More than a decade after Robin Williams passed away, actor Matthew Lawrence is dreaming of bringing his voice back — in a very modern way. Speaking at San Diego Comic-Con on July 25, the Mrs. Doubtfire star shared his heartfelt wish to use artificial intelligence (A.I.) to preserve and honour the legendary actor’s voice.
Lawrence, who acted alongside Williams in the 1993 family comedy classic Mrs. Doubtfire, hopes this idea could one day become a reality — but only with full permission from Williams’ family.
An Iconic Voice for a New Generation
At 45, Lawrence reflected on how important Robin Williams’ voice was not only to him but to an entire generation. “That voice is just so iconic,” he said during his interview with Entertainment Weekly. “It’s in my head, it’s in everybody’s head.”
He added that while the plan would only move forward with the blessing of Williams’ family, he truly believes it could be something special. Lawrence said he’d love to see Robin Williams become the voice of A.I. — maybe even providing directions on your phone or guiding you with everyday digital tasks.
The Idea Was Inspired by a Past Commercial
Lawrence got the idea after watching an old commercial where Robin Williams used a computerized voice. He found the clip to be oddly modern and even a little ahead of its time. “It always stuck with me,” Lawrence said.
After Williams’ passing in 2014 and seeing the growth of artificial intelligence in recent years, the idea just clicked for him: “He’s gotta be the voice in something.”
A Bond That Went Beyond the Movie Set
Lawrence also spoke about how much Williams meant to him personally. He was just 12 years old when they filmed Mrs. Doubtfire, but Williams treated him like an equal. In an earlier interview with PEOPLE, Lawrence shared how Williams gave him advice about life, fame, and personal struggles — lessons that helped him even years later.
“He really opened up,” Lawrence said. “He gave me the respect, almost as an adult, to really get an open look into his life — both the performer side and the private side.”
Unlike many co-stars, Williams remained in contact with Lawrence long after the film wrapped. “He stayed invested,” Lawrence said. “He gave me some incredible life lessons that definitely kept me from dark places.”
A Heartfelt Dream to Keep Robin’s Legacy Alive
Matthew Lawrence isn’t just hoping to bring back a famous voice — he wants to honour a mentor and a friend. For him, Robin Williams was more than a Hollywood star. He was someone who cared, who gave guidance, and who left behind a voice the world will never forget.
If done with care and respect, using Williams’ voice in A.I. could be a creative and emotional tribute — a way to let future generations experience a little bit of the magic Robin brought to the world.
