LeVar Burton is a family man. The host of Trivial Pursuit on the CW is best known for his groundbreaking role in the miniseries Roots and his 23-year tenure as the host of Reading Rainbow. And while he's had a legendary career, LeVan is focused on his family.
LeVan, who was born Levardis Robert Burton Jr., is married to his longtime wife, Stephanie Cozart, who he called "hysterical" during a 2013 interview with Serial Optimist. The Grammy winner is also a father-of-two, Eian and Mica.
"One of my goals throughout this 45-year career has been to make my family proud. Or maybe, inversely, to not embarrass them. So far, so good," LeVan told Rolling Stone in 2021.
Keep reading to learn more about LeVan's wife and his two children.
© InstagramStephanie is a makeup artist
LeVan's wife grew up in Indiana and studied sociology at Indiana University Bloomington before studying at Joe Blasco Make-Up School. After mastering her trade, Stephanie worked on several films and television shows, like Whose Line Is It Anyway? and The Facts of Life. For her work on The Talk, she earned a Daytime Emmy Award in 2013.
© Getty ImagesLeVar and Stephanie met on set
In 1988, while LeVan was working on Roots: The Gift, he met Stephanie. Soon after, they started dating before tying the knot on October 3, 1992. And while Stephanie and LeVan haven't shared too much about their relationship, LeVan doesn't miss the opportunity to brag about his wife.
"She's got a wicked sense of humor, also, very morbid. Stephanie is a goddess," he told Serial Optimist. "Fiercely intelligent, stunning to look at. INTENSE in her energy. She's a goddess. I married a goddess."
© InstagramBefore meeting LeVar, Stephanie was a Playboy Bunny
From 1981 to 1989, Stephanie worked at the Los Angeles and Century City Playboy clubs as one of the original Playboy Bunnies. The now makeup artist shares throwback photos of herself in the iconic Bunny costume.
© Getty ImagesStephanie and LeVar share a daughter
On July 8, 1994, Stephanie and LeVar welcomed their daughter, Mica. The now 31-year-old followed in her dad's footsteps. Mica graduated from the University of Michigan School of Theater and Dance with a bachelor of fine arts in acting, and went on to work for Avalon Artists Group appearing in miniseries and music videos.
In 2023, Mica acted alongside her dad in Star Trek: Picard. Of working together, Mica told People: "My dad drove me to work, and it was just my family on-set, my Star Trek family."
© Getty ImagesLeVar has a son with his ex-partner, Chimara P. Smith
In 1980, eight years before he met Stephanie, LeVar became a dad with his then partner, Chimara P. Smith. Chimara raised Eian as a single mother for the first years of his life, choosing not to share the news of her pregnancy with LeVar.
But, in 1983, LeVar learned about Eian, filed joint custody, arranged regular visits, and openly expressed that he wanted his son to grow up with both parents in his life. While Eian lives a life out of the spotlight, he and LeVar seemingly have a good relationship.
