How Geordi's VISOR Transformed LeVar Burton's Acting Skills in Star Trek: TNG
Discover how LeVar Burton's portrayal of Geordi with the VISOR evolved his acting abilities, despite his initial reservations.
Lt. Commander Geordi La Forge, a blind character on Star Trek: The Next Generation, wore a VISOR throughout his time on the USS Enterprise-D. Actor LeVar Burton had mixed feelings about his character's eyewear, despite Geordi's importance within the crew. In season 2 of TNG, Geordi was promoted to Chief Engineer, solidifying his place as one of Star Trek's best engineers and making him one of the most recognizable characters in the series.
Geordi La Forge's engineering skills and enhanced vision, courtesy of his VISOR, proved invaluable to the Enterprise-D crew. The VISOR allowed Geordi to see beyond normal human vision, including infrared and ultraviolet light. This unique ability helped him save the day on numerous occasions and led to important discoveries. While Geordi's VISOR became iconic, it posed challenges for LeVar Burton as it hindered his vision and limited his ability to act or emote with his eyes.
La Forge's VISOR Made LeVar Burton "A Better Actor"
Geordi's VISOR was inspired by a woman's banana hair clip.
Star Trek TNG Geordi La Forge - Geordi's VISOR was inspired by a woman's banana hair clip. - La Forge's VISOR Made LeVar Burton "A Better Actor"
At Star Trek: The Cruise VII, a Star Trek: The Next Generation reunion panel brought together LeVar Burton, Brent Spiner, Gates McFadden, John De Lancie, Denise Crosby, and Wil Wheaton. TrekMovie reported that during the panel, a fan inquired Burton about any injuries he may have sustained while wearing Geordi's VISOR.
In the first season, I encountered a challenge with the VISOR, but the only thing I really hurt was my ego. I learned to navigate without seeing my feet by using landmarks on set. After 45 minutes to an hour, I would start to get a headache, so I preferred to take it off whenever possible. However, wearing the VISOR made me a better actor and helped me develop my voice. My love for reading aloud can be attributed to wearing the VISOR for seven years and one movie.
Star Trek creator Gene Roddenberry specifically wanted a disabled crew member in TNG's cast. Geordi's blindness did not hinder his character, and he became an inspiration to fans with disabilities. La Forge wore his VISOR throughout all seven seasons of TNG and one of the subsequent films before switching to ocular implants before Star Trek: First Contact. The new bright blue implants provided Geordi with the same range of sight as a character but were much more practical and comfortable for Burton as an actor.
Geordi La Forge & His Daughters Played A Major Role In Star Trek: Picard Season 3
LeVar Burton's love of reading aloud refers to one of his other most famous television roles. From 1983-2006, Burton inspired kids to love reading as the host of Reading Rainbow, which saw him read a children's book to the audience each episode.
Will any of the La Forges return in future Star Trek projects?
Commodore Geordi La Forge and his daughters Sidney and Alandra - Will any of the La Forges return in future Star Trek projects? - Geordi La Forge & His Daughters Played A Major Role In Star Trek: Picard Season 3
Commodore Geordi La Forge, now serving as the Head Curator of the Starfleet Museum at Athan Prime, made his return in Star Trek: Picard season 3. Admiral Jean-Luc Picard reaches out to Geordi for help after being informed by Commander Ro Laren about the Changeling infiltration of Starfleet. Initially hesitant, Geordi eventually agrees to assist after his daughters assist Jack Crusher in stealing a cloaking device from a Klingon Bird-of-Prey. This allows Geordi to reunite with his resurrected best friend, Data, and showcase his latest passion project.
Geordi La Forge is given the opportunity to lead the Enterprise-D on one of its final missions, solidifying his status as one of the most versatile and accomplished characters from Star Trek: The Next Generation.
Geordi La Forge reveals in Star Trek: Picard season 3, episode 9, "Võx," that he has spent the last twenty years rebuilding the USS Enterprise-D after its destruction in Star Trek Generations. This pivotal moment showcases the Enterprise-D swooping in to save the galaxy once again, thwarting a Borg takeover that could have devastated the United Federation of Planets. Geordi's command of the Enterprise-D for one of its final missions solidifies his status as one of Star Trek: The Next Generation's most versatile and accomplished characters.
Star Trek: The Next Generation & Star Trek: Picard can be streamed on Paramount+.
Source: TrekMovie.com
Editor's P/S:
This article provides a comprehensive overview of Lt. Commander Geordi La Forge's iconic character and the impact of his VISOR on both the actor and the character's development. It highlights the challenges LeVar Burton faced in navigating without the use of his eyes while wearing the VISOR, ultimately leading to his growth as an actor. The article also emphasizes the significance of Geordi's blindness as a representation of inclusivity and inspiration for fans with disabilities.
The article concludes with the exciting news of Geordi La Forge's return in Star Trek: Picard season 3 and his role in rebuilding the USS Enterprise-D. This resurgence solidifies Geordi's legacy as one of the most versatile and accomplished characters in Star Trek history, showcasing his unwavering determination and the enduring impact of his character. It is a testament to the enduring popularity and relevance of Star Trek: The Next Generation and the beloved characters that have become part of our cultural zeitgeist.
