Suzanne Somers, the beloved actress known for her role in "Three’s Company," passed away in 2023, leaving behind a legacy that continues to inspire. Her widower, Alan Hamel, has taken a bold step to keep her memory alive by partnering with an artificial intelligence company called Hollo to create a digital twin of her.
Hamel recently spoke about this project, revealing that he is excited about the potential of interacting with "Suzanne AI." He described it as a way to preserve her essence and share her wisdom with future generations. At a recent AI conference called Roth 25, Hamel showcased a demonstration of the "Suzanne robot," which aims to replicate her personality and knowledge.
Rex Wong, the CEO of Hollo, explained that the AI is trained on Somers’ extensive body of work, including her 27 books and various television and radio interviews. The goal is to capture her speech patterns and emotions, allowing users to interact with her in a conversational way. Hamel emphasized that this project was something Somers had supported during her lifetime, hinting that she may have anticipated her own passing after a long battle with cancer.
Hamel expressed his hope that the AI could serve as a source of comfort for those grieving the loss of loved ones. He noted that many people hold onto the voices of those who have passed, and with this technology, they could engage in meaningful conversations again.
Looking ahead, Hamel has ambitious plans for the future of Suzanne AI. He hopes to reach out to the estate of John Ritter, Somers’ co-star on "Three’s Company," to explore the idea of creating a similar AI representation of him. This could potentially lead to new episodes featuring both characters, bringing the magic of the show back to life.
In a heartfelt reflection, Hamel shared the deep connection he had with Somers, recalling how they often seemed in sync with one another. He believes that this AI project not only honors her legacy but also offers a way for her spirit to continue influencing the world.
As the launch of the app approaches, fans and followers of Somers can look forward to a new way to celebrate her life and contributions. Hamel’s dedication to keeping her memory alive through technology is a touching reminder of their enduring love.