ElevenLabs and Rebecca Gayheart Dane Launch Initiative to Restore Voices with AI

At South by Southwest (SXSW) this year, AI audio company ElevenLabs partnered with Rebecca Gayheart Dane, widow of actor Eric Dane, to announce a new initiative aimed at providing free AI voice restoration to one million people who have lost their ability to speak. The initiative builds on the work Dane began before his death from amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), utilizing ElevenLabs’ technology to clone and restore his voice for his family.

Eric Dane’s Legacy and the Power of Voice Restoration

Eric Dane, known for his roles in “Grey’s Anatomy” and “Euphoria,” died on February 19, 2026, after a battle with ALS. Prior to his passing, he collaborated with ElevenLabs on a project to recreate his voice using artificial intelligence, as his vocal capabilities diminished due to the disease. Rebecca Gayheart Dane shared that the restored voice brought immense emotional comfort to her husband and their daughters, ensuring they would always be able to hear his voice Variety.

The 1 Million Voices Initiative

ElevenLabs is actively seeking participants for the “1 Million Voices” initiative, aiming to provide voice restoration to individuals who have lost their ability to speak due to conditions like cancer and other medical issues. The company is collaborating with accessibility nonprofits and disability foundations, such as the Scott-Morgan Foundation, to identify and support potential participants Mashable.

How the Technology Works

The ElevenLabs technology uses AI to faithfully recreate a person’s voice from a voicemail or short video recording. This allows individuals to communicate in real-time using their own restored voice, simply by typing what they aim for to say and activating a speech function. Yvonne Johnson, a British woman with ALS featured in ElevenLabs’ docuseries “11 Voices,” demonstrated the technology at SXSW, sharing how it has enabled her to renew her vows and communicate with loved ones Mashable.

Addressing Concerns About AI

Rebecca Gayheart Dane acknowledged the broader concerns surrounding artificial intelligence, including issues of deepfakes and misinformation. However, she emphasized that this initiative represents a positive application of the technology, highlighting its potential to improve lives. “You know, people are very careful and concerned about AI technology in general, but this is the best example of using it for quality,” she said Mashable.

The “11 Voices” Docuseries

To promote the initiative, ElevenLabs premiered the “11 Voices” docuseries at SXSW. The series profiles eleven individuals who have benefited from the voice restoration technology, showcasing their journeys and the impact it has had on their lives ElevenLabs.

This initiative represents a significant step towards leveraging AI for good, offering a voice to those who have lost theirs and preserving a vital part of their identity.