At 13, decided to become a priest and studied for four years in a Catholic seminary
While a college sophomore, landed the pivotal role of Kunta Kinte in the landmark miniseries Roots; it was his TV debut
For more than 20 years, served as host and co-executive producer of PBS's multi-Emmy-winning children's series Reading Rainbow, which also earned NAACP Image Awards and a Peabody
Made TV directorial debut with a 1993 episode of Star Trek: The Next Generation called "The Pegasus
" Published the novel Aftermath in 1997
Launched RRKidz, an interactive book app for children, in 2011
Awards
2016Emmy-Outstanding Limited Series:nominated
2003Genie Awards-Best Achievement in Music/Original Song:nominated