Alan Hamel Unveils AI Clone of Late Wife Suzanne Somers

Canadian entertainer and television host Alan Hamel has revealed the creation of an AI clone of his late wife, actress Suzanne Somers, who died from breast cancer in March 2023 at the age of 76. Hamel shared his groundbreaking project, dubbed the “Suzanne AI Twin,” during an interview with People, emphasizing its remarkable accuracy in mimicking his late partner.

Hamel, who is now 89 years old, claims that the AI version of Somers is indistinguishable from the original. He stated, “When you look at the finished one next to the real Suzanne, you can’t tell the difference.” The AI clone was developed using extensive data, including “hundreds of interviews” and the content of Somers’ 27 published books.

In the interview, Hamel expressed his amazement at the AI’s capability, noting, “It was Suzanne. I asked her a few questions and she answered them, and it blew me and everybody else away.” He added that after spending over 55 years together, he feels confident in recognizing the nuances that differentiate his wife from her digital counterpart.

The AI clone is designed to provide health advice, a function that Hamel claims has been vetted by medical professionals. He indicated that the AI would not only serve fans but also deliver wellness information akin to what Somers advocated during her life. This move raises concerns given the potential for AI to disseminate incorrect information, a known issue with many language models.

Reflecting on the motivation behind this project, Hamel revealed that the idea originated from his long friendship with futurist and computer scientist Ray Kurzweil. According to Hamel, Kurzweil had long predicted advancements in AI that could replicate human likenesses. Hamel noted, “We knew it was coming. It took decades to happen, but [Kurzweil] knew it was going to happen, and he shared that information with us.”

Fans of Somers will have the opportunity to interact with the AI clone, which Hamel believes will create a unique experience. “They can come and just hang out with her,” he stated. The AI will be operational 24/7, allowing fans to ask questions and receive answers that reflect Somers’ philosophies and insights.

In March, US Weekly reported Hamel’s collaboration with Realbotix, a company specializing in humanoid robotics. This partnership suggests that Hamel may also be engaging with a physical robotic version of his late wife, although initial images released did not closely resemble Somers. The exact nature of this collaboration remains to be fully unveiled.

As technology progresses, the ethical implications of creating AI replicas of deceased individuals continue to spark debate. While some view it as a way to preserve memories, others question the motives behind such innovations. Hamel’s project raises intriguing questions about the intersection of technology, memory, and personal loss, as well as the potential impacts on those who seek to connect with the past through digital means.

Hamel seems to be navigating this complex landscape, blending his personal grief with the evolving capabilities of AI. Whether the creation of an AI clone serves as a tribute to Somers or a new commercial venture remains uncertain, but it undeniably underscores the rapid advancements in technology that are reshaping how we remember those we’ve lost.