Geordi was born blind Feb. 16, 2335. For visual perception, he wears a prosthetic called a VISOR (Visual Instrument and Sensory Organ Replacement). This gives him the ability to see things that others can't, like infrared, ultraviolet and radio waves. However, it does not offer normal light perception.
As the Chief Engineering Officer, Geordi is multi-talented. He stays busy repairing equipment, making scientific discoveries and joining away missions. He does find time to frolic on the holodeck, though. That's where he has Holmes and Watson adventures with his best friend, Lt. Commander Data.
Geordi has a great sense of humor, and a little insecurity when it comes to dating (originally, the character was to be gay). He enjoys playing poker, and doesn't cheat, even though his VISOR makes it easy.
LeVar Burton was born in Landstuhl, West Germany, as Levardis Robert Martyn Burton Jr. In 1977, he played the role of Kunta Kinte in one of television's most popular mini-series: Roots. He met his wife in 1988 while filming Roots: The Gift. Nominated for two prime-time Emmys, Burton has also won several day-time Emmys for his work hosting a children's series called Reading Rainbow.
In addition to the Star Trek movies, Burton's big-screen appearances also include a turn as Martin Luther King, Jr. in Ali.
Burton is prolific behind the camera too. He's directed more than two dozen Star Trek episodes, and has also written a science fiction novel, "Aftermath".
