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Creating a Virtual Legacy: Alan Hamel Unveils Suzanne Somers’ AI Twin
Suzanne Somers, a beloved Hollywood icon, passed away two years ago, yet her legacy continues to thrive through various mediums. Recently, her widower, Alan Hamel, has taken an innovative approach to honor her memory by collaborating with an artificial intelligence company.
Alan Hamel partnered with Hollo, an AI firm, to develop a virtual “twin” of his late wife, referred to as Suzanne AI. Hamel expressed his enthusiasm, stating that it is exciting to engage with Suzanne’s AI counterpart.
During the Roth 25 conference, a prominent event that connects AI companies with potential investors, Hamel showcased the “Suzanne robot” to an audience of 450 attendees. This event provided a platform for him to discuss the numerous applications and opportunities presented by the AI technology.
At the conference, Hamel mentioned, “I spoke with two investors who had fascinating ideas about acquiring Suzanne AI. AI is revolutionizing our world, and I often find myself pondering the ways in which Suzanne AI can contribute to her lifelong dedication to improving the world through her 27 published books.”
The Suzanne AI project aims to preserve Somers’ legacy and wisdom, with Hamel noting that it will be featured on SuzanneSomers.com, the official site they established over four decades ago. This website now serves as a legacy platform focused on certified toxic-free products.
Reviving the Essence of Suzanne Somers
Rex Wong, the CEO of Hollo, shared insights about the project, emphasizing the importance of keeping Somers’ essence alive. He explained that the AI technology utilized for creating Suzanne AI draws from her extensive body of work, including her 27 books that predominantly focus on health and wellness.
Wong provided further details, stating, “We incorporated data from her television and radio interviews as well as clips from her numerous film and television appearances. Additionally, we interviewed Alan about their relationship, ensuring that we captured personal anecdotes and insights.”
A New Dimension of Interaction
The Hollo AI platform offers users the opportunity to create their own AI twins. The technology includes an “AI Personality Engine,” designed to emulate the personality, speech patterns, and emotional nuances of an individual. By simply taking a selfie and introducing themselves verbally, users can generate their AI twin in a matter of minutes.
This groundbreaking AI variant can converse fluently in 32 languages, allowing users to interact with their digital replicas in a remarkably human-like manner.
The Launch of the AI App
Anticipation is building for the upcoming launch of the app in April, which will allow more users to join the realm of AI interaction. Wong remarked on the advancements made in creating Suzanne AI, highlighting its versatility. Apart from existing as a robot, this AI version of Suzanne will be able to communicate via calls, chats, and text messages.
Wong stated, “AI Suzanne represents a new approach to extending a person’s legacy, making it accessible for future generations. We are excited to offer a service that allows individuals to preserve their legacy or reconnect with loved ones in an innovative manner.”
Honoring Love and Legacy
Hamel, who was married to Somers for 46 years until her death from breast cancer in 2023, shared memories of their deep bond. He reminisced about their unique connection, saying that they would often emerge from closets dressed in matching colors, finding humor in the synchronicity of their lives.
Reflecting on the process of creating the AI twin, Hamel revealed that the idea had Somers’ support before she passed away. He told a news outlet that the concept likely stemmed from her awareness of her health struggles.
“This idea absolutely came from her,” he said. “She may have sensed that her time was limited, and it was important to her to leave a meaningful impact.”
Future Plans for Suzanne AI
Hamel has additional aspirations for Suzanne’s AI figure, including initiatives to collaborate with the distributors of “Three’s Company.” He envisions creating an AI version of John Ritter, who starred alongside Somers, potentially producing new episodes that pay homage to the beloved show.
“I believe she would be thrilled about this,” Hamel stated. “The thought of bringing these beloved characters back to life would make her very happy, as it brings joy to me and my family, too.”
As the journey continues, Hamel feels optimistic about the future of Suzanne AI. He added, “One day, the world will once again experience the joy of Suzanne Somers.”
