Edward M. La Forge

Doctor La Forge in 2369.

Edward M. La Forge was a 24th century Starfleet officer, of the sciences division, an exozoologist by profession. By his late wife Silva, he was the father of several children, including Ariana and Geordi La Forge.

Young Geordi spent time with both his parents as a child, sometimes separately. For a time, Geordi lived with Edward while Dr. La Forge studied invertebrates in the Modean system. On other occasions, Geordi would instead be away from Edward, on outposts near the Romulan Neutral Zone with mother Silva. (TNG: "Imaginary Friend")

Doctor La Forge was a commander by rank when he contacted Geordi in 2369. Captain Silva La Forge was declared dead when her command, the USS Hera vanished. Edward described her funeral arrangements, frustrating Geordi, who believed she could still be alive. (TNG:"Interface")

Dr. La Forge was played by Ben Vereen. He played Chicken George, the grandson of LeVar Burton's character, Kunta Kinte, in the "Roots" miniseries. We know his first name and middle initial from a different episode, TNG:"The Next Phase," where it was listed on an okudagram graphic, a personnel file displayed on a viewscreen.