Al Roker's surprising AI fear: Is "Al" the new doomsday prophet?
Al Roker has reservations regarding artificial intelligence, though his particular worry might surprise you.
During an exclusive conversation with Us Weekly, accompanied by his wife, Deborah Roberts, at the Broadcast + Cable Hall of Fame Induction held on Tuesday, September 30, Roker, aged 71, revealed his unease concerning the abbreviated form of artificial intelligence.
Roker light-heartedly remarked, “My primary concern with AI isn't the technology itself, but rather its appearance in text, where it often resembles my name, 'Al.' I believe it ought to be written as A.I. or A-I — otherwise, headlines proclaiming ‘Al Will Destroy Us’ inadvertently point to me, and that's a burden I'd rather avoid.”
Roberts, 65, conveyed more profound apprehensions regarding AI.
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“AI is a source of anxiety for me because its future trajectory is uncertain. While digital creations are remarkable and constantly evolving, with everyone embracing them, the nature of it is quite distinct,” the seasoned television personality informed Us. “Conversely, it excites me to see that audiences continue to show interest in our work, and that fills me with immense pride.”
The Broadcast + Cable Hall of Fame celebrates excellence across broadcast, cable, broadband, and streaming television, acknowledging both foundational figures and contemporary luminaries in the media landscape. Among those previously recognized are Dr. Phil McGraw, the ensemble from The View, and others.
The individuals inducted this year featured Drew Barrymore, Sheryl Lee Ralph, and the cast of Days of Our Lives, among others. Notably, Days of Our Lives marked its 60th year broadcasting this year. Actor James Reynolds, who has portrayed the character Abe Carver for over forty years on the popular daytime drama, discussed with Us the significance of this accolade.
“This is a tremendous honor for everyone involved with the show; truly remarkable,” Reynolds, 79, conveyed to Us regarding the series' induction. “I feel completely at ease here. This evening is simply wonderful.”
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Not long ago, the AI-generated actress Tilly Norwood made her debut in Hollywood, met with considerable disapproval from both performers and the general public. Reynolds stated that he considered the emergence of the AI actress “quite unsettling.”
“I have numerous reservations concerning that development,” Reynolds shared with Us. “The current caliber of talent in the industry is arguably unprecedented; the selection of actors is larger and more robust than ever before. My primary concern is ensuring that these actors continue to receive the same opportunities that were available to us.”
Reynolds further recounted to Us some memorable encounters he experienced with famous admirers of Days of Our Lives, which caught him off guard.
“On one occasion, I shared an elevator with jazz icon Joe Williams, César Romero, and another individual. These were all figures from a distinct period and generation, and they approached me,” Reynolds informed Us. “The Temptations were ardent followers. I've also heard that Julia Roberts is a significant admirer. The list is extensive. It's truly remarkable when individuals you've long admired approach you. I’m not the type to initiate a conversation with someone by declaring, ‘Hey, I’m a fan.’ However, when such an interaction occurs, it rekindles a childlike excitement within me. We all have aspirations, and witnessing them come to fruition makes me feel, ‘Alright, I've achieved something meaningful for myself.’”
