Lessons from the Academy of Life Actor Robert David Hall Believes and Demonstrates That Success Can Be Achieved Despite Adversity
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Cover Story Lessons From the Academy of Life Actor Robert David Hall believes and demonstrates that success can be achieved despite adversity by Elizabeth Bokfi Disability is defined as (1) a lack of adequate power, strength, physical or mental ability; (2) a physical or mental handicap, especially one that prevents a person from living a full, normal Photo courtesy of Christopher Voelker life or from holding a gainful job. 16 inMotion Volume 20, Issue 5 September/October 2010 But where is the definition for “differently A left below-knee and right above-knee diabetes, Hall was familiar with disability. abled”? For many, the term “disabled” amputee, the result of a traffic accident Despite possessing a positive perception of comes with a negative connotation attached. involving an 18-wheel truck July 10, 1978, disability developed through his personal It is easier to focus on the incapacities of Hall demonstrates that success can be family experiences, nothing prepared him disability rather than the successes achieved achieved despite adversity. At the time of for the lack of accessibility in society through adaptivity – a naturally occurring his accident, Hall was an able-bodied following his accident. phenomenon when one becomes 30-year-old working as an early-morning “disabled.” In America, of the nearly 2.5 DJ at KORJ-FM in Orange, California. “In 1978,” explains Hall, “the world was million employed in the Federal workforce, During the daytime he worked as a radio only beginning to understand that people only 5 percent of individuals with disabilities wanted to do with disabilities are represented. the same things, and to go to People with disabilities who are the same places as everyone creatively inclined have even else. The accessibility issues less employment opportunities. that bothered me the most If you’re a starving artist, you dealt with not being able to have a better chance of eating use bathrooms and difficulties if you’re beautiful, able-bodied finding parking access.” and not disfigured in any way. With over 60 percent of his However, efforts are being body severely burned, Hall made to increase awareness that also experienced periods of people living with a disability discrimination due to the have employment needs. Lights! extent of the burns suffered Camera! Access! was an event on his face and arms. The held on July 10 at the Academy challenges presented by of Television Arts and Sciences societal discrimination, in North Hollywood, California. occasional bouts of depres- The U.S. Department of Labor’s sion and reduced mobility Office of Disability Employ- only served to push Hall ment Policy and the Academy forward with his life plan. of Television Arts and Sciences co-hosted the event, which “Because I was burned badly, commemorated the 20th it took a while before they anniversary of the Americans were comfortable fitting with Disabilities Act. The me with artificial limbs,” event, a facilitator for dialogue says Hall. “My first set of between the Labor Depart- prostheses were wooden. I ment and entertainment and think they believed at that broadcast industries, explored point in time that wood was strategies to increase employ- better for people with burns. ment opportunities for people Robert David Hall portrays Dr. Albert Robbins on I spent 3 months at the with disabilities. CSI: Crime Scene Investigation. Photo courtesy of CBS [University of California, Irvine Medical Center] The 20th anniversary of the signing of the commercial copywriter, switching to therapy gym getting to the point where I Americans with Disabilities Act was further voicing radio commercials in the afternoon. could walk. Everyone’s different depending recognized on July 26 at an event held Hall rounded out his busy day with a on the extent of their injuries, the quality on the South Lawn of the White House. 2-hour acting class followed by an evening of care they receive and their own strength Addressing the audience at this event and stint with a band, performing at a local and will.” later introducing President Obama was actor restaurant. Robert David Hall, most recognized for his Hall was able to earn a living following his role as coroner Dr. Albert Robbins on CBS’ Growing up with a legally blind brother, accident by returning to radio work. At this CSI: Crime Scene Investigation. a wheelchair-using grandmother suffering time he began to consider acting. from multiple sclerosis and a sister with Contact the Aca at 888/267-5669 or amputee-coalition.org 17 “I had periods of depression but was pretty Addressing October’s National Disability me to finish my songs and record them. intent on figuring out what I was able to do, Employment Awareness Month, Hall is a I spent about 4 weeks writing, rehearsing as opposed to lamenting what I couldn’t do,” strong supporter. “I’ve supported it forever and recording the album. I had some great explains Hall. “I spent a total of 8 months in and have lent my name and my time to the Austin musicians on the project, which the hospital at different times. There were cause. There are huge gaps in employment was engineered by Merel Bregante, a great times when it felt like it would never end. statistics between able-bodied and quali- musician and spirit.” I had some great people around me and I fied people with disabilities. It’s tough for worked quite hard to learn how to walk on anyone to find work these days, but people Hall has always turned to music for strength, my prostheses. I also had the goal of getting with disabilities have been experiencing inspiration and solace. He recalls listening back to work in my chosen field and spent obstacles in their search for work for many to albums while in the hospital. Keeping a a lot of time figuring out how that was decades. In whatever way I can, I want to journal at the time following his accident, possible.” help draw attention to the fact that there are there were lines from his journal that eventually found their way Vocalizing his desire into his songs, years later. to become an actor to his then-wife and Setting aside Dr. Robbins, friends was, in his CSI and performing music, opinion, not met Hall still experiences the with support. “Some same health issues as other suggested I’d taken amputees. When asked leave of my senses. about his special needs and I think they were the effect they have on his trying to protect me daily work commitments, from rejection. I’m he feels fortunate. half Irish and pretty stubborn. When “...Skin breakdown, people tell me I can’t phantom pains, etc. – some do something, I want times they’re manageable, to do it!” other times I visit my prosthetist or doctor. I’ve Hall’s career as a been fortunate that, even performer in the when it’s been severe, I’ve visual arts began in never missed work. I think the most unlikely of my current employers at Photo courtesy of Robert David Hall Music places. An invitation many people with disabilities out there at CBS would understand if from a disabled friend led to attention. every level of the employment ladder. We I needed time off but ... most actors and deserve a chance to take part in every aspect performers really believe ‘the show must go “I had taken several acting classes at UCLA of American life. It’s great to earn a paycheck on.’ We’re a little paranoid.” (University of California, Los Angeles) in as well.” the early ’70s, but I actually went on my An example of success to the able-bodied first acting audition on a lark. Actor Alan And take part he does. The UCLA graduate community, and an inspiration to other Toy invited me to a “cattle-call” audition at and actor is also an accomplished musician, performing artists who might be living Warner Brothers. I didn’t get the job, but I releasing his first CD,Things They Don’t differently abled, Hall continues to enjoy attracted some notice.” Teach You in School, this summer. favorable reviews. In addition to a success- ful acting career and with performances on Auditioning twice for CSI, Hall landed his “[It has] been a labor of love. I’ve always Nashville’s Grand Ole Opry and national first role as Dr. Albert Robbins on the series’ been a journal writer and closet songwriter. television under his belt, Hall hopes to sixth episode of the first season. Meant only I never had the confidence to finish my own continue writing, singing and playing for the to be a one-time shoot, the role of Dr. Rob- songs and record them. About 3 years ago, rest of his life. bins was extended through an additional 16 my youngest brother, Steven Hall, was Related Resource episodes, becoming a series regular at the diagnosed with liver cancer. He’s doing robertdavidhallmusic.com start of the second season. pretty well now, but Steve encouraged 18 inMotion Volume 20, Issue 5 September/October 2010 .