CELEBRITY
Who Is Eian Burton? Everything You Need to Know About LeVar Burton’s Son
This article explores Eian’s early life, family relationships, professional journey, and the challenges he has navigated while growing up in the shadow of a Hollywood icon.
Quick bio
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Eian Burton Smith |
| Famous As | LeVar Burton’s Son |
| Date of Birth | 1980 |
| Place of Birth | Los Angeles, California, USA |
| Age | 43 (as of 2024) |
| Profession | Special Education Teacher |
| Current Residency | Campbell, California, USA |
| Marital Status | Single |
| Father | LeVar Burton |
| Mother | Chimara P. Smith |
| Half-Sibling | Mica Burton |
| Gender | Male |
| Nationality | American |
| Ethnicity | African American |
| Height | 5’7’’ (170 cm) |
| Weight | 72 kg |
| Hair Color | Black |
| Eye Color | Dark Brown |
| Net Worth | Not Known |
Early Life and Background
Born in 1980 in Los Angeles, California, Eian Burton Smith grew up with a unique mix of Hollywood exposure and personal challenges.
His father, LeVar Burton, is a respected actor, director, and literacy advocate, known for roles in Roots, Star Trek: The Next Generation, and Reading Rainbow. However, Eian’s early childhood was marked by complexities, including a late paternity discovery and legal battles that shaped his early years.
LeVar Burton was unaware of Eian’s existence until he was three years old, a revelation that led to custody disputes but ultimately resulted in joint parenting responsibilities.
Despite these challenges, Eian was raised in an environment that valued both education and perseverance, laying the foundation for his later career in special education.
Age and Physical Attributes
At 43 years old, Eian Burton Smith stands 5 feet 7 inches tall (170 cm) and weighs approximately 72 kg.
With black hair and dark brown eyes, his African American heritage is reflected in his strong yet approachable demeanor—a quality that serves him well in his role as a special education teacher.
While he does not embrace public life like his father, he has maintained a confident and professional presence, committed to supporting children with special needs.
Eian Burton Smith’s Parents
LeVar Burton: Father of Eian Burton Smith
LeVar Burton, born February 16, 1957, is an icon in American entertainment. He first gained fame as Kunta Kinte in Roots and later solidified his status as Geordi La Forge in Star Trek: The Next Generation.
However, his greatest cultural contribution came through Reading Rainbow, a children’s literacy program that shaped generations of young readers.
Beyond his acting and advocacy, LeVar’s relationship with Eian evolved over the years, overcoming early legal struggles to establish a father-son bond built on mutual respect and understanding.
Chimara P. Smith: Mother of Eian Burton Smith
Chimara P. Smith is less known in the public sphere, with much of her media presence tied to her past relationship with LeVar Burton.
After their casual relationship led to Eian’s birth, Chimara became involved in a legal battle concerning Eian’s paternity and custody.
Despite the early struggles, Chimara played a crucial role in raising Eian, ensuring that he had a strong educational foundation and a supportive upbringing.
Kidnapping Accusations Against LeVar Burton
One of the most publicized events in Eian’s early life occurred when his mother accused LeVar Burton of kidnapping him.
After a contentious paternity suit, LeVar took four-year-old Eian on a two-week trip but failed to return him at the agreed-upon time. This led Chimara to report the situation to authorities, escalating their already complex custody dispute.
While the situation was eventually resolved, it became a defining moment in Eian’s early life, placing him in the center of a media frenzy.
Eian Burton’s Sibling: Mica Burton
Mica Burton, Eian’s half-sibling, was born July 8, 1994 to LeVar Burton and Stephanie Cozart Burton.
Unlike Eian, Mica followed in their father’s footsteps, becoming an actress, cosplayer, and gaming personality.
She has worked with Rooster Teeth, the Overwatch League, and voice-acted in animated projects, carving out a successful entertainment career.
While Eian and Mica have taken different paths, their shared bond as siblings remains strong, each embracing their own unique identities.
Eian Burton’s Career in Special Education
Eian chose to dedicate his life to education, specifically working with children with special needs.
As a special education teacher, he is responsible for:
- Creating individualized lesson plans for students with learning disabilities
- Providing one-on-one support to children with diverse needs
- Collaborating with fellow educators and parents to ensure student success
Unlike his father’s career in the public eye, Eian’s contributions remain behind the scenes, impacting students, families, and the broader education system.
Challenges and Achievements
Growing up as LeVar Burton’s son came with public expectations, but Eian forged his own path.
His commitment to special education, while not widely publicized, has positively influenced countless children.
Despite being connected to a Hollywood legend, Eian remains focused on education, proving that success isn’t just about fame—it’s about making a difference.
Family Relationships
The Burton family dynamic has evolved over the years, shifting from early legal disputes to a foundation of respect and understanding.
LeVar and Eian’s relationship now reflects a healthy bond, while Eian and Mica’s differing career paths showcase the diverse talents within the Burton family.
Despite the public challenges of his early years, Eian has maintained his focus, showing resilience and dedication to his work.
Eian Burton Smith: A Life of Purpose Beyond Fame
While Eian Burton Smith is widely recognized as the son of acclaimed actor LeVar Burton, he has chosen a path of service and education rather than entertainment. As a special education teacher, Eian’s work is defined not by Hollywood spotlights but by the quiet, impactful contributions he makes in the lives of children with special needs.
This article explores his public and online presence, personal interests, financial standing, and his enduring commitment to education.
Public and Online Presence
In an era where digital presence often defines celebrity status, Eian Burton Smith has taken a different approach.
Unlike many public figures, he does not use social media as a platform for personal publicity. Instead, his presence on platforms like Instagram and Facebook is modest, focusing on:
- Personal connections with family, friends, and peers
- Sharing moments from his professional journey
- Educational discussions and insights related to special education
This low-key online presence aligns with his overall lifestyle—focused, private, and centered around meaningful work rather than self-promotion.
While his father, LeVar Burton, is active in digital advocacy and entertainment discussions, Eian prefers a quieter space, reinforcing his commitment to a life outside the limelight.
Personal Interests and Community Involvement
Beyond his professional life, Eian enjoys engaging in community-oriented activities, though he keeps his personal interests largely private.
While specific hobbies are not widely publicized, individuals in his profession often participate in:
- Educational workshops and advocacy programs
- Local community service initiatives
- Mentoring students beyond the classroom
As a special education teacher, Eian’s role is not just a job but a calling—one that likely extends into his personal engagements and contributions to society.
His commitment to fostering inclusive education and supporting students with learning disabilities reflects a deeper passion for social impact rather than personal fame.
Financial Standing and Net Worth
Eian Burton’s net worth remains undisclosed, consistent with his low-profile lifestyle.
As a special education teacher, his income aligns with the modest but essential salaries typical in the education sector.
By contrast, his father, LeVar Burton, has an estimated net worth of $6 million, amassed through:
- A decades-long career in acting and directing
- His work in educational programming, including Reading Rainbow
- Public speaking engagements and literacy advocacy
This stark financial difference underscores the divergent paths of father and son.
While LeVar built his wealth through entertainment and education advocacy, Eian has chosen a profession rooted in service rather than financial gain, further solidifying his dedication to making a tangible difference in people’s lives.
Conclusion
Eian Burton Smith’s life stands as a testament to personal choice, integrity, and purpose.
While he was born into a family with Hollywood ties, he has intentionally stepped away from the entertainment industry, prioritizing education and social impact.
His journey highlights:
The importance of forging one’s own path, despite familial expectations
The profound influence educators have in shaping inclusive learning environments
The value of service over celebrity, proving success isn’t measured solely in fame or wealth
Through his quiet yet meaningful work in special education, Eian continues to contribute to a cause greater than himself, demonstrating that true impact often happens beyond the public eye.
FAQs About Eian Burton Smith
Who is Eian Burton Smith?
Eian Burton Smith is the son of actor LeVar Burton and a dedicated special education teacher.
How is Eian Burton related to LeVar Burton?
He is LeVar Burton’s son from his past relationship with Chimara P. Smith.
What does Eian Burton do for a living?
Eian is a special education teacher, working with children with learning disabilities and special needs.
Has Eian Burton pursued a career in entertainment?
No, unlike his father, Eian has chosen a career in education, specifically special education, focusing on impacting children’s lives through teaching.
Does Eian Burton have any siblings?
Yes, he has a half-sibling, Mica Burton, who is active in acting, gaming, and cosplay.
Where does Eian Burton live?
He currently resides in Campbell, California, USA, where he focuses on his teaching career and community engagement.
What challenges has Eian Burton faced?
Growing up as the son of a celebrity came with public scrutiny, as well as a legal paternity dispute in his early years. However, he has built a private and fulfilling life, separate from his father’s Hollywood influence.