LeVar Burton, an award-winning actor known for his roles in Roots and Star Trek: The Next Generation, shares his remarkable journey from aspiring priest to iconic storyteller. He discusses the transformative power of television in education, particularly through Reading Rainbow. LeVar reflects on navigating fame, the impact of maternal support, and overcoming self-sabotage in his career. With insights on the challenges of literature in schools and the importance of nurturing imagination, this conversation celebrates the art of storytelling and its role in shaping lives.
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Fan Recognition Radar
LeVar Burton has developed a radar for recognizing which role fans know him from.
He can often tell if someone recognizes him from Roots, Star Trek, or Reading Rainbow.
question_answer ANECDOTE
From Priest to Actor
LeVar Burton initially pursued the priesthood but shifted to acting.
He realized the Catholic worldview felt narrow, discovering a passion for theater in seminary.
question_answer ANECDOTE
Roots and its impact
At 19, LeVar Burton landed the iconic role of Kunta Kinte in Roots, his first professional audition.
This experience showed him TV's power, leading him to Reading Rainbow, aiming to promote literacy.
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Captains Courageous is a coming-of-age novel by Rudyard Kipling, centered around Harvey Cheyne Jr., the spoiled son of a wealthy railroad tycoon. After being washed overboard from a luxury liner, Harvey is rescued by a fishing schooner and learns discipline and the value of hard work under the guidance of Captain Disko Troop and his crew. Through his experiences, Harvey undergoes significant personal growth, evolving from a self-centered adolescent into a self-reliant young man.
Tao te ching
Laozi
The Tao Te Ching is a central text in Taoist philosophy and religion. It consists of 81 brief chapters or sections that discuss the nature of the Tao, which is described as the source and ideal of all existence. The text emphasizes living in harmony with nature, the importance of simplicity, humility, and the interconnectedness of all things. It critiques unnatural actions and social activism based on abstract moralism, advocating for a life of 'nonaction' (wu wei) and spontaneity. The text has been highly influential in Chinese philosophy and has been translated numerous times, making it one of the most translated texts in world literature[2][3][4].
The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn
Mark Twain
Published in 1884 in the UK and 1885 in the US, 'The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn' is a sequel to Mark Twain's 'The Adventures of Tom Sawyer'. The novel follows Huck Finn, a young boy who escapes his abusive father by faking his own death, and Jim, a runaway slave. Together, they embark on a perilous journey down the Mississippi River on a raft. Along the way, they encounter various characters, including con artists and feuding families, and Huck grapples with moral dilemmas, particularly regarding his support for Jim despite the societal norms against helping a runaway slave. The novel is a critique of pre-Civil War American society, especially its treatment of slavery and racial issues, and it has been praised for its realistic portrayal of boyhood and its exploration of complex moral themes[1][3][5].
The Three-Body Problem
None
Cixin Liu
Cixin Liu's 'The Three-Body Problem' is a critically acclaimed science fiction novel that blends hard science with compelling storytelling. The story follows a group of scientists who make contact with an alien civilization, leading to unforeseen consequences for humanity. Liu's intricate world-building and exploration of complex scientific and philosophical themes have earned him widespread recognition. The novel is known for its ambitious scope and its exploration of the potential challenges and dangers of encountering extraterrestrial life. It's a thought-provoking work that has captivated readers worldwide.
Where the Sidewalk Ends
Shel Silverstein
Where the Sidewalk Ends is a beloved collection of poems and drawings by Shel Silverstein. The book takes readers on a whimsical journey through imaginative scenarios, from a boy who turns into a TV set to a girl who eats a whale. It addresses common childhood concerns and presents fanciful stories, encouraging readers to see the extraordinary in the ordinary. The poems are known for their clever wordplay, delightful illustrations, and moral lessons, making it a treasure trove for young readers and a favorite among adults as well[1][3][5].
LeVar Burton (@levarburton) is an award-winning actor famous for iconic roles from Kunta Kinte in Roots to Geordi La Forge on Star Trek: The Next Generation, and the host of long-running PBS series Reading Rainbow and the LeVar Burton Reads podcast.
What We Discuss with LeVar Burton:
How LeVar went from pursuing a vocation in the priesthood to acting in a miniseries that changed the national dialogue about slavery forever.
What LeVar's Roots experience taught him about the power of television for education and engagement and how it paved the way for his involvement with Reading Rainbow.
The questions LeVar asks parents who want their kids to read more.
What it was like to act in Star Trek with the most expressive parts of his face covered and a head full of technobabble vocabulary.
How LeVar avoided melting down in spite of international attention from an early age and what he's done to stay relevant over 40 years in show business.
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