Quick Bio
| Attribute | Information |
| Full Name | Eian Burton Smith |
| Date of Birth | June 1980 |
| Age (2025) | 45 |
| Place of Birth | Los Angeles, California, USA |
| Profession | Special Education Teacher, Youth Mentor, Basketball Coach |
| Current Residence | Campbell, California, USA |
| Marital Status | Single |
| Father | LeVar Burton |
| Mother | Chimara P. Smith |
| Sibling | Mica Burton (half-sister) |
| Nationality | American |
| Ethnicity | African-American |
| Hair Color | Black |
| Eye Color | Dark Brown |
| Social Media | Facebook: ~1,700 friends; Instagram: Private |
Introduction
Whenever I think of people born into fame yet choosing a completely different path, Eian Burton comes to mind. He is the son of internationally recognized actor and TV host LeVar Burton, famed for iconic roles such as Kunta Kinte in Roots (1977), Geordi La Forge in Star Trek: The Next Generation, and decades of hosting Reading Rainbow.
Unlike his father, Eian grew up valuing privacy, service, and a calm life away from the spotlight. His early years involved paternity disputes, Los Angeles Superior Court cases, and even a kidnapping allegation at age three. This story highlights his childhood, family identity, personal values, education, career, and privacy.
This article shares a complete biography of Eian Burton, covering his background, father’s story, paternity confirmation in 1983, legal matters, education, career in special education and youth coaching, personal life, lifestyle, hobbies, cultural influence, and his quiet yet impactful journey.
Who Is Eian Burton?
Eian Burton Smith, born June 1980 in Los Angeles, is of rich African-American heritage. Raised primarily by his mother, Chimara P. Smith, he grew up away from Hollywood’s attention and values a private, purpose-driven life.
He is the firstborn of LeVar Burton and older half-brother of Mica Burton, known for acting, gaming, and YouTube hosting. Eian maintains a very low public profile, with a private Facebook account (~1,700 friends) and minimal social media activity.
Professionally, he works as a Special Education teacher at Monroe Middle School in San Jose under the Santa Clara County Office of Education, a basketball coach for Top Flight Elite, and a community-based youth instructor. Admired for patience, creativity, and service, he lives in Campbell, California, remains single, and prioritizes youth empowerment over fame.
LeVar Burton’s Background
LeVar Burton, born February 16, 1957, in Landstuhl, Germany, grew up in a single-parent home with his mother, Erma Gene, who instilled discipline, literacy, and personal conviction. His early struggles shaped both his career and fatherhood values.
LeVar became a cultural icon through Roots, Star Trek: The Next Generation, and Reading Rainbow, earning Daytime Emmys and a Peabody Award. He married Stephanie Cozart Burton on July 8, 1994, bringing stability to the family with daughter Mica Burton
Early Life, Childhood & Family Background
Eian was born in June 1980 and faced early challenges growing up in a single-parent home. Raised mainly by Chimara P. Smith, with support from his grandmother Erma Gene, he learned responsibility and resilience early.
Paternity Case & Legal Battles
In 1983, a paternity suit confirmed LeVar Burton as his biological father. The case involved joint legal custody, visitation rights, $600 monthly child support, and a widely reported kidnapping allegation.
At age three, Eian’s life briefly made headlines due to this public custody dispute, highlighting the difficulties of being a celebrity child while living in a private household.
Growing Up Between Two Worlds
Eian balanced life between his mother’s private world and his father’s Hollywood fame, moving across Sacramento, San Jose, and Campbell. These experiences shaped his values of compassion, patience, and privacy.
Education & Academic Development
Eian attended Los Altos High School and later Foothill College in Los Altos Hills, part of the Foothill-De–Anza Community College District. His academic journey, combined with personal challenges, guided him into special education and youth mentorship programs, preparing him for a meaningful career in teaching and coaching.
Career & Work Identity
Special Education & Youth Development
Eian works with students having emotional, developmental, and academic needs, creating individualized learning plans and offering emotional support.
Basketball Coaching
As a coach for Top Flight Elite, he teaches teamwork, confidence, and discipline, blending sports with mentorship.
Community-Based Roles
He contributes to youth empowerment, focusing on personal growth, creativity, and holistic development.
Personal Life & Lifestyle
Eian lives quietly in Campbell, California, is single, has no children, and avoids the public eye. He maintains strong family ties, especially with half-sister Mica Burton, who has a high-profile entertainment and gaming career, including roles in Star Trek: Picard, Lazer Team, and YouTube hosting.
Eian’s life contrasts with Mica’s public career, emphasizing service, mentorship, and privacy.
Physical Appearance
He is 5 feet 7 inches, with black hair and dark brown eyes, projecting a dignified and approachable presence.
Hobbies & Interests
Eian enjoys mentoring youth, sports coaching, community service, and creative teaching methods. His life reflects quiet dedication rather than celebrity fame.
Cultural Influence, Family Legacy & Financial Overview
Though removed from the spotlight, Eian contributes to the Burton legacy through education and mentorship. His father’s iconic roles and advocacy shaped Eian’s values of service, literacy, and representation.
Unlike LeVar’s $6 million net worth, Eian earns a modest income through teaching and coaching, focusing on purpose, community impact, and personal fulfillment over money or fame.
Where Is Eian Burton Now?
Eian continues working in California, teaching at Monroe Middle School, coaching Top Flight Elite, and supporting community programs. He maintains a low profile, prioritizing real-world impact over social media or fame.
Conclusion
Eian Burton’s story is not about Hollywood. It is about humility, resilience, and service. Despite early legal disputes and public scrutiny, he chose a life of purpose. Through education, mentorship, and community involvement, he has built a quiet but meaningful legacy, highlighting the importance of contribution over celebrity.
FAQs About Eian Burton
Who is Eian Burton?
Firstborn child of LeVar Burton and Chimara P. Smith, living a private life as a teacher, coach, and community instructor.
What does he do professionally?
Special education teacher, youth mentor, and basketball coach.
How is he related to LeVar Burton?
He is LeVar’s biological son, confirmed in 1983 through paternity tests.
Who is his mother?
Chimara P. Smith, his primary caregiver during early childhood.
Does he have siblings?
Yes, half-sister Mica Burton, an actress, gamer, and YouTube host.
Why didn’t he pursue acting?
He chose a private life focused on education, mentorship, and community service.
What about social media presence?
His Instagram is private, Facebook shows ~1,700 friends, highlighting professional and community involvement over celebrity.
How old is he?
Born in June 1980, he is 45 years old in 2025.
