek: The Next Generation’ franchise from 1987 to 1994. This was his first major role after ‘Roots.’

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LeVar Burton & Whoopi Goldberg

LeVar Burton & Whoopi Goldberg — LeVar Burton was the longtime host of ‘Reading Rainbow.’ He hosted from 1983 to 2006.

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LeVar Burton For ‘The Tiger Woods Story

LeVar Burton For ‘The Tiger Woods Story — LeVar Burton directed the Showtime movie ‘The Tiger Woods Story’ in 1998. Khalil Kain played Tiger Woods.

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LeVar Burton With His Family

LeVar Burton With His Family — LeVar Burton and his wife attended the world premiere of ‘The Rugrats Movie’ in 1998. His daughter, Mica, was also there.

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LeVar Burton & His Wife

LeVar Burton & His Wife — LeVar Burton and wife Stephanie Cozart at the Mercedes Benz Designcure event in 2004. They have been married since 1992.

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LeVar Burton In 2006

LeVar Burton In 2006 — LeVar Burton spoke as Quincy Jones was honored with the Behind the Lens Award in 2006. LeVar is powerful orator.

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LeVar Burton & The ‘Roots’ Cast At The Emmys

LeVar Burton & The ‘Roots’ Cast At The Emmys — The original ‘Roots’ cast Louis Gossett Jr., Ben Vereen, Cicely Tyson, LeVar Burton, Leslie Uggams, and John Amos reunited at the 2007 Emmys. The reunion was in celebration of the 30-year anniversary of ‘Roots.’

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LeVar Burton In 2013

LeVar Burton In 2013 — LeVar Burton on the carpet at the TNT 25th Anniversary Party in 2013. He looked fashionable in a colorful vest.

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LeVar Burton With Michelle Obama

LeVar Burton With Michelle Obama — LeVar Burton and First Lady Michelle Obama got the chance to read to students at Thayer Elementary School in 2016. LeVar has been a lifelong literacy advocate.

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LeVar Burton At The Creative Arts Emmys

LeVar Burton At The Creative Arts Emmys — Levar Burton on the red carpet at the 2018 Emmys. He looked dapper in a navy suit.

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LeVar Burton At The Breakthrough Prize Ceremony

LeVar Burton At The Breakthrough Prize Ceremony — Levar Burton at the Breakthrough Prize Ceremony in 2019. This was one of the last public events for LeVar before the COVID-19 pandemic.

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