Susan Bennett facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Susan Bennett
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Bennett from a Voice of America interview, 2018
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Susan Alice Cameron
July 31, 1949 Burlington, Vermont, U.S.
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| Alma mater | Brown University |
| Occupation | Voice actress, singer |
| Years active | 1974–present |
| Known for | Voice of Siri |
| Spouse(s) | Rick Hinkle |
Susan Alice Bennett, born on July 31, 1949, is an American voice actress. She used to be a backup singer for famous musicians like Roy Orbison. Susan Bennett is most famous for being the original female American voice of Apple's Siri. Siri is the helpful personal assistant found on iPhones. Her voice was used for Siri starting in 2011 with the iPhone 4S. She was the voice of Siri until a big update in 2013.
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Susan Bennett's Early Life and School Days
Susan Bennett was born in Burlington, Vermont. She went to high school in Clinton, New York. After high school, she attended Pembroke College, which later joined with Brown University. She graduated from Brown University in 1971.
While in college, Susan studied "the classics." This means she learned about ancient Greek and Roman history, language, and culture. She planned to become a teacher. She also loved performing. She acted in plays and sang in a jazz band. She was also part of an a cappella group called the Chattertocks. An a cappella group sings without any musical instruments.
Susan Bennett's Voice Acting Career
Susan Bennett's career as a voice actress began in 1974. Her first big job was being the voice of "Tillie the All-Time Teller." This was an early automated teller machine (ATM) for a bank.
Since then, her voice has been heard in many places. She has recorded messages for all Delta Air Lines terminals around the world. Her voice is also used for e-learning software, which helps people learn online. You might have heard her voice on GPS navigation systems or telephone systems too.
Voice of Siri
In 2005, a software company called ScanSoft needed a voice for a special project. They were building a speech system. Susan Bennett was at GM Voices, a company that provides voice talent. She happened to be there when another voice artist couldn't make it.
Susan worked in her home recording studio. For more than four hours each day in July 2005, she read many phrases and sentences. These recordings were then put together like puzzle pieces. This created the different words and sentences used for the Siri voice.
Susan didn't know her voice was being used for Siri until 2011. A friend sent her an email about it. Apple has never officially said that Susan Bennett is the voice of Siri. However, experts who study voices have said they are 100% sure it's her.
Susan Bennett's Personal Life
Susan Bennett met her first husband, Curt Bennett, at Brown University. He was a professional ice hockey player. Later, she married Rick Hinkle, who is an audio engineer and guitarist. Today, Susan Bennett lives in Atlanta, Georgia.
See also
- Pat Fleet
