Matthew Lawrence Aims to Revive Robin Williams’ Voice with AI: ‘He’s Gotta Be the Voice of AI’

At a recent Comic-Con interview with Entertainment Weekly, Matthew Lawrence, who was just a young boy when he acted alongside Robin Williams in the hit 1993 comedy “Mrs. Doubtfire,” expressed his interest in reviving Williams’ distinctive voice through artificial intelligence. Williams, a beloved actor and comedian, passed away in August 2014 at the age of 63.

Lawrence stated, “With the proper permission and blessings from his family, I would really like to do something extraordinary using his voice. That voice is emblematic for so many people, not just because I knew him and worked with him, but because it resonates so widely and deeply. It would be amazing to bring that to life again.”

The idea struck him when he recently watched an old TV commercial featuring a voiceover by Williams. This experience sparked his imagination about the potential to resurrect Williams’ voice.

Describing the commercial, Lawrence mentioned, “It had this futuristic, almost prophetic quality to it, where Robin performed a computerized voiceover. It’s always stayed with me. And after his passing, with the advent of AI technology, I thought, ‘He should definitely be the voice of AI. He should be part of something special.’ So yes, I’d really like to see that happen.”

Lawrence also envisioned numerous applications for AI technology to channel Williams’ voice, such as providing GPS directions in his voice. He excitedly added, “Imagine it being Robin guiding you! That would be incredible. I’m really excited about the possibilities.”

“Mrs. Doubtfire” was one of Williams’ most successful comedies, grossing over $440 million worldwide. Lawrence shared with People magazine last year a poignant memory from the set, where Williams advised him against drug use—a piece of advice that Lawrence credits with helping him navigate the challenges of growing up in Hollywood.

“He was the first adult to openly share his struggles with me,” Lawrence recounted. “Despite his vibrant on-screen presence, he was very open about the pain he experienced. He made sure I understood the dangers of drug use.”

Recalling a specific conversation, Lawrence said Williams warned him, “Never touch drugs, especially cocaine. You see how I am in my trailer? That’s why. I’m battling the consequences of bad choices I made for over a decade. Don’t make the same mistakes.”

Lawrence also revealed that his casting in “Mrs. Doubtfire” might not have happened if not for Williams’ direct intervention. During a crucial audition, Williams discreetly pinched Lawrence, causing him to react sharply in pain—a move that ultimately swayed the studio’s decision in his favor.

“Robin knew exactly what to do to help me secure the role. That pinch, painful as it was, made all the difference. It was all thanks to Robin’s quick thinking. I owe him a lot for that,” Lawrence gratefully remembered.