Unveiling the Voice Behind Siri: Susan Bennett’s Journey
When you hear the name Siri, you’re likely to associate it with the helpful virtual assistant on your iPhone. But do you know the person behind that iconic voice? Meet Susan Bennett, the talented voice actor who provided the original voice for Siri when it made its debut back in October 2011 with the release of the first-ever iPhone.
Born in Burlington, Vermont, in 1949, Susan Bennett is not only one of the world’s most renowned voice actors but also a former backup singer for legends like Burt Bacharach and Roy Orbison. Her versatile voice has been used for various purposes, including the public address system in all Delta Air Lines terminals worldwide, GPS navigation software, and commercials for major companies like McDonald’s, Coca-Cola, and Ford.
In a surprising twist, the voices of Siri’s American, British, and Australian versions were recorded years before Siri’s existence. Bennett and other voice actors recorded their respective voices around 2005 for ScanSoft, now known as Nuance, a company specializing in interactive voice response. Little did they know that their recordings would eventually become the cornerstone of Siri’s identity when Apple integrated the virtual assistant into the iPhone 4S.
Despite Siri’s widespread popularity and her pivotal role in the iPhone’s success, Susan Bennett was never compensated for her work. Apple used her pre-existing recordings without her knowledge or prior agreement, leaving her without any financial gain from the technology’s triumph.
But surprisingly, Bennett doesn’t harbor any bitterness about this lack of compensation. In fact, she has expressed that she’s genuinely “enjoyed being Siri.” For her, it has been an unexpected and thrilling journey to be associated with one of the most recognized virtual assistants in the world.
Reflecting on how Siri came to be, Bennett recounts her experience recording for ScanSoft, where she expected to voice standard phrases like “Thanks for calling” or “Please dial one.” Instead, she found herself reading nonsensical sentences like “Cow hoist in the tug hut today” or “Say shift fresh issue today” as the company aimed to capture all possible sound combinations in the English language.
Beyond her personal journey, Bennett also highlights an essential issue faced by voice actors like herself. Often, people don’t realize that real individuals record AI voices, and these talents deserve proper compensation for their contributions to the technology industry.
Over the years, Siri’s voice has undergone several updates and changes, allowing Bennett to interact with the virtual assistant without cringing at her own voice. As she continues her successful career as a voice actor, Susan Bennett remains an inspiration and a reminder of the human talent and artistry that bring life to the technologies we rely on every day.