It’s been more than three decades since the beloved family classic Mrs. Doubtfire first hit our screens, but the magic of Robin Williams’ performance as the eccentric, big-hearted nanny still lingers in the hearts of millions. Now, in a twist that’s equal parts fascinating and controversial, one of Williams’ former co-stars has floated a bold idea: bringing the late comedy legend’s voice back to life using artificial intelligence.

Matthew Lawrence, who played Chris Hillard—one of Mrs. Doubtfire’s children—recently shared his vision for a high-tech tribute to Williams. In an interview with Entertainment Weekly, Lawrence revealed he’d love to see Robin Williams become the 'voice of AI,' perhaps reading out the weather on smart speakers or guiding us through our daily commutes with his unmistakable wit.


'I would love—now, obviously, with the respect and with the okay from his family—but I would love to do something really special with his voice because I know for a generation, that voice is just so iconic,' Lawrence said. 'It’s not just the fact that I knew him and worked with him, and so it’s in my head—it’s in everybody’s head. And it would be so cool.'


Lawrence’s inspiration came after watching an old commercial where Williams performed a computerised voiceover, a performance that struck him as eerily ahead of its time. 'It’s kinda like this very contemporary, modern, almost sort of foreshadowing of what’s going on commercial that he did, where he did this computerised voiceover,' Lawrence explained. 'And it always stuck with me. And then, during his passing, with the AI coming out, I’m like, ‘Man, he’s gotta be the voice of A.I. He’s gotta be the voice in something.’ So yeah, I would love to do that.'


The idea of hearing Robin Williams’ voice again—cracking jokes, offering directions, or simply brightening up a rainy day—would no doubt spark nostalgia and joy for many. After all, Williams’ voice is instantly recognisable, a comforting presence for generations who grew up with his films.

But as with many things in the digital age, this proposal comes with a hefty dose of controversy. The use of AI to recreate the voices and likenesses of deceased celebrities is a hot-button issue, raising questions about consent, legacy, and the very nature of performance.

No one feels this more keenly than Williams’ own daughter, Zelda Williams. She’s been outspoken about her discomfort with AI recreations of her father, especially when it comes to using his voice without his consent. During the SAG-AFTRA strike in October 2023, Zelda posted a heartfelt statement on social media: 'I am not an impartial voice in SAG’s fight against AI. I’ve witnessed for YEARS how many people want to train these models to create/recreate actors who cannot consent, like Dad.'


She continued, 'I’ve already heard AI used to get his ‘voice’ to say whatever people want, and while I find it personally disturbing, the ramifications go far beyond my own feelings. Living actors deserve a chance to create characters with their choices, to voice cartoons, to put their HUMAN effort and time into the pursuit of performance.'

Her words highlight a crucial point: while technology can do remarkable things, it can also blur the lines between tribute and exploitation. For many, the idea of yelling at Siri or Alexa is just part of modern life, but would it feel the same if the voice responding was Robin Williams, a man who can no longer give his blessing?

Lawrence’s affection for Williams is clear. Their bond, formed during the filming of Mrs. Doubtfire, left a lasting impression on the young actor. At a ’90s nostalgia convention in 2022, Lawrence recalled how Williams, who was open about his struggles with substance abuse, took the time to warn him about the dangers of drugs. '[Williams] was very serious. He was like, ‘You know when you come to my trailer and you see me like that?’ He’s like, ‘That’s the reason why. And now I’m fighting for the rest of my life because I spent 10 years doing something very stupid every day. Do not do it.’ I stayed away from it because of him.'


Lawrence has also spoken about the deeper lessons he learned from Williams—about compassion, empathy, and the importance of not judging others. 'He really quantified what it was to be a real artist for me in the sense that he was definitely, and I worked with some great people, and he was definitely the most brilliant artist I’ve ever worked with.'

The Debate: AI, Consent, and the Future of Celebrity

The conversation around AI and celebrity legacies is only just beginning. On one hand, technology offers the chance to preserve and celebrate the voices of those we’ve lost, keeping their spirit alive for new generations. On the other, it raises ethical dilemmas about consent, respect, and the rights of both the deceased and their families.


In recent years, we’ve seen similar debates play out with other famous figures. From hologram concerts featuring the likes of Whitney Houston and Tupac Shakur, to AI-generated performances by actors who have passed away, the entertainment industry is grappling with how to balance innovation with integrity.

For families, the issue is deeply personal. While some may welcome the chance to see or hear their loved ones again, others—like Zelda Williams—find the idea unsettling, even 'disturbing.' It’s a reminder that behind every famous voice or face is a real person, with real loved ones left behind.

What Do You Think?


As technology continues to evolve, these questions will only become more pressing. Should we use AI to bring back the voices of our favourite stars? Or should we let their legacies rest, preserved in the memories and performances they left behind?
We’d love to hear your thoughts, members! Would you welcome the chance to hear Robin Williams’ voice again, guiding you through your day? Or do you agree with Zelda that some things are best left untouched? Share your opinions and stories in the comments below—let’s keep the conversation going!

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