The post Many Were Surprised By What LeVar Burton Did When Tests Proved This Man Is His Son appeared first on I Love Old School Music.

LeVar Burton, known for his role in the groundbreaking series “Roots,” as well as for his “Reading Rainbow” series, recently paid a heartfelt tribute to his co-star, the legendary late actor, Louis Gossett Jr. In a social media post, Burton shared an untold story about their bond and the impact Gossett had on his career.

Reflecting on his first professional audition, which happened to be “Roots,” Burton recalled the grueling, yet unforgettable weeks of location work in Savannah, GA. After the production relocated to Los Angeles, Burton had the chance to meet Gossett for the very first time. The veteran actor extended an invitation to dinner at his beach house, and what followed was an evening of profound connection and camaraderie:
“ROOTS was my first job in the business. It was in fact my first professional audition. When the production moved back to Los Angeles after 7 grueling, glorious, unforgettable weeks location work in Savannah GA, I met Lou for the very first time. He invited me to dinner at his beach house, to spend the night and just hang out, “ LeVar revealed.

As the crashing waves provided a melodic backdrop, Burton and Gossett spent hours talking and sharing their life stories. The experience forged a deep bond between them, transcending their roles as Kunta and Fiddler on screen. Burton recounts Gossett’s kindness and conscious effort to make a 19-year-old aspiring actor feel welcome—the mark of a true gentleman:

“We talked for hours, drinking wine, sharing our life stories with the crashing waves in Malibu as background music. By the time we got to set the next day the bond between Kunta and Fiddler was forever forged. He was a giant and a gentle man. His kindness and conscious effort to make a 19 year old kid feel welcome was indicative of his open heart.
Kunta & Fiddler…” – LeVar Burton

Fans and of both actors poured their love and support, acknowledging the impact of Gossett’s work and expressing their condolences. The comments section became a virtual space of shared memories and appreciation for their contributions to the entertainment game.

Louis Gossett Jr. – who passed away on March 29, 2024, at age 87 – leaves behind a rich legacy of talent and a body of work that will continue to inspire generations to come. His performances in “Roots,” “An Officer and a Gentleman,” and numerous other films and television projects have captivated audiences worldwide.

The untold story shared by LeVar Burton reminds us that beyond the screen lies a world of genuine connections and friendships. It is through these personal bonds that actors find inspiration, support, and the courage to bring their characters to life.

As we mourn the loss of Louis Gossett Jr., we also celebrate his incredible career and the indelible mark he left on the entertainment industry. His work will continue to touch hearts and captivate audiences for years to come. May his memory live on through the characters he portrayed and the stories he shared.

The post “Roots” Star LeVar Burton Pays Beautiful Homage To Louis Gossett Jr & Tells Untold Story About Him appeared first on I Love Old School Music.

If you’re from the Old School, you’re pretty familiar with LeVar Burton. No matter which Old School era you come from, he was there- regardless of if you are most familiar with him from the powerful 70’s miniseries, Roots, or the 80’s era Reading Rainbow – you know him well. The thing you probably didn’t know about, is what happened when he found out that he had a son. It all started in 1980, when LeVar was at the height of his career.

The One Night Stand That Turned Into Lifetime Blessing

Long story short, LeVar Burton had a one-night stand with a woman he didn’t really know…no big deal right? Things happen and they were both consenting adults. The thing LeVar didn’t know was that he and the young lady had procreated during their one-night stand, and the result was the son you see in the above pic.

LeVar Burton’s son, Eian Ward Burton, was born in 1980, but apparently it wasn’t until three years later, in 1983, that he found out the child existed and what he did next is something I wish we could see more of.

What Burton Did After Finding Out About His ‘Son’

Instead of him denying the child, and forcing the mother of his son to have to take him to court, LeVar actually did what many men in that predicament unfortunately may not have done. He immediately took himself to court over this! Here are the details from the Washington Post:

Burton said he hadn’t even known of the child’s existence. But, according to his attorney, Gloria Allred, “after tests confirmed the child was, in fact, his, he decided to do everything possible to assume equal responsibility for his son.” He asked the Los Angeles Superior Court to grant him joint legal custody and visitation rights. He also volunteered to pay $600 a month child support[which was sufficient for that era]. “I grew up in a broken home, raised by my mother,” he explained. “I would like for (my son) to have the benefits of both parents.”

Now, if this doesn’t deserve respect I don’t know what does! So many times, women are the ones who are left with a child to raise on their own, with no father figure in the home. Typically I’d say a man should not get a pat on the back for being a father to his child and doing what he is supposed to do anyway, but in this case I’ve gotta tip my hat to LeVar. He had no clue that one night of adult fun had produced a child, but as soon as the paternity test proved the baby was his, he immediately stepped up to the plate.

See Where Their Relationship Lies Today…

LeVar and his son have been closer than close ever since they met in 1983, that’s evident from the pics below.

We just wanted to share this with you because this is one of those stories that proves it’s never too late to step up. Fellas (or ladies) if you have a child you have not seen in years, don’t let the fear, nor pain of what your child might make you feel –as a result of your absence from their lives– deter you from taking that next step toward making amends with your seed. It’s a beautiful thing to spend the rest of your days attempting to genuinely right your wrongs. It’s never too late family.

Here’s an Old School fun fact about LeVar Burton:
At the age of 13, LeVar entered a seminary to become a priest! It didn’t last though…he ended up dropping out of the seminary at the age of 17, because he started questioning some of the teachings he was receiving.

The post Many Were Stunned By What LeVar Burton Did When Tests Proved This Man Is His Son appeared first on I Love Old School Music.

If you’re from the Old School, you’re pretty familiar with LeVar Burton. No matter which Old School era you come from, he was there- regardless of if you are most familiar with him from the powerful 70’s miniseries, Roots, or the 80’s era Reading Rainbow – you know him well. The thing you probably didn’t know about, is what happened when he found out that he had a son. It all started in 1980, when LeVar was at the height of his career.

The One Night Stand That Turned Into Lifetime Blessing

Long story short, LeVar Burton had a one-night stand with a woman he didn’t really know…no big deal right? Things happen and they were both consenting adults. The thing LeVar didn’t know was that he and the young lady had procreated during their one-night stand, and the result was the son you see in the above pic.

LeVar Burton’s son, Eian Ward Burton, was born in 1980, but apparently it wasn’t until three years later, in 1983, that he found out the child existed and what he did next is something I wish we could see more of.

What Burton Did After Finding Out About His ‘Son’

Instead of him denying the child, and forcing the mother of his son to have to take him to court, LeVar actually did what many men in that predicament unfortunately may not have done. He immediately took himself to court over this! Here are the details from the Washington Post:

Burton said he hadn’t even known of the child’s existence. But, according to his attorney, Gloria Allred, “after tests confirmed the child was, in fact, his, he decided to do everything possible to assume equal responsibility for his son.” He asked the Los Angeles Superior Court to grant him joint legal custody and visitation rights. He also volunteered to pay $600 a month child support[which was sufficient for that era]. “I grew up in a broken home, raised by my mother,” he explained. “I would like for (my son) to have the benefits of both parents.”

Now, if this doesn’t deserve respect I don’t know what does! So many times, women are the ones who are left with a child to raise on their own, with no father figure in the home. Typically I’d say a man should not get a pat on the back for being a father to his child and doing what he is supposed to do anyway, but in this case I’ve gotta tip my hat to LeVar. He had no clue that one night of adult fun had produced a child, but as soon as the paternity test proved the baby was his, he immediately stepped up to the plate.

See Where Their Relationship Lies Today…

LeVar and his son have been closer than close ever since they met in 1983, that’s evident from the pics below.

We just wanted to share this with you because this is one of those stories that proves it’s never too late to step up. Fellas (or ladies) if you have a child you have not seen in years, don’t let the fear, nor pain of what your child might make you feel –as a result of your absence from their lives– deter you from taking that next step toward making amends with your seed. It’s a beautiful thing to spend the rest of your days attempting to genuinely right your wrongs. It’s never too late family.

Here’s an Old School fun fact about LeVar Burton:
At the age of 13, LeVar entered a seminary to become a priest! It didn’t last though…he ended up dropping out of the seminary at the age of 17, because he started questioning some of the teachings he was receiving.

The post Fans Surprised By What LeVar Burton Did When Tests Proved This Man Is His Son appeared first on I Love Old School Music.

If you’re from the Old School, you’re pretty familiar with LeVar Burton. No matter which Old School era you come from, he was there- regardless of if you are most familiar with him from the powerful 70’s miniseries, Roots, or the 80’s era Reading Rainbow – you know him well. The thing you probably didn’t know about, is what happened when he found out that he had a son. It all started in 1980, when LeVar was at the height of his career.

The One Night Stand That Turned Into Lifetime Blessing

Long story short, LeVar Burton had a one-night stand with a woman he didn’t really know…no big deal right? Things happen and they were both consenting adults. The thing LeVar didn’t know was that he and the young lady had procreated during their one-night stand, and the result was the son you see in the above pic.

LeVar Burton’s son, Eian Ward Burton, was born in 1980, but apparently it wasn’t until three years later, in 1983, that he found out the child existed and what he did next is something I wish we could see more of.

What Burton Did After Finding Out About His ‘Son’

Instead of him denying the child, and forcing the mother of his son to have to take him to court, LeVar actually did what many men in that predicament unfortunately may not have done. He immediately took himself to court over this! Here are the details from the Washington Post:

Burton said he hadn’t even known of the child’s existence. But, according to his attorney, Gloria Allred, “after tests confirmed the child was, in fact, his, he decided to do everything possible to assume equal responsibility for his son.” He asked the Los Angeles Superior Court to grant him joint legal custody and visitation rights. He also volunteered to pay $600 a month child support[which was sufficient for that era]. “I grew up in a broken home, raised by my mother,” he explained. “I would like for (my son) to have the benefits of both parents.”

Now, if this doesn’t deserve respect I don’t know what does! So many times, women are the ones who are left with a child to raise on their own, with no father figure in the home. Typically I’d say a man should not get a pat on the back for being a father to his child and doing what he is supposed to do anyway, but in this case I’ve gotta tip my hat to LeVar. He had no clue that one night of adult fun had produced a child, but as soon as the paternity test proved the baby was his, he immediately stepped up to the plate.

See Where Their Relationship Lies Today…

LeVar and his son have been closer than close ever since they met in 1983, that’s evident from the pics below.

We just wanted to share this with you because this is one of those stories that proves it’s never too late to step up. Fellas (or ladies) if you have a child you have not seen in years, don’t let the fear, nor pain of what your child might make you feel –as a result of your absence from their lives– deter you from taking that next step toward making amends with your seed. It’s a beautiful thing to spend the rest of your days attempting to genuinely right your wrongs. It’s never too late family.

Here’s an Old School fun fact about LeVar Burton:
At the age of 13, LeVar entered a seminary to become a priest! It didn’t last though…he ended up dropping out of the seminary at the age of 17, because he started questioning some of the teachings he was receiving.

The post Fans Stunned By What LeVar Burton Did When Tests Proved This Man Is His Son appeared first on I Love Old School Music.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BhN68KOHksu/

Recap Of Kanye’s Odd Statements

LeVar responded to Kanye’s comments from his TMZ interview, in which ‘Ye made the ignorant statement:

“When you hear about slavery for 400 years … For 400 years? That sounds like a choice. … You were there for 400 years and it’s all of y’all. It’s like we’re mentally imprisoned.”

Vox.com also pointed out the various contradictory statements Kanye made about Harriet Tubman, in the midst of defending his pro-Trump and slavery statements:

West tweeted, “I freed a thousand slaves. I could have freed a thousand more if only they knew they were slaves,” implying that Tubman too believed many slaves were simply making the decision to stay in bondage. Just a day later in a confusing interview, West told radio personality Charlamagne Tha God that he started using the cryptocurrency Bitcoin “when I saw Harriet Tubman on the $20 bill. It’s like when you see all the slave movies, it’s like why you gotta keep reminding us about slavery? Why don’t you put Michael Jordan on the $20 bill?” Tubman had gone in the wink of an eye from West’s model of a slave who “chose freedom” to a symbol of our nation’s obsession with “reminding us” of our history of slavery.

(Video) LeVar Burton’s Reaction To Kanye

Now, LeVar Burton, has spoken out, in an interview with KTLA 5 News, to express not only that he thinks ‘Ye’s statements are “stupid,” but also that he’s deeply concerned about his chemical balance:

LeVar Burton: “Where do you start with Kanye? You know what? I genuinely believe that this young man has brain chemistry issues and that he is in a hypo-manic phase. I’m not a psychologist, I’m not a psychiatrist, but I’ve seen this behavior and I know it fairly intimately well. I just think that somebody in Kanye’s camp -if there is somebody in Kanye’s camp- needs to put their arms around him and have him sit the hell down for five minutes, until his brain chemistry levels out, because he’s NOT helping himself right now.

When Kanye West says that slavery was a choice, I’ve got an ISSUE with that. It’s irresponsible, it is uneducated, it’s just stupid.”

See what else LeVar said about Kanye in the video clip below…

Russell Simmons Agrees With Levar

LeVar Burton isn’t the only one who believes Kanye has a mental disturbance. Def Jam mogul, Russell Simmons voiced a similar concern as well:

https://www.instagram.com/p/BiShU38gvUA/

Burton’s and Simmons’ assessments are very valid ones. Although I’m no psychologist, nor doctor, anyone with sight, or hearing, can tell that Kanye is clearly going through some things. His current state of mind is very reminiscent of what the world witnessed with Mariah Carey and her odd, erratic behaviors a few years ago. However, it was only a few weeks ago, that Mariah revealed she’s now been diagnosed as bipolar. Will Kanye have the same diagnosis? Who knows? Only time will tell.

The post “Kunta Kinte” Roots Actor, LeVar Burton, Sounds Off About Kanye’s Slave Antics & It Ain’t Pretty appeared first on I Love Old School Music.

Based on court docs, Burton has been at legal war with the company, WNED-TVV, since 2011. As of this week, WNED has added more to their long list of accusations against Burton, in a new lawsuit that pretty much alleges that LeVar is a thief and backstabber when it comes to their Reading Rainbow brand.

So what happened?

It basically sounds like Burton and his company, RRKidz, outsmarted WNED-TV (a PBS member broadcast company in Buffalo, New York) in a 2011 contract agreement, where they agreed to allow him to use the Reading Rainbow licensing, which Lavar has since been able to morph into other business opportunities for himself. He’s successfully raised $6 million, through Kickstarter, to relaunch the Reading Rainbow TV series and as of June 2017, he’s been having success with his adult podcast, LaVar Burton Reads.

It’s the latter that has sparked this new legal battle, because apparently LeVar’s new podcast has been referred to as the ‘Reading Rainbow for adults’ and WNED thinks LeVar is still trying to capitalize off of their Reading Rainbow brand, without cutting the proper licensing fee for doing so. Another problem WNED stated was that LeVar reportedly uses his famous Reading Rainbow catchphrase, “But you don’t have to take my word for it,” on his new podcast- another opportunistic approach according to WNED. On top of that, WNED claims LeVar went behind their back to try to get a Netflix deal for Reading Rainbow launch, although LeVar has adamantly denied that. Check out the rest of the lawsuit’s details below…

Via Hollywood Reporter: “As evidenced by Mr. Burton’s conduct since he began ‘teasing’ the public about the return of Reading Rainbow years before his company acquired any rights to do so, Mr. Burton’s goal is to control and reap the benefits of Reading Rainbow’s substantial goodwill — goodwill that unquestionably belongs to WNED,” states the complaint. “First, defendants tried to assert control over the brand through deception: secret negotiations with Netflix, false assertions of ownership of the RR Intellectual Property, and misleading efforts to persuade WNED’s business associates to make Mr. Burton the host of any new series. Then, defendants tried brute force: the RRKIDZ Action, through which they tied up the RR Intellectual Property while waging a war of attrition intended to extract a settlement that would loosen restrictions of their ability to exploit the RR Intellectual Property. Now that WNED has called their bluff and is prepared to take the RRKIDZ Action to trial, defendants have resorted to theft and extortion. As the RRKIDZ Action moved closer to trial, RRKidz began working with Mr. Burton’s longtime friend, John Raymonds, to secretly encumber the RR Intellectual Property as collateral for $2.5 million in loans from Raymonds Capital.”

Hopefully LeVar Burton and the company he out-thought will be able to reach an amicable decision soon, so many Burton fans can start reliving the good ol’ days through the Reading Rainbow relaunch…whenever that may be.

The post Really? Reading Rainbow Owner Hits LeVar Burton w/Brutal Allegations In New Lawsuit appeared first on I Love Old School Music.

If you’re from the Old School, you’re pretty familiar with LeVar Burton. No matter which Old School era you come from, he was there- regardless of if you are most familiar with him from the powerful 70’s miniseries, Roots, or the 80’s era Reading Rainbow – you know him well. The thing you probably didn’t know about, is what happened when he found out that he had a son. It all started in 1980 when LeVar was at the height of his career.

The One Night Stand That Turned Into Lifetime Blessing
Long story short, LeVar Burton had a one-night stand with a woman he didn’t really know…no big deal right? Things happen and they were both consenting adults. The thing LeVar didn’t know was that he and the young lady had procreated during their one-night stand and the result was the son you see in the above pic. Well this is what happened after LeVar eventually found out…

LeVar Burton’s son, Eian Ward Burton, was born in 1980, but apparently it wasn’t until three years later, in 1983, that he found out the child existed and what he did next is something I wish we could see more of….

Wait ‘Til Y’all See What Burton Did After Finding Out About His ‘Son’>>>

The post Many Stunned By What LeVar Burton Did When Tests Proved This Man Is His Son appeared first on I Love Old School Music.

He gave his point of view on whether or not he thinks she should “get a pass” for her actions of being a Caucasian woman, but passing as Black and becoming the president of the Spokane, WA chapter of the NAACP.

Some say what Rachel did wasn’t so bad because she was fighting for a good cause, others say she gets NO love for deceiving people and betraying everyone around her. In his answer, LeVar took it back to his Roots days in this video clip and…

The post See Why LeVar Burton Says “Kunta Kinte Has Questions” For Rachel Dolezal appeared first on I Love Old School Music.