Actor LeVar Burton hosted the 2022 edition of the Scripps National Spelling Bee competition, which, since 1925, has helped students “learn concepts and develop correct English usage that will help them all their lives.”

A lifelong advocate for children’s literacy, Burton’s selection as the host for this year’s competition was likely a straightforward decision for the organisers.

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“I am excited!,” Burton wrote on his Instagram handle, announcing that he would host this year’s finals, which took place near the US capital city of Washington DC.

Indeed, Burton boasts an impressive resume vis-a-vis children’s literacy, having been a former host and executive producer for PBS’ show ‘Reading Rainbow’.

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The 65-year-old also emerged as a fan favourite to host ‘Jeopardy!’ last year, after long-time host Alex Trebek died of pancreatic cancer.

An accomplished actor, Burton is best known for playing the role of Geordi La Forge in the popular science fiction television series, ‘Star Trek: The Next Generation’ (1984-1987).

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Burton also played the role of protagonist Kunta Kinte in the 1977 television adaptation of Alex Haley’s critically acclaimed book, ‘Roots’.

After moving to PBS for ‘Reading Rainbow’, Burton found even greater success, winning 12 Daytime Emmy Awards and one Peabody Award for his contributions.

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The 65-year-old actor is also a Grammy winner, and won the Grammy Award for Best Spoken Word Album in 2000 for his narration of the book ‘The Autobiography of Martin Luther King Jr.’, published in 1998.

Burton also has a star to his name in the Hollywood Walk of Fame for his contributions to the television and film indutry.