LeVar Burton, widely recognized for his roles as an actor, director, and television host, has graced the screen with iconic characters such as Kunta Kinte in Roots, Geordi La Forge in Star Trek: The Next Generation, and as the beloved host of Reading Rainbow. But what about his private life? Is he in wedlock, and if so, who is his spouse? The affirmative answer is that he is indeed married, and his wife is Stephanie Cozart Burton, a seasoned makeup artist who has contributed her skills to numerous TV shows and movies. Here, we delve into their relationship, including how they crossed paths.
They’ve Shared Almost Three Decades of Marriage
LeVar and Stephanie exchanged vows on October 3, 1992, in a ceremony attended by their close-knit circle of family and friends, including LeVar’s co-stars from Star Trek. Nearly 30 years have passed since that day, and together, they have raised two children – a son named Eian Burton Smith and a daughter known as Michaela “Mica” Jean Burton. Their family also includes a cherished canine companion named Mocha. The couple has made their home in Sherman Oaks, California.
LeVar consistently expresses his profound love and admiration for his wife on social media, frequently referring to her as “the love of my life,” “a goddess,” and “my best friend.” He acknowledges her unwavering support throughout his career and emphasizes that she is his partner in every sense. In a 2019 tweet, he shared a photo from their wedding day along with the caption: “27 years ago today, I jumped the broom with [Stephanie Cozart], the love of my life!”
Their Meeting Was Arranged by a Mutual Acquaintance
LeVar and Stephanie’s paths crossed through the introduction of a mutual friend who believed they would be a perfect match. According to LeVar, he was instantly captivated by Stephanie when he first saw her at a gathering, recounting in an interview with Serial Optimist: “I saw her across the room at a party at my friend’s house. I was like ‘who’s that?’ I was smitten from the moment I laid eyes on her.”
Stephanie, too, was drawn to LeVar, although she initially hesitated to pursue a romantic relationship because she felt he was too famous. In an interview with The Hollywood Reporter, she explained: “I was very reluctant to date him because he was LeVar Burton. I didn’t want to be part of that whole scene.”
Nevertheless, LeVar was persistent and managed to convince her to give their connection a chance. He shared in the same interview: “I pursued her relentlessly until she agreed to go out with me.” Their romance blossomed quickly, and they soon became inseparable.
They’ve Collaborated on Various Projects
Their partnership extends beyond their personal life, as LeVar and Stephanie have frequently worked together on professional projects. Stephanie, a makeup artist, has contributed her skills while LeVar has taken on roles as an actor, director, or host. Their collaborative efforts have spanned a variety of productions, including Reading Rainbow, The Hunter, The Tiger Woods Story, Ali, Whose Line Is It Anyway? The Upshaws, and Star Trek: Picard.
Stephanie has also lent her talents to enhance LeVar’s appearance on other shows, such as Jeopardy!, where he served as a guest host in 2021. She shared in an interview with Variety: “I did his makeup for Jeopardy! He looked great.”
LeVar has consistently praised Stephanie for her exceptional talent and professionalism as a makeup artist, emphasizing her versatility and creativity. In an interview with The Hollywood Reporter, he remarked: “She’s amazing at what she does. She’s very versatile and very creative. She can do anything from comedy to drama to sci-fi to fantasy.”
In Conclusion
LeVar Burton is happily married to Stephanie Cozart Burton, a skilled makeup artist, and their union has endured for nearly 30 years. They first crossed paths through a mutual friend, overcoming initial reservations to form a deep and lasting connection. Together, they’ve raised a family, worked on numerous collaborative projects, and provided unwavering support to each other throughout their journey. Their enduring love story serves as an inspiring testament to their bond.