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Published Jun 18, 2019

213: LeVar Burton | Storytelling the Enemies of Education Off

LeVar Burton, celebrated for his iconic roles in 'Roots' and 'Star Trek,' delves into his evolution from aspiring priest to a storytelling powerhouse, exploring the societal impact of his work and his commitment to education through television and literacy advocacy. He candidly discusses the challenges in showbiz, the legacy of 'Reading Rainbow,' and his thoughtful approach to selecting roles that align with his values.
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  • Auditioning

    LeVar Burton shares his journey of overcoming self-sabotage in auditions, a lesson he learned after the success of "Roots." Initially, he carried an attitude that hindered his opportunities, but he soon realized the importance of approaching auditions with passion and positivity. "You have to have thick skin," he explains, emphasizing the need for resilience in the face of rejection.

    It's always better to make the discovery and then make the change. It's more rewarding.

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    Burton's transformation involved embracing the audition process as a chance to do what he loves, which helped him maintain a positive mindset in a competitive industry 1 2.

       

    IP Disputes

    LeVar Burton's experiences with intellectual property disputes highlight the challenges of navigating creative ownership. He recounts the legal battles over "Reading Rainbow," where contractual obligations prevented him from using the brand name for his podcast. "I got sued," he recalls, reflecting on the complexities of maintaining creative control.

    The lawsuit was withdrawn and actually what happened was WNED just got blown up with negative comments on their website.

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    This experience taught him the critical lesson of not building a business on someone else's idea, underscoring the importance of originality and ownership in creative endeavors 3.

       

    Role Selection

    LeVar Burton's approach to selecting roles is guided by his values and the impact he wishes to make. He chooses roles that align with societal good, such as his work on "Captain Planet," while also enjoying the opportunity to play himself in shows like "Community." Burton acknowledges the cyclical nature of fame, stating, "If you’re hanging there long enough, they ask for you again."

    I'd rather be known for the work than for my lifestyle.

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    His commitment to meaningful work over mere publicity has kept him relevant for decades, demonstrating the power of passion and purpose in sustaining a long-lasting career 4 5.

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