LeVar Burton, known for his roles in Roots and Star Trek, discusses what he learned from making Roots, his love for Star Trek, and the impact of Reading Rainbow on teaching children to read.
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Quick takeaways
Roots had a profound impact on LaVar Burton's career and personal development, despite facing criticism for reinforcing negative stereotypes.
Being part of the Star Trek series challenged negative stereotypes and offered a vision of a future where diversity, acceptance, and human potential were celebrated.
Reading Rainbow inspired and empowered children to become lifelong readers, bridging the gap between new readers and those who already embraced the joys of reading.
Deep dives
The Power of the Roots Series: A Reflection on Its Impact and Controversy
Roots was a groundbreaking television series that depicted the harsh reality of slavery, and it had a profound impact on both individuals and society as a whole. However, it also faced criticism from some sectors of the black community who felt that it reinforced negative stereotypes. Despite the controversy, the series played a major role in shaping LaVar Burton's career and personal development, as he portrayed the iconic character of Kunta Kinte.
Embracing Authenticity: Lessons from Gene Roddenberry
LaVar Burton's desire to join the Star Trek series was fueled by his childhood admiration for the show and the role model Nichelle Nichols, who portrayed Uhura, represented for him. As a black actor, being part of the Star Trek universe was a powerful experience that challenged negative stereotypes and offered a vision of a future where diversity, acceptance, and human potential were celebrated. Burton also learned valuable lessons from the show's creator, Gene Roddenberry, on the importance of authenticity and embracing the humanity in all our heroes.
The Transformative Power of Reading Rainbow
LaVar Burton's passion for reading and education led him to create the beloved children's show Reading Rainbow. Recognizing the power of television, Burton used the medium to inspire and empower children to become lifelong readers. Through the show, he aimed to bridge the gap between children who were just beginning to read and those who had already embraced the joys of reading. Reading Rainbow not only taught children the fundamental skill of reading, but it also opened up new worlds of imagination, instilling a love for books and knowledge.
Becoming an Actor and the Impact of Roots
The podcast episode delves into the guest's journey of becoming an actor, highlighting his influential acting teacher and the impact of the TV series Roots. He shares how Roots played a pivotal role in his career and cultural impact, shedding light on the experience of slavery from the point of view of Africans. The episode explores the emotional and spiritual connection he felt while portraying the character of Kunta Kinte and the significance of storytelling in creating empathy and understanding.
Evolution as an Actor and the Power of Storytelling
In this portion of the podcast, the guest discusses the evolution of his career after Roots and the importance of continuous learning and development as an actor. He also shares his experiences portraying Martin Luther King Jr. and his deep admiration for the civil rights leader. The conversation touches on the power of storytelling, capturing the essence of historical figures, and using art to cultivate empathy and bridge gaps in understanding between individuals and communities.
LeVar Burton was on track to join the priesthood early in life. But that actually turned out to be the fast track to acting and by age 19 he was starring in one of the most watched television programs of all time. LeVar and Marc talk about what he learned while making Roots, why he wanted to be on Star Trek more than any other job, and how it feels to have people coming up to him every day of his life to saying “you taught me to read” thanks to Reading Rainbow.