Regina Hall's Role in 'Cold Case Files' Is the Ultimate True Crime Dive
Regina Hall is entrenched in the realm of fiction, yet her fervor for true crime has seamlessly woven into her career. She lends her voice as the narrator for a fresh A&E documentary, "Cold Case Files: The Grim Sleeper," delving into the chilling tale of convicted serial killer Lonnie Franklin Jr. His reign of terror gripped South Central Los Angeles for over two decades, beginning in the 1980s.
In a conversation with CNN, Hall admitted her initial unfamiliarity with the Grim Sleeper case before joining the project, but she "gained substantial insight afterward."
"I was gratified that the victims found a platform to express their experiences candidly, highlighting their feelings of being ignored and invisible," she remarked, referring to survivors and the bereaved. "It was all new to me. The shock was palpable. It didn't align, even back then, with the stereotypical serial killer profile."
Franklin defied norms as a rare Black serial killer, notorious for long hiatuses between his heinous acts. Targeting women, Franklin continued until his 2010 arrest, ultimately passing away at 67 in prison in 2020, discovered unresponsive.
Race intricately linked to his crimes, as many victims were marginalized Black women, often hailing from challenging backgrounds. Hall commended the documentary’s delicate handling of both the victims and their loved ones.
"I believed it was crucial they were given space to express their sorrow, fury, and agony," she noted about the victims' families. "Frequently, these documentaries spotlight the perpetrator, but this one truly centered on the victims and their kin."
A genuine aficionado of the genre, Hall confessed her fondness for "Dateline" and similar series. "Human nature is bewildering, but I relish true crime. It's riveting," she confessed. "At times, it aids in fostering empathy beyond personal struggles."
Does consuming such content induce paranoia? When queried on her greatest fear, Hall promptly answered, "Marrying the wrong person."
"Often, I observe these scenarios unfold and think, 'Oh no, not the spouse!'" the "Girls Trip" actress commented.
"Cold Case Files: The Grim Sleeper" debuts at 9 p.m. on A&E.
