Lanky, mustachioed African-American stand-up comedian of the 1980s turned actor, producer and successful syndicated talk show host. An experienced child magician, Hall began performing standup after graduating from college, and, after several years, got work on TV on "The Half Hour Comedy Hour", "Solid Gold", "Motown Revue" and "The New Love American Style". A breakthrough for Hall came when he took over "The Late Show" for 13 weeks after Joan Rivers was fired. With nothing to lose, Hall cut loose with a mix of teasing questions, coyly risque banter and relaxed playfulness which impressed