Hall attended
Tustin High School in
California and went on to graduate from
UCLA in 1971 with a degree in English literature. Hall is a former professional musician and accomplished guitarist, and is also proficient on piano, percussion and mandolin. For several years he was a high-profile radio DJ in Los Angeles. His musical talent has been alluded to in
CSI: Crime Scene Investigation several times, as his character
Dr. Al Robbins would sometimes sing while performing the autopsy or with
Gil Grissom when the latter came to the morgue to collect evidence. He has also done extensive voice work on television commercials and cartoons. In 1978, Hall was critically injured after being involved in a car crash. An
18-wheeler truck struck and crushed his car. The crash also caused the gasoline tank of the car to explode, causing burns over 65% of his body. He almost died in the crash; both of his legs were
amputated afterwards. Hall now comfortably uses
prosthetic limbs, allowing for personal mobility. Several of his characters, including his
CSI character, have openly shared this disability. He is a prominent advocate for disabled Americans. == Life and career ==