Robert David Hall Biography

Fast Facts

• Started playing music in elementary school, practicing the French horn and flute (he switched to the guitar without initially telling his parents)
• He plays the guitar, piano and mandolin
• Was accepted into law school, but chose not to go
• After college, he worked as a disc jockey, copywriter and rock guitarist before turning to acting
• Was in a serious car accident in July 1978 that resulted in burns over 65 percent of his body and the amputation of both legs
• He spent six months at University of California-Irvine's Regional Burn Center and several years in physical therapy; he walks on two prosthetic limbs
• While still working as a DJ, he began auditioning for film and TV roles, landing his first part in the 1983 Chevy Chase movie Deal of the Century
• Was a board member on the National Organization on Disability from 2004 to 2005; is the National Chairman of the Performers with Disabilities Caucus for SAG, AFTRA and EQUITY
• Served a term as a National Board Member of SAG
• Volunteers with burn victims and amputees; is a member of the Mutual Amputee Foundation
• Is on the board of Mark Taper Forum's Other Voices Project, which promotes empowerment of writers and performers with disabilities
• Does frequent public-speaking engagements
• Released his debut album, Things They Don't Teach You in High School, in 2010
• It features Americana roots music---including his own compositions---and was recorded, appropriately, in Austin