LeVar Burton will ride along famed Colorado Boulevard next year as Grand Marshal of the 133rd Rose Parade, the Tournament of Roses announced Tuesday.
The former Reading Rainbow host showed gratitude when he was announced as the parade’s honored dignitary at a ceremony Tuesday in Pasadena.
“I come from a family for whom the Tournament of Roses Parade and the Rose Bowl game to follow has been a part of our family for years and years,” Burton said during the announcement which was carried on YouTube.
“We are so excited for New Year’s Day and the 2022 Tournament of Roses Parade,” he added.
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The theme of the 2022 Tournament is “Dream. Believe. Achieve.”
“LeVar Burton perfectly epitomizes this year’s theme,” Tournament President Bob Miller said in a statement. “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 is best known for starring as Kunta Kinte in the acclaimed television mini-series Roots and as Lt. Commander Geordi La Forge in Star Trek: The Next Generation.
He most recently served as a guest host on episodes of Jeopardy! earlier this year.
Currently, Burton hosts his own podcast, “LeVar Burton Reads,” now in its ninth season and he has a YouTube Series ‘This Is My Story’ which highlights racism in America.
The actor and producer will ride in the Rose Parade and join in the pre-game celebration of the 108th Rose Bowl Game. Both will take place on Saturday, Jan. 1, 2022. The Rose Parade begins at 8 a.m. PT.
Watch Burton’s acceptance speech as Grand Marshal below:
