Actor LeVar Burton was named as the 2022 Tournament of Roses Grand Marshal on Oct. 5. The Rose Parade is an annual event every New Years Day in Pasadena, California.
The president of the Tournament of Roses, Bob Miller, made the Grand Marshal announcement in front of the Tournament House. Miller said that Burton epitomized the theme of the 2022 Rose Parade because of his success.
“LeVar Burton perfectly epitomizes this year’s theme.” said Miller.. “The 2022 theme is ‘Dream. Believe. Achieve.’ and celebrates education and the determination of those who travel the path from dream to reality. I am proud to represent the 935 volunteer members in welcoming LeVar to share in the joy and promise of a healthy new year.”
Burton was present to accept the honor and said he was living proof that you can achieve your dreams. The award-winning actor has had a successful career, starred in the acclaimed mini-series Roots, Star Trek: The Next Generation, several Star Trek films, and numerous television and film roles. He is also a successful director.
“I’m living, breathing proof that dreams do indeed come true. I’m a kid from Sacramento, California,” said Burton. “I grew up watching movies and television, revering the civil rights leaders of my time. And this is my life…. Never underestimate the power of a dream.”
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Burton is also an advocate for education and hosted the PBS children’s show Reading Rainbow for 23 seasons. He was also an executive producer for the show and won several Emmys. The actor also made an impressive guest host for the game show Jeopardy, and fans couldn’t get enough of Burton. However, the actor was ultimately passed over in favor of the show’s executive producer.
Burton now has his podcast, LeVar Burton Reads, and a series that shines a light on racism in the country on YouTube called This Is My Story.
The Rose Parade will take place on Jan.1, 2022, on Colorado Blvd. in Pasadena.
