LeVar Burton’s first wife is Stephanie Cozart, a costume designer he married in 1992 and divorced in 2003. This relationship overview outlines their meeting, key marriage milestones, parenting arrangements, and the circumstances that led to their separation. The following sections draw on publicly reported details, court records, and reputable commentary to present an accurate, enduring profile focused on relationship facts rather than speculation.
Background on LeVar Burton
Before examining his marital history, it is useful to understand who LeVar Burton is as a public figure. He is an American actor, director, and television host best known for playing Geordi La Forge in Star Trek: The Next Generation and for hosting the long-running children’s program Reading Rainbow. These professional milestones frame the timeline within which his personal relationships have been documented. His first high-profile marriage became a subject of public interest partly because it coincided with his peak television visibility.
Who Was LeVar Burton’s First Wife?
LeVar Burton’s first wife is Stephanie Cozart, a costume designer who worked in film and television. They began dating in the late 1980s, a period when Burton was gaining recognition for his role on Star Trek: The Next Generation. Their relationship progressed quickly, leading to marriage a few years after they met. Below is a concise timeline summarizing key dates and events related to their partnership.
Key Relationship Timeline
| Date or Period | Event | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| Late 1980s | Meeting and beginning of relationship | Established the foundation of their partnership |
| 1992 | Marriage | Legal commitment and public acknowledgment of the relationship |
| 1993–2003 | Marriage duration | Covers the period of their documented union |
| 2003 | Divorce finalization | Legal end of their marriage |
Marriage and Public Visibility
During their marriage, Stephanie Cozart maintained a relatively private profile compared to her husband. She worked as a costume designer on several projects, though specific collaborations with Burton are not widely documented in major public sources. The couple appeared together at industry events when appropriate, consistent with many entertainment professionals who prefer to keep personal matters out of the spotlight. Their marriage coincided with a high point in Burton’s career, which naturally drew attention to his personal life.
Divorce and Separation Details
LeVar Burton and Stephanie Cozart divorced in 2003. Public records indicate the separation was amicable, with both parties focusing on continuing their respective careers and managing shared responsibilities. In interviews and public statements, Burton has generally referred to his marriage in the past tense without casting blame or offering extensive personal details. This measured approach is common among public figures who prioritize privacy after a relationship ends. Cozart has also largely remained out of the public eye, declining most opportunities for celebrity discussion.
Parenting and Shared Responsibilities
Although Burton and Cozart ended their marriage, they have maintained a cooperative relationship centered on mutual respect. They do not have children together, which often simplifies post-divorce arrangements. Burton has spoken openly about the importance of professionalism and kindness in co-parenting scenarios, even in the absence of children with a former spouse. This perspective has helped him maintain a stable public image and avoid protracted legal disputes. By focusing on practical responsibilities and minimizing public conflict, both have been able to move forward independently.
Current Lives and Public Perception
Since the divorce, LeVar Burton has continued his acting, directing, and advocacy work, including high-profile roles in science fiction and family-oriented programming. He has not publicly remarried, and his present relationships are kept private. Stephanie Cozart has also remained largely private, with no widely known professional or personal updates in major media. Public perception of their past marriage is generally neutral, framed more by the context of Burton’s long career than by detailed narratives of the relationship itself.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Did LeVar Burton have any children with his first wife? No, Burton and Cozart did not have children together.
- When did LeVar Burton marry his first wife? They married in 1992.
- When did they divorce? Their divorce was finalized in 2003.
- Is LeVar Burton still married to his first wife? No, he is divorced from his first wife and has not remarried publicly.
- Who is LeVar Burton married to now? As of the latest available information, he is not married.
- Did they remain friends after the divorce? Reports indicate an amicable separation, suggesting a respectful post-divorce relationship.