Renowned actor Ice-T has expressed openness to the usage of artificial intelligence (AI) in his acting career, potentially allowing his character Detective Odafin Tutuola on NBC’s “Law & Order: Special Victims Unit,” to be portrayed indefinitely. Nonetheless, the actor is not without reservations regarding AI, particularly in relation to its potential impacts on employment.
- Ice-T holds the record for being the longest-serving male actor on a primetime drama.
- The actor foresees no issues with an AI representation of himself acting but has reservations about other qualities an AI might possess.
- Despite the controversies surrounding AI, Ice-T believes it is inevitable and advises against resistance to the future.
Ice-T’s remarks on AI came at a book launch event for Mark Minevich’s “Our Planet Powered By AI.” Speaking on the potential use of AI in his acting career, Ice-T commented, “A future AI version of me would be better than me,” referring to AI’s ability to access and learn from all archived Ice-T footage and interviews. Despite this, he joked that he would have reservations about an AI’s ability to engage in love-making scenarios.
Recently, the use of AI in sectors such as acting was a contentious issue during the Screen Actors Guild–American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA) strike, prompting temporary protective measures. Ice-T, while not taking a position for or against AI, acknowledged the technology’s unavoidable nature. He voiced his opinion, citing famed producer Quincy Jones, “if you want to lose a fight, fight the future.”
The actor believes that with the advent of AI, jobs may not necessarily be lost but transformed. He envisions a future where the workforce will become more computer-oriented. As for his own future, he affirmed his desire to continue appearing on one of America’s favorite series, stating, “I’m on till the wheels fall off.”
Minevich’s book launch, where Ice-T also made his remarks, was co-hosted by Noel Ashman at Paolo Zampolli’s home. As it stands, Ice-T is presently engaged in filming his 25th season as Detective Odafin Tutuola on “Law & Order: SVU.”