Artificial intelligence can recreate the sound of a voice with increasing accuracy, but it still cannot reproduce the emotional depth that defines great performances. That was one of the central messages from veteran voice actor Rupert Degas, who recently reflected on the rapid rise of AI and its impact on the profession during an interview with Campaign Brief.
Known for his extensive audiobook narration, animation work, and video game performances, Degas argued that technology may be able to imitate speech, but genuine storytelling remains rooted in human emotion and lived experience. His comments come as AI-generated voices continue to expand into advertising, publishing, customer service, and entertainment.
Performance Is More Than a Voice
During the interview, Degas described voice acting as an art built on interpretation rather than simply reading words. While AI systems can analyze pronunciation, pacing, and vocal tone, he believes they cannot truly understand the emotional context behind a performance or respond creatively to a script.
He also reflected on how the profession has evolved throughout his career, from recording audiobooks for audiences with limited access to printed material to working in an era where machines are increasingly capable of generating synthetic speech. Despite these technological advances, Degas suggested that audiences continue to value authenticity and emotional connection over technical perfection.
Those observations echo concerns voiced by many performers across the voiceover industry, who have welcomed AI as a production tool while remaining cautious about its use as a substitute for human talent.
The Industry Continues to Debate AI’s Role
Degas’ comments arrive at a time when discussions around AI voice cloning, performer consent, and digital replicas remain at the forefront of the industry. Voice actors, unions, publishers, and production companies continue to debate how artificial intelligence should be used responsibly while protecting performers’ rights.
Rather than rejecting AI outright, many professionals have advocated for clear licensing agreements, transparency, and consent whenever synthetic versions of a performer’s voice are created. Those principles have become increasingly important as voice generation technology becomes more accessible and realistic.
For Degas, the conversation ultimately comes back to storytelling. Technology may continue to improve, but he believes audiences still recognize the difference between speech generated by an algorithm and a performance shaped by human experience. As AI becomes a permanent part of the creative landscape, that distinction may become one of the voiceover industry’s most valuable assets.
