LeVar Burton Named Grand Marshal Of 2022 Rose Parade

Pasadena CA

05 October, 2021

2:29 PM

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PASADENA, CA — LeVar Burton may not be the new host of "Jeopardy!" as many fans wanted, but he will still grace people's television screens as Grand Marshal of the 2022 Rose Parade. The actor, director and children's literacy advocate was revealed as the next Grand Marshal by the Pasadena Tournament of Roses on Tuesday. "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 Tuesday. "We are over the moon, beyond thrilled to be a part of this amazing event." As part of his Grand Marshal duties, Burton will participate in both the Rose Parade and the Rose Bowl Game on New Year's Day. Burton was chosen because he "perfectly epitomizes this year's theme," Bob Miller, Tournament of Roses president, said in a statement. "The 2022 theme is 'Dream. Believe. Achieve.' and celebrates education and the determination of those who travel the path from dream to reality," he said. "I am proud to represent the 935 volunteer members in welcoming LeVar to share in the joy of promise and healthy possibilities for a new year." Burton is known for his roles as Kunta Kinte in "Roots," Geordi La Forge in "Star Trek: The Next Generation" and host of "Reading Rainbow." His fans campaigned unsuccessfully for him to take over as the host of "Jeopardy!" from the late Alex Trebek, which resulted in a five-episode guest-hosting stint on the long-running quiz show. Burton attributed his career success to his mother, Erma Gene, a former teacher who instilled in him the importance of education. "Education has given me the life that I lead because my education was tied to a dream," he said Tuesday. "That dream of my mother, Erma Gene, to make sure that her children could compete on a level playing field in this America and reach their most full potential. I am living, breathing proof that dreams do indeed come true."