Though LeVar Burton hasn’t hosted Reading Rainbow since it ended in 2006, he’s still finding ways to encourage young children to pick up a book. In light of recent book bans across certain schools in the US, Burton appeared on The Daily Show with Trevor Noah with some sage advice: Read forbidden literature. The book ban outrage came to a head last month when a Tennessee school board voted to ban Maus — Art Spiegelman’s Pulitzer Prize-winning graphic novel based on his father’s experience at Auschwitz — claiming it contained material that was inappropriate for students. While classics like the Harry Potter series and Huckleberry Finn have all been subjected to some silly schoolwide bans in the past, Black authors have been particularly targeted, with LGBTQ and ...
Today (November 19th), Kyle Rittenhouse was acquitted of first-degree intentional homicide and four other felony charges after killing two people and shooting another during Black Lives Matter protests that arose in Kenosha, Wisconsin last August after police shot and killed Jacob Blake. Following the verdict, actors, musicians, writers, and comedians responded on social media by expressing outrage but not surprise. Actor George Takei had pointed words about the judicial system. “Justice denied is a body blow to our national psyche. On trial was not only a killer, but a system that continues to kill,” he wrote. “Today that system defeated true justice, once again. But mark these words: We will never stop fighting for what is right and just.” Meanwhile, LeVar Burton got straight to the poin...
LeVar Burton didn’t end up hosting Jeopardy!, but perhaps he’s landed the next best thing. Per The Hollywood Reporter, the pop culture icon will host a new show based on Trivial Pursuit, the popular board game. Game maker Hasbro and Entertainment One are producing the show, with Burton also serving as an executive producer. Right now, a network has yet to pick up the series. “Trivial Pursuit is one of the best-known brands in the gaming universe,” said Burton in a press statement. “I am thrilled to have partnered with Hasbro and eOne to bring this beloved game to market as a premium show for television.” Advertisement Related Video Known for hosting the long-running educational children’s series Reading Rainbow as well as roles in Roots and Star Trek, Burton guest hosted Jeopardy...
Ryan Reynolds is throwing his support behind LeVar Burton as the new host of Jeopardy! following the ouster of Mike Richards. The actor cryptically addressed the Reading Rainbow icon’s campaign to helm the game show on Twitter by comparing the situation to his role as Deadpool. “Pretty consistently from 2013 to 2015 Deadpool would explode on Twitter with fans wanting me to play him. It was awkward because I agreed with them but the studio didn’t see it. Ultimately the fans won and the rest is glorious history. I’m forever grateful,” he tweeted on Friday before adding a cheeky “Hi @levarburton” at the end. Advertisement Related Video For his part, Burton quickly took note of the shout-out, and responded directly to the tweet using a series of praying hands and purple heart emojis. Chec...
Source: The Washington Post / Getty If 2020 has taught us anything it’s that the world is a cold place and people will make their opinions heard regardless of whom or what. Iconic game show host, Alex Trebek hasn’t even been gone more than a few days and already people have an opinion on who should replace him as the face of Jeopardy. Yesterday a petition to name LeVar Burton the successor to Alex Trebek had been drawn up and already it’s garnered more than 50,000 signatures as people love the former host to PBS’s Reading Rainbow. LeVar for his part took to thanked everyone for their support saying “Even if nothing comes of it, I can’t tell you how much how I appreciate all y’alls love and support!” Even if nothing comes from it, I can’t tell...