Robin Williams’s children have brought their late father’s previously inactive Instagram account back to life due to an increase in unauthorized AI representations of him.
The actor and comedian passed away on August 11, 2014, at the age of 63, and an autopsy revealed he had Lewy body dementia.
In a post on Monday, the first on the “therobinwilliams” Instagram account since July 31, 2014, Zak, Zelda, and Cody Williams stated, “As technology evolves, we want this to be a safe, trusted place where the stories, photos, videos, and memories shared reflect his legacy with authenticity, warmth, and care.”
They added, “This is our way of sharing his unique talent and humor with the world, including the moments that made us and many of you laugh, as we remember our Dad’s extraordinary life and work. He continues to inspire us and bring joy to people globally.”
Williams had an illustrious career in film, television, and theater. He gained prominence with the sitcom Mork & Mindy (1978-82) and starred in notable films such as Good Morning Vietnam (1987), Dead Poets Society (1989), Mrs. Doubtfire (1993), and Jumanji (1995).
He received an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor for his performance in Good Will Hunting (1997) and a special Golden Globe Award for voicing Genie in Aladdin (1992).
Online AI-generated videos featuring Williams depict him in various scenarios, including podcasts, stand-up comedy performances, motivational speeches, and commenting on dinosaurs in Jurassic Park. Many of these videos were created using OpenAI’s Sora app.
OpenAI discontinued Sora in March following backlash from family estates over its use to create videos of well-known figures performing bizarre acts.
Daughter vocal in AI opposition
Zelda Williams, who is also an actor and director, has consistently opposed AI recreations of her father.
Last year, she implored fans to refrain from sending her AI videos of her dad, describing them as “disgusting” and stating that it was not something he would have desired. Her sentiments align with her earlier comments in 2023.
In an Instagram story on Monday, she explained that the revival of her father’s Instagram account is part of a strategy to combat AI misuse.
“I apologize if anyone finds Dad’s old page posting again to be unsettling. Believe me, I understand it seems a bit odd,” she remarked.
“Transforming that space into one where people can access genuine clips and photos of him is one of the most effective ways we’ve found to counteract the widespread AI exploitation of his voice and likeness on this platform.”
Zelda Williams, right, has expressed her disapproval of AI-generated videos of her late father, Robin. (Ethan Miller/Getty Images, Amy Sussman/Getty Images)
Matthew Lawrence, who starred alongside Williams in Mrs. Doubtfire, mentioned to Entertainment Weekly last year his desire to use AI to recreate Williams’s voice.
“I would love to create something truly special with his voice because I know that voice is iconic for a generation,” he stated. “He should be the voice of AI.”
However, Lawrence clarified he would only proceed with such a project if he had the consent of the Williams family.
Bernice King, daughter of Martin Luther King Jr., has also voiced her opposition to the use of her father in AI.
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An AI representation of actor Val Kilmer, who passed away last year at the age of 65, is set to appear in the upcoming film As Deep As the Grave. Kilmer’s estate has approved his digital likeness and will receive compensation.