Most people know LeVar Burton. He became famous for his powerful role as Kunta Kinte in Roots, made kids love reading with Reading Rainbow, and starred as Geordi La Forge in Star Trek: The Next Generation. His face, his voice, and his story inspired millions.
But here’s something surprising: LeVar Burton has a son named Eian Burton, and not many people know about him.
Eian didn’t grow up in the spotlight. He didn’t follow his dad into acting or Hollywood. Instead, he took a very different path — one filled with quiet work, real kindness, and helping others.
In this article, we’ll share the full story of Eian Burton — who he is, how he grew up, the challenges he faced, and the beautiful life he has built away from fame. It’s a story about family, strength, and making a difference the quiet way.
Eian Burton Quick Bio
| Full Name | Eian Burton Smith |
| Known As | Eian Burton |
| Birth Year | 1980 |
| Age (2026) | 46 years old |
| Birthplace | Los Angeles, California, USA |
| Nationality | American |
| Ethnicity | African-American |
| Father | LeVar Burton |
| Mother | Chimara P. Smith |
| Half-Sibling | Mica Burton |
| Marital Status | Single |
| Education | Foothill College (Education) |
| High School | Los Altos High School |
| Job | Special Education Teacher |
| Other Roles | Basketball Coach, Community Instructor |
| Workplace | Monroe Middle School, San Jose |
| Lives In | Campbell, California, USA |
| Social Media | @eianwardburton |
| Net Worth (Estimate) | $300,000 – $600,000 |
Who Is Eian Burton?
Eian Burton is the firstborn son of LeVar Burton. He was born in 1980 in Los Angeles, California. His full name is Eian Burton Smith, but he’s mostly known as Eian Burton.
Eian doesn’t act, doesn’t sing, and doesn’t attend red-carpet events. He lives a calm and private life. Today, he works as a special education teacher and a basketball coach. He helps kids who need extra support in the classroom and on the court.
Even though his father is a Hollywood legend, Eian chose a quiet and simple path — one where he can give back, stay grounded, and live with purpose. He lives in Campbell, California, and enjoys a peaceful life out of the spotlight.
Eian Burton’s Early Life Without His Father
When Eian was born, his father didn’t even know he existed.
His mother, Chimara P. Smith, raised him alone for the first few years of his life. She and LeVar had a short relationship that didn’t last, and she never told him about the baby. So Eian grew up without knowing who his father was.
Can you imagine growing up and not knowing your dad — only to find out later that he’s a famous actor seen on millions of TVs? That’s part of Eian’s unique story.
His early life was quiet. He lived with his mom, far away from movie sets or cameras. It was just a normal life — filled with everyday moments, but without the presence of his father.
When LeVar Burton Found Out He Had a Son
In 1983, everything changed.
LeVar Burton was contacted by the district attorney’s office and told that he might have a son. A paternity test was done, and it came back positive. Eian was three years old. Until that day, LeVar had no idea he had a child.
Many people would panic in that moment — but not LeVar. He didn’t run away or hide. He stepped up right away. He filed for joint legal custody, started paying child support, and made it clear that he wanted to be a real part of Eian’s life.
LeVar said something honest and powerful at that time:
“I grew up in a broken home, raised by my mother. I would like for my son to have the benefits of both parents.”
That one sentence shows how deeply he cared. It wasn’t about protecting his image — it was about doing the right thing.
The Custody Battle and Support Story
After the DNA results confirmed that Eian was his son, LeVar Burton went to court to get official visitation rights and joint custody. He also agreed to pay $600 a month in child support — which was a large amount in the 1980s.
But for LeVar, it wasn’t just about the money. He wanted something more meaningful: to be part of his son’s life.
He wanted to spend time with Eian. To be there for birthdays, school events, holidays, and everyday memories. He wanted to be a father — not just someone who sends checks.
At the time, this story made the news. People were surprised to see a rising TV star taking such strong action for a child he didn’t even know existed just months earlier. But for LeVar, it wasn’t about fame — it was about family.
The False Kidnapping Accusation Against LeVar Burton
Just when things were starting to settle down, something shocking happened.
In 1984, Eian’s mother accused LeVar of kidnapping their son. The story spread fast, and many people didn’t know what to believe.
Here’s what happened: LeVar had taken Eian on a planned two-week vacation. When the vacation was over, Eian didn’t return home on time. His mother feared that LeVar had taken him out of the country — maybe even to Africa.
But that wasn’t true. LeVar’s agent quickly cleared things up. Eian was safely staying with his grandmother in Sacramento, California, while LeVar went on a short work trip.
It was a big misunderstanding, but it brought stress and media attention to the family. Thankfully, no one was harmed, and Eian stayed safe throughout.
Eian Burton’s Bond with LeVar Burton Over Time
After all the drama and court battles, Eian and LeVar began building a real relationship.
It wasn’t always easy. They didn’t live together full-time, and they had to learn how to trust each other over time. But they made it work.
LeVar didn’t want to be a weekend dad. He wanted to be present. He showed up, made time, and stayed connected — even with his busy career.
Eian, on the other hand, didn’t grow up like a “Hollywood kid.” He didn’t chase attention or fame. He had a normal life, but with a special kind of dad who tried to be there even when life was complicated.
Their bond grew slowly and quietly — with real effort, real time, and real love.
Meet Eian Burton’s Half-Sister, Mica Burton
Eian Burton is not an only child. He has a younger half-sister named Mica Burton. She is the daughter of LeVar Burton and his wife, Stephanie Cozart Burton, who got married in 1992.
Unlike Eian, Mica is well known in the public eye. She is an actress, cosplayer, and host. She has appeared in gaming events, sci-fi shows, and even had a role in Star Trek: Picard, following in her father’s footsteps.
Even though Eian and Mica have chosen very different paths, they both share love and respect for their dad. In 2018, Mica posted a sweet Father’s Day photo of LeVar wearing traditional Japanese clothes. It was a small moment, but it showed how close the family is — even with different lifestyles.
Eian Burton’s School Life and College Path
Eian’s focus was always on learning and helping others. He went to Los Altos High School in California. Like most teens, he spent those years figuring out who he wanted to be.
Instead of chasing fame, Eian looked for ways to give back. After high school, he studied Education at Foothill College, a respected community college. It was there that he decided to become a teacher.
He didn’t want to be known for who his father was. He wanted to build his own future — and he chose a path that would help children learn, grow, and feel supported every day.
Eian Burton’s Career as a Special Education Teacher
Today, Eian Burton works as a special education teacher at Monroe Middle School in San Jose, California.
His job is not easy. He works with students who face challenges with learning, focus, or behavior. But Eian is patient. He is kind. And he truly cares about the kids he teaches.
He doesn’t just help students with their schoolwork — he helps them believe in themselves. For many of his students, Eian is more than just a teacher. He is a guide, a role model, and someone who never gives up on them.
Eian Burton as a Basketball Coach and Mentor
Outside of the classroom, Eian also makes a big impact. He coaches youth basketball with a group called Top Flight Elite.
Eian uses sports to teach important lessons — like teamwork, discipline, and self-confidence. He doesn’t just focus on winning games. He helps kids grow as people.
Imagine being a kid who struggles in school but lights up on the basketball court. That’s where Eian shines. He helps them find their strengths — both on and off the court. He cheers them on when they win, and lifts them up when they lose.
Eian Burton’s Life in 2026, Quiet and Purposeful
As of 2026, Eian Burton is 46 years old and lives in Campbell, California. He still teaches and coaches. He still shows up every day to support the children who need him most.
He is not married and keeps his personal life very private. He doesn’t look for attention, and he rarely posts on social media. But if you search, you might find him on Instagram or Facebook under @eianwardburton.
Eian’s life is calm and steady. It may not be filled with fame, but it is filled with purpose. Every student he teaches, every kid he coaches — they are part of the quiet legacy he is building.
Why Eian Burton’s Story Is So Powerful
In a world where fame is everywhere, Eian Burton chose something different.
He could have chased the spotlight like his father. He could have lived off the family name. But instead, he chose to work in classrooms, on basketball courts, and in the lives of children who need extra care.
He teaches, mentors, and lifts people up every day. That’s a kind of success we don’t always see — but it’s the kind that really matters.
His story reminds us that being famous doesn’t make you more important. Being kind, real, and helpful does.
Final Thoughts
Now you’ve learned the true story of Eian Burton, the son of LeVar Burton. He grew up with a surprising beginning, faced legal challenges, and lived most of his life out of the public eye.
But instead of choosing fame, he chose to make a difference.
Today, Eian is a teacher, a coach, a mentor, and a quiet role model. He helps children learn, grow, and believe in themselves. He lives a life full of heart — and that’s something worth celebrating.
Eian Burton may not be a household name, but he is making the world better in his own way — and that makes him a real hero.
(FAQs)
Who is Eian Burton’s mother?
Eian’s mom is Chimara P. Smith. She raised him alone when he was little. His dad, LeVar Burton, didn’t know about Eian until a test showed he was the father.
Is Eian Burton Smith’s mom the same person?
Eian’s full name is Eian Burton Smith, and his mom is Chimara P. Smith. She had a short relationship with LeVar Burton.
How old is Eian Burton and when was he born?
Eian was born in 1980. That means he is 46 years old in 2026. His dad didn’t meet him until he was 3 years old!
Does Eian Burton have a wife?
Eian Burton is not married. He keeps his life very private and doesn’t talk much about dating.
What is Eian Burton’s net worth?
Eian’s money is not public, but people think he has around $300,000 to $600,000. He earns it from being a teacher and coach — not from being famous.
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