Actor LeVar Burton was a fan favorite during his time guest hosting Jeopardy! in July, and has now been named the next host of the Scripps National Spelling Bee.
Burton is the former longtime host and executive producer of PBS' iconic Reading Rainbow and actor from the television series Star Trek: The Next Generation, and also the miniseries Roots.
He served as guest host of Jeopardy! from July 26-30, and was considered one of the top choices to replace the late Alex Trebek. After much controversy while trying to find a new host, Jeopardy! is now being hosted by former winner Ken Jennings and actress Mayim Bialik.
Burton will host the 94th Scripps National Spelling Bee at a location near Washington, D.C. for the televised semifinals on June 1, 2022 and the finals on June 2, 2022, Scripps announced on Thursday.
“The selection of Mr. Burton as host aligns with the mission of the Scripps National Spelling Bee,” said Dr. J. Michael Durnil, executive director of the Scripps National Spelling Bee. “To have such a prominent advocate for children’s literacy involved in this special and unique competition is a perfect match. We have the same goals: to educate tomorrow’s leaders and build reading competency in all young people.”
Burton has been nominated for three Primetime Emmy Awards and 27 Daytime Emmys, with a total of 21 wins. He's been nominated twice for the Best Spoken Word Album Grammy Award and won in 1999 for narrating “The Autobiography of Martin Luther King Jr.”
“Hosting the Scripps National Spelling Bee will be an honor,” Burton said. “Like a lot of folks, I look forward to the competition every year and am excited to be a part of this wonderful tradition that celebrates excellence.”
After being aired on ESPN platforms since 1994, the 2022 competition will be aired on national television networks ION and Bounce, both available free and over-the-air to viewers as well as on cable and streaming platforms.
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