Eian Burton, widely known as the son of famous American actor and TV host LeVar Burton, has chosen a path quite different from his father’s spotlight-filled career. While LeVar Burton gained fame for his roles in popular shows like Star Trek: The Next Generation and Reading Rainbow, Eian has dedicated his life to education, working as a special education teacher. This article explores Eian Burton’s biography, shedding light on his personal life, career, family background, and how he maintains a low public profile despite his famous roots. Through this detailed look, readers will learn more about LeVar Burton’s son and his meaningful work in the field of education.
Quick Bio
| Attribute | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Eian Burton Smith |
| Date of Birth | 1980 |
| Age (2023) | 43 years |
| Place of Birth | Los Angeles, California, USA |
| Profession | Special Education Teacher |
| Current Residence | Campbell, California, USA |
| Marital Status | Single |
| Father | LeVar Burton |
| Mother | Chimara P. Smith |
| Sibling | Mica Burton (half-sister) |
| Nationality | American |
| Ethnicity | African-American |
| Hair Color | Black |
| Eye Color | Dark Brown |
Early Life and Background
Eian Burton was born in 1980 in Los Angeles, California, into an African-American family with a rich cultural heritage. Growing up as the son of famous actor LeVar Burton and his mother, Chimara P. Smith, Eian’s early life included some challenges, such as a public paternity suit and custody disputes between his parents. Despite these difficulties, he was raised with care and has maintained a relatively private life away from the spotlight, focusing on building his own path separate from his family’s public attention.
Education and Personal Development
Eian Burton attended Los Altos High School, a public school in Los Altos, California, known for its diverse student body and strong academic programs. He later pursued his education at Foothill College in Los Altos Hills, California, which is part of the Foothill-De–De Anza Community College District. Foothill College offers a wide range of associate degree programs and certificates, serving as a stepping stone for students aiming to transfer to four-year universities or enter the workforce directly.
Growing up in a family that valued education, with his father being a renowned actor and his mother, Chimara P. Smith, maintaining a low public profile, Eian was likely influenced by a strong emphasis on personal development and community service. These values may have guided him toward a career in education, focusing on special education to support children with diverse learning needs. His commitment to learning and helping others is evident in his current role as a special education teacher and children’s sports coach in Campbell, California.
How Old Is Eian Burton Now?
Eian Burton was born in June 1980, making him 45 years old as of July 2025. His exact birth date is not publicly known, but based on the available information, he would have turned 45 in June 2025.
Physical Appearance
Eian Burton maintains a private life, and specific details about his physical appearance are not publicly disclosed. However, based on available information, he is described as having black hair and dark brown eyes, reflecting his African-American heritage. While his exact height and weight are not publicly known, he is presumed to share a similarly striking and dignified appearance as his father, LeVar Burton, given their familial connection.
Career as a Special Education Teacher
Eian Burton has chosen a meaningful career in special education, dedicating himself to supporting children with diverse learning, emotional, and physical needs. As a special education teacher in Campbell, California, he tailors individualized learning plans to help students thrive academically and socially.
Beyond the classroom, Eian serves as a children’s sports coach and activities coordinator, fostering teamwork and confidence among young learners. His holistic, nurturing approach emphasizes personal growth and community engagement. By focusing on education and mentorship, Eian has carved out a fulfilling path that contrasts with his father LeVar Burton’s entertainment career, highlighting a quieter yet impactful way to serve society.
Eian Burton Parents
Eian Burton Father: LeVar Burton
LeVar Burton is a celebrated American actor, director, and television host, best known for his iconic roles as Kunta Kinte in the miniseries Roots and Geordi La Forge in Star Trek: The Next Generation. Born on February 16, 1957, in Landstuhl, Germany, he grew up to become a cultural icon through his work in entertainment and education. Burton also hosted the beloved educational show Reading Rainbow for over two decades, inspiring children to develop a love for reading. His successful career has earned him multiple awards, including Daytime Emmys and a Peabody Award, making him a respected figure in both acting and educational programming.
Eian Burton Mother: Chimara P. Smith
Chimara P. Smith is the biological mother of Eian Burton, known mostly for her relationship with LeVar Burton during the time Eian was conceived. She has maintained a low public profile and prefers to keep her personal and professional life private. Chimara became more publicly known due to legal matters concerning Eian’s paternity and custody in the 1980s, which briefly brought media attention to the family. Despite this, she has largely stayed out of the spotlight and focused on raising her son away from public scrutiny.
LeVar Burton And Chimara P. Smith’s Relationship
LeVar Burton and Chimara P. Smith’s relationship began in the early 1980s and led to the birth of their son, Eian Burton, in 1980. Initially, LeVar was unaware of Eian’s existence, and it wasn’t until Eian was about three years old that a paternity test confirmed LeVar as his father, leading to legal battles over custody and visitation rights. Despite the challenges, LeVar sought joint legal custody and visitation rights, expressing a desire for Eian to benefit from the presence of both parents.
In 1984, Chimara accused LeVar of kidnapping Eian after a vacation, alleging that he had not returned their son as agreed. LeVar’s agent claimed that Chimara had asked him to take care of Eian for an indefinite period due to personal difficulties. The situation was resolved when LeVar left Eian with his grandmother in Sacramento, California, after unsuccessful attempts to contact Chimara. Throughout these events, LeVar has maintained that his primary concern was Eian’s well-being and that he acted in his son’s best interests.
Sibling: Mica Burton
Mica Burton is the younger half-sister of Eian Burton, born on July 8, 1994, to LeVar Burton and his wife, Stephanie Cozart Burton. Unlike Eian, Mica has followed a career in the entertainment industry, becoming an actress, cosplayer, and host. She is known for her roles in productions like Star Trek: Picard and the film Lazer Team, as well as her work in the gaming community as a popular host and content creator. Mica’s vibrant personality and creative talents have helped her build a strong presence in both acting and online platforms, making her a well-known figure in her own right.
Public and Online Presence
Eian Burton maintains a low public profile, preferring privacy over the limelight. His Instagram account, @eianwardburton, currently has no posts, indicating a reserved approach to social media. On Facebook, his profile, Eian Ward Burton, is more active, with over 1,700 friends, reflecting a modest online presence.
His social media activity primarily showcases his professional life, including his roles as a special education teacher and children’s sports coach in Campbell, California, rather than personal or celebrity-related content. This approach allows him to honor his family’s legacy while establishing his own identity in the field of education. By focusing on his career and community involvement, Eian demonstrates a commitment to making a positive impact without seeking public attention.
Relationship with LeVar Burton and Family Dynamics
LeVar Burton, renowned for his roles in Roots, Star Trek: The Next Generation, and as the longtime host of Reading Rainbow, has left an indelible mark on American entertainment and education. His son, Eian Burton, has chosen a different path, focusing on a career in special education, which reflects a commitment to community service and personal fulfillment.
Eian’s early life was marked by legal challenges; he was three years old when a paternity test confirmed LeVar as his father, leading to a public custody dispute. Despite these early challenges, LeVar sought joint legal custody and visitation rights, expressing a desire for Eian to benefit from the presence of both parents.
Eian’s half-sister, Mica Burton, has pursued a career in entertainment, known for her roles in Star Trek: Picard and as a cosplayer and host. While Mica has embraced the public eye, Eian has maintained a private life, focusing on his work as a special education teacher and children’s sports coach in Campbell, California. This contrast in career paths highlights the diverse ways in which the Burton family has chosen to contribute to society.
Eian Burton Personal Life and Interests
Eian Burton is currently known to be single and keeps his personal life private. There is limited public information about his hobbies, but his career as a special education teacher and children’s sports coach suggests strong interests in education, mentorship, and helping young people develop both academically and physically. His dedication to community engagement shines through his work, showing a genuine passion for supporting children with special needs. For completeness, Eian is described as being about 5 feet 7 inches tall with black hair and dark brown eyes, reflecting his African-American heritage.
Challenges and Achievements
Growing up as the son of a famous actor like LeVar Burton came with its challenges for Eian, including dealing with early family disputes and public scrutiny. Despite these obstacles, Eian has successfully built a respected career in special education rather than following the entertainment path of his father. His work has made a meaningful impact on children with learning and emotional challenges, providing them with the support they need to thrive. Eian’s journey shows how he has transformed potential difficulties into motivation, dedicating his life to helping others and finding personal fulfillment in his role.
Eian Burton Net Worth and Financial Overview
Eian Burton’s net worth is not publicly known, reflecting his preference for privacy and a life away from celebrity attention. Unlike his father, LeVar Burton, whose estimated net worth is around $6 million due to his successful acting and hosting career, Eian’s earnings come from his profession in education, which generally offers modest financial rewards. However, his financial status is less important than the positive impact he has on his students and community, highlighting his commitment to service rather than wealth.
Conclusion
Eian Burton’s story is a unique example of choosing a humble but meaningful path, despite being the son of a famous actor. His decision to focus on special education demonstrates the value of following one’s passion and making a real difference beyond fame and public recognition. Eian’s life reminds us that success can come in many forms, especially through quiet contributions that deeply affect the lives of others. His journey encourages us to appreciate and respect the important work done by those who serve their communities with dedication and heart.
FAQs About Eian Burton
1. Who is Eian Burton?
Eian Burton is the son of well-known American actor and TV host LeVar Burton. Unlike his father, Eian has pursued a career in special education, focusing on helping children with learning and developmental challenges. He maintains a private life, mostly away from the entertainment industry spotlight.
2. What is Eian Burton’s profession?
Eian Burton works as a special education teacher, providing tailored support to students with diverse learning needs and disabilities. He also coaches children’s sports, showing his dedication to helping youth both academically and physically. His work reflects a strong commitment to education and community service.
3. How is Eian Burton related to LeVar Burton?
Eian Burton is the elder son of LeVar Burton, the actor famous for roles in Star Trek: The Next Generation and Roots. Although they share a father-son relationship, Eian’s career path is very different from LeVar’s, focusing on education rather than entertainment.
4. Does Eian Burton work in the entertainment industry like his father?
No, Eian Burton has not followed in his father’s footsteps in the entertainment industry. Instead, he chose to build a career in special education, supporting children with special needs and coaching sports, which reflects his passion for education and mentoring.
5. What is known about Eian Burton’s personal life and social media presence?
Eian Burton leads a private life and is known to be single. His social media presence is modest, with a small following on Instagram and a more connected network on Facebook, where he shares glimpses of his educational and coaching activities rather than celebrity news.
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