The world of Star Trek has several impeccable actors and one of them is LeVar Burton. Known best for portraying Geordi La Forge in Star Trek: The Next Generation, the actor’s journey into the realm of science fiction is not as great as it might seem. Instead, it is rather rooted in the harsh reality that Hollywood continues to suffer even today.
In a candid reflection years ago, the Star Trek star revealed how his love for sci-fi was fueled by a desire to imagine a better future, one where people of color and all ethnicities occupied an equal place and were celebrated as their white counterparts.
The Heartbreaking Reason Why LeVar Burton Became a Sci-Fiholic
Years before LeVar Burton became part of Star Trek: The Next Generation, he was just another child struggling to relate with the many fictional characters before him. Growing up where racism and prejudice were rampant, the actor turned to sci-fi since it gave him hope for a better future.
Back in 2014, in a Parents Magazine Post (via Nicki Swift), Burton described how the genre allowed him to envision a better world, one where people of color were equally treated, respected and appreciated purely because of their talents and powers, and not because of their color or where they came from.
It also encouraged me, as a young man faced with the realities of racism, prejudice, and tremendous social upheaval, to imagine a future as I hoped it would become.
He had stated back then, as he learned how damaging it was for young people by the lack of protagonists who looked like them. That is when Gene Roddenberry’s Star Trek series came into the picture and allowed him to see a glimmer of hope. In a separate interview with EdSurge, Burton remarked,
As a storyteller, Roddenberry was saying: ‘When the future comes, there’s a place for you.’ It was a representation of the future that I could project myself into.
The show, known for its forward-thinking vision, featured Nichelle Nichols as Lt. Uhura—a groundbreaking role that proved to be deeply instrumental for LeVar Burton’s interest in the franchise.
LeVar Burton Became a Star Trek Fan Due to Its Powerful Message
Gene Roddenberry‘s Star Trek series of the 1960s has always been hailed as instrumental when it came to equal representation, playing a critical role in breaking racial barriers in the film industry. Nichelle Nichols‘ portrayal of Lt. Uhura, especially, was a groundbreaking moment in television history, for the actress was one of the first African-American women to be featured in a non-stereotypical role in a major television series.
So when LeVar Burton was affected by the glaring absence of diversity in different media forms, Star Trek felt like a fresh breath of air, a sign of changing times. In his interview with EdSurge, Burton thus stated,
Gene Roddenberry’s vision of the future meant an enormous amount to me… I learned at a very early age how important it is for people to see themselves reflected in the popular culture. And I saw that when one does not see themselves represented in the popular culture, real damage—subtle but powerful damage—can be done especially to a developing identity.
Hence, stating that Star Trek will always be a part of him, the actor felt honored to carry on what Nichelle Nichols’ portrayal started. While Burton’s story is both heartbreaking and inspiring, it sheds light on struggles that people of color still continue to face in the entertainment industry today. Yet, his and others’ contributions have been vital in eradicating racism and increasing representation, a feat that we hope Hollywood will soon accomplish.
Star Trek: The Next Generation can be streamed on Netflix.
