Growing up with a famous parent can shape a life in many ways. For Eian Burton, the eldest child of actor and educator LeVar Burton, the story is not only about celebrity. It is also about family, privacy, and a long-standing commitment to learning. While his father is known worldwide for Roots, Star Trek: The Next Generation, and Reading Rainbow, Eian has kept a low profile and, according to several reports, built a career in special education in California.
Personl Information
Item | Detail |
---|---|
Full name | Eian Burton (often listed as Eian Burton Smith) |
Known for | Eldest child of actor and literacy advocate LeVar Burton |
Approx. year of birth | 1980 |
Parents | LeVar Burton (father); Chimara/Chimera P. Smith (mother) |
Sibling | Mica (Michaela) Burton, half-sister (LeVar’s daughter with Stephanie Cozart-Burton) |
Public profile | Very private; no verified official social media |
Career (reported) | Works as a special education teacher in California |
Early life and family background
In the early 1980s, Eian’s name appeared in the public record as LeVar Burton’s son. Reports confirm that he was born around 1980, and his mother was named as Chimara (or Chimera) P. Smith. During his early childhood, some of his family’s private matters became public due to custody and support disputes. These events show how, even before LeVar became a household name through Star Trek, Eian’s life was linked to headlines he did not choose.
LeVar Burton later married makeup artist Stephanie Cozart-Burton in 1992. In 1994, they welcomed daughter Mica Burton, who has since built her own public career in acting, hosting, and gaming. Interviews and appearances confirm the family’s close bond and their shared values.
A later interview with LeVar also helps us understand Eian’s place in the family timeline. LeVar mentioned that “his son, Eian, was 14” in the mid-1990s, which matches the 1980 birth year. More importantly, LeVar stressed that education runs in the family, describing it as “the Burton family business.”

Education as a family value
LeVar Burton’s career has always been connected to learning, especially through Reading Rainbow, which inspired millions of children to enjoy books. In interviews, he explained that storytelling itself carries “a huge educational component.” He also pointed out that many members of the Burton family, including his son, work in education.
Although Eian himself has kept a very private life, this family culture suggests why so many later profiles connect him with work in special education. The strong emphasis on teaching and literacy is part of the Burton identity, and it appears that Eian has embraced this in his own way.
Reported career: special education teacher
Many public profiles and write-ups describe Eian Burton as a special education teacher based in California, often mentioning Campbell. While Eian has not spoken publicly about his role, these reports fit with the family tradition of valuing education and supporting others.
Special education is a field that requires patience, empathy, and skill. If these reports are accurate, then Eian’s career choice shows a dedication to helping students with different learning needs build confidence and succeed. This path reflects the Burton family’s broader focus on service and education rather than fame.
Relationship with his father and sister
Public interviews and appearances highlight the warm connection between LeVar, Mica, and the rest of the Burton family. While Mica has followed a public career in entertainment and media, Eian has chosen to remain private. Still, his father’s comments about education, as well as family moments captured in media, confirm that he is very much a part of the Burton legacy.
What is publicly known and what isn’t
- Confirmed facts: Eian is the son of LeVar Burton, his full name is sometimes listed as Eian Burton Smith, and he was born around 1980. His mother is Chimara/Chimera P. Smith, and he has a younger half-sister, Mica Burton.
- Widely reported but less official: He works as a special education teacher in California. These details appear often but have not been confirmed by major mainstream outlets.
This distinction matters. It ensures that we honor what is truly known while respecting his decision to live a private life.
Why Eian’s story resonates

Many children of celebrities live under the spotlight, whether they want it or not. What makes Eian Burton’s story meaningful is his decision to step back from fame and choose a quieter, service-oriented life. The focus on education is not surprising, given his father’s lifelong dedication to literacy and storytelling.
If the widespread reports about his teaching career are true, then Eian is making an impact in classrooms rather than on television screens.
Final thoughts
The most trustworthy picture of Eian Burton is simple and respectful: he is LeVar Burton’s son, born around 1980, who has chosen a quiet life away from the spotlight. The Burton family has always been strongly tied to education, and if reports of his teaching career are correct, then Eian has continued this tradition in a meaningful way.
Rather than being known for celebrity, he seems to be known within his community for service, teaching, and supporting students. That makes his story not just about who his father is, but about the values he lives by.
FAQs about Eian Burton
- Who is Eian Burton?
He is the son of actor and educator LeVar Burton, best known for Roots, Star Trek: The Next Generation, and Reading Rainbow. - When was he born?
Around 1980. - Who is his mother?
His mother is Chimara (or Chimera) P. Smith. - Does he have siblings?
Yes. His half-sister is Mica (Michaela) Burton, born in 1994. - Is Eian in the entertainment industry?
No. There is no evidence he has pursued acting or media work. - Is he really a special education teacher?
Many profiles say so, though this has not been directly confirmed by major outlets. - Why is there so little information about him?
He values privacy and has chosen a quiet life outside of the spotlight. - What do reliable facts confirm?
His identity, birth period, family connections, and the Burton family’s strong link to education. - Where does he live today?
Reports suggest California, but no confirmed details are public. - How can people learn more about the Burton family?
By following interviews and projects featuring LeVar Burton and Mica Burton, who occasionally share family insights.
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