Who Is Eian Burton? Inside the Life of LeVar Burton’s Son

Eian Burton may not be a household name like his father, LeVar Burton, but his story is no less inspiring. While LeVar is celebrated worldwide for his roles in Roots, Star Trek: The Next Generation, and the beloved children’s program Reading Rainbow, his son Eian has built a meaningful career away from the entertainment spotlight. Choosing education over fame, Eian works as a special education teacher and youth mentor, making a difference in the lives of children with diverse learning needs.

This Eian Burton biography explores his early life, family background, education, career path, and the values that shaped him into the person he is today, highlighting how he has chosen a quieter, service-driven life that proves success can be measured in impact rather than celebrity.

Quick Bio: Eian Burton

Early Life and Background

Born in Los Angeles, California, in 1980, Eian Burton grew up during a time when his family name was often in the headlines. His father, LeVar Burton, was already rising to fame, while his mother, Chimara (or Chimera) P. Smith, lived largely outside the public eye. Eian’s early years were not without challenges, as a highly publicized paternity case and custody disputes briefly brought private family matters into the spotlight, yet despite these difficulties, he was raised with a strong foundation of education, resilience, and community values that allowed him to forge his own identity separate from Hollywood fame.

How Old Is Eian Burton?

Eian Burton was born in 1980 in Los Angeles, California, which makes him 45 years old as of 2025. While his exact birth date has not been made public, records and interviews confirm the year of his birth. Growing up in the 1980s, he experienced both the challenges of being connected to a rising Hollywood star and the values of education and resilience that shaped his path.

Education Journey

Eian attended Los Altos High School in California, where he developed a reputation for his academic commitment and participation in sports, and later enrolled at Foothill College, part of the Foothill-De Anza Community College District, known for preparing students to transfer to universities or enter professional fields. Growing up in a family where education was highly valued—with his father being both an actor and a literacy advocate—Eian was instilled with the belief that knowledge and service are powerful tools for building a meaningful life, and this philosophy ultimately guided him toward a career focused on helping others learn and thrive.

Professional Career Path

Unlike many children of celebrities, Eian Burton chose a life of service in education rather than following his father into acting, becoming a special education teacher in Campbell, California, where he designs and implements individualized learning plans for children with varying needs. Beyond academics, he also works as a youth sports coach, encouraging teamwork, resilience, and confidence among young athletes. His career highlights the importance of mentorship and community engagement, demonstrating that making a difference in children’s lives can be as impactful as any Hollywood performance and marking a sharp contrast with his father’s entertainment career while underscoring his belief in service, patience, and education as lasting legacies.

Family Background

Father: LeVar Burton

Eian Burton’s father is LeVar Burton, a famous American actor, director, and television host born on February 16, 1957, in Landstuhl, Germany. He became widely known for his powerful role as Kunta Kinte in the groundbreaking miniseries Roots and later for playing Geordi La Forge in Star Trek: The Next Generation. Beyond acting, LeVar inspired generations of children as the longtime host of Reading Rainbow, a show that promoted literacy and learning for over 20 years. His career has earned him Emmy Awards and a Peabody Award, making him both a cultural icon and an advocate for education, a value that also influenced his son Eian’s path as a teacher.

Mother: Chimara P. Smith

Eian Burton’s mother is Chimara P. Smith, who has lived most of her life away from the public eye. She became known in the early 1980s when her relationship with LeVar Burton led to legal disputes over Eian’s paternity and custody, briefly drawing media attention. Despite this, Chimara has chosen a very private life and has not pursued any public career or media presence. Her focus was on raising her son outside the Hollywood spotlight, allowing Eian to grow up with stability and values that later shaped his career in education.

Half-Sibling: Mica Burton

Eian’s younger half-sister, Mica Burton, was born in 1994 to LeVar Burton and his wife, Stephanie Cozart Burton, and unlike Eian she has pursued a career in entertainment as an actress, host, and cosplayer, appearing in projects like Star Trek: Picard and gaining recognition in the gaming and streaming community, creating a contrast between her public career and Eian’s private, service-oriented life.

Personal Life and Interests

Eian Burton is known to be single and prefers to keep his personal life private, with hobbies that include sports, mentorship, and coaching, all of which align with his work in education. On social media, he maintains a low profile—his Instagram account is inactive, while his Facebook presence is modest and used primarily for community and professional interactions—reflecting his conscious choice to prioritize personal fulfillment over public attention.

Public Perception & Online Presence

Because of his father’s fame, many people are naturally curious about Eian Burton, yet unlike many celebrity children he has not capitalized on his family name and instead maintains minimal online activity that signals his preference for privacy and focus on his local community. In a digital age where public exposure is often sought after, Eian’s choice to maintain a low-public profile makes him stand out as someone who values service over celebrity.

Challenges and Achievements

Growing up, Eian faced the challenge of early custody disputes and public scrutiny due to his father’s celebrity status, but rather than being defined by these circumstances, he chose to rise above them and carve out his own identity. His achievements lie not in the entertainment industry but in his contributions to special education and mentorship, and by helping children with learning differences and coaching youth sports, he has built a legacy of quiet impact that represents a different kind of success than the fame his father enjoys.

Net Worth and Financial Overview

Eian Burton’s exact net worth is not publicly known, as he has chosen a private life away from the spotlight and works in education rather than entertainment. Unlike his father, LeVar Burton, whose successful acting and hosting career has earned him an estimated net worth of around $6 million, Eian’s income comes from his role as a special education teacher and youth sports coach in California. While his earnings are more modest, his career reflects values of service, mentorship, and community impact, showing that his focus is on making a difference rather than building wealth.

Why Eian Burton’s Story Matters

Eian Burton’s story matters because it shows that success is not only about fame or wealth but also about service, values, and personal impact. As the son of LeVar Burton, he could have pursued the spotlight, yet he chose to dedicate his life to education and helping children with special needs. By focusing on teaching and mentorship, Eian demonstrates humility and commitment to community, proving that meaningful contributions often come quietly but make a lasting difference. His life highlights the importance of carving one’s own path and measuring success by the lives we touch rather than the attention we receive.

Conclusion

Eian Burton has built a life that reflects dedication, humility, and service rather than fame. As the son of LeVar Burton, he grew up with a famous family name but chose his own path as a special education teacher and youth mentor in California. His story highlights the value of education, resilience, and community impact, showing that true success is not only about being in the public eye but about making a difference in people’s lives. By living a private yet meaningful life, Eian Burton reminds us that quiet contributions can leave the strongest legacies.

FAQs About Eian Burton

1. Who is Eian Burton?
Eian Burton is the son of actor and TV host LeVar Burton. Unlike his father, he chose a private life and works as a special education teacher in California.

2. How old is Eian Burton?
Eian Burton was born in 1980 in Los Angeles, California. He is 45 years old as of 2025.

3. Who are Eian Burton’s parents?
His father is LeVar Burton, a well-known actor and host of Reading Rainbow. His mother is Chimara P. Smith, who has lived a private life.

4. Does Eian Burton have siblings?
Yes, he has a younger half-sister, Mica Burton, who is an actress, cosplayer, and online host.

5. What does Eian Burton do for a living?
Eian works as a special education teacher and youth sports coach in Campbell, California, supporting children with diverse learning needs.

6. Is Eian Burton married?
Eian Burton is reportedly single, and there is no public information about his marriage or relationships.

7. Does Eian Burton have children?
There are no public records showing that Eian Burton has children. He keeps his personal life private.

8. What is Eian Burton’s net worth?
Eian Burton’s net worth is not publicly known. His income comes from teaching, unlike his father LeVar Burton, whose net worth is estimated around $6 million.