Robert David Hall, cast member on CSI: Crime Scene Investigation has positively transformed his disability as a motivating factor to succeed in his career. In fact, he has incorporated his real-life handicap to his character on the Emmy Award-winning CBS television series.

Hall, a 59-year old actor, is currently playing coroner Dr. Albert Robbins on CSI. As the chief medical examiner of the Las Vegas Police Department, he proves that he is intellectually equal to Gil Grissom. And though he noticeably walks with the use of crutches because of his prosthetic legs, not much has been said about what has caused the amputation of both of his legs.

Although Hall has been part of CSI since 2000, some are not aware that his disability on the show is actually a real-life handicap. In 1978, Hall got caught in an accident, resulting to his car bursting into flames. He suffered burns on 68 percent of his body, which resulted to his legs being amputated.

But for Hall, there is no need to explore his character’s disability since it should be treated as something normal and acceptable. He says, “Why should it be? It’s accepted, as it should be in any profession. Al has a crutch, yes, end of discussion. In the real world, disabled people are holding down all kinds of jobs.”

With CSI down to its last few episodes, he actually wants to do a project that would reach out and serve as an inspiration to other people. He says, “It’s like waiting for school to get out for the summer. I’ll probably do an independent film. I want to teach others to switch as I had to do from being a victim to being a survivor.”

A native of East Orange, New Jersey, Hall attended UCLA and graduated with a degree in English Literature. Prior to being an actor, he was an accomplished guitarist and worked as a professional musician.

-Kris De Leon, BuddyTV Staff Columnist

Source: Toronto Star

(Photo Courtesy of Liberalfilmfestival.com)