Hall Feels 'CSI' Has Helped 'Regenerate An Interest In Science'

Robert David Hall, who plays CSI's medical examiner, Dr. Al Robbins, thinks the combination of science and mystery is what attracts so many fans to CSI.

In an interview with anchor Rene Syler on CBS's The Early Show, Hall defended the show against criticism that it shows too many graphic images. "It's not all gore," he said, noting that his own wife, Judy, will sometimes cover her eyes for the more graphic displays. "Say the bullet entered the ear and came out the buttocks or something and suddenly you see this wonderful graphic," he used as an example. "My wife...[will] turn her head, but sheÕll still be there to watch it and, fortunately, there are many millions who want to be there for the [case]--itÕs not all gore. I think itÕs solving the mystery."

Hall also believes the science of CSI plays a factor in the show's popularity. "I think the show has helped sort of regenerate an interest in science," he said. "People tell us all of the time their kids are taking science courses and weÕre glad to hear that."

Hall praised the entire CSI team. "ItÕs like the Pentagon, a super creative Pentagon. We have great chemistry in our cast, and our writers and producers are amazing. Everybody does their job really well," he said.

Hall himself is a car crash survivor. Twenty-five years ago, an accident on the freeway claimed both of his legs and left him with burns covering sixty-five percent of his body. His disability didn't help or hinder him when auditioning for the part on CSI. "The wonderful thing about CSI is they didnÕt hire me because IÕm disabled or in spite of it. I had to go through the process that any actor does," he said. "I feel like in a small way, I help represent the best of what people with disabilities can do."

Hall, who has two prosthetic legs, is currently serving as the national chairman for Screen Actors Guild Performance with Disability Committee.

For more of this interview, visit CBS.com.

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