Some Like It Bot: Realistic digital Marilyn Monroe to make debut at tech conference

In this Sept. 9, 1954 file photo, Marilyn Monroe poses over the updraft of a New York subway grate while filming "The Seven Year Itch" New York. (AP Photo/Matty Zimmerman, File)

Are you a fan of Marilyn Monroe and would like to talk to a very realistic digital version of her? That could now be possible.

More than 60 years after her death, Digital Marilyn - created with the help of artificial intelligence - will make her debut on Friday at the South by Southwest tech conference in Austin, Texas.

The information you need to know, sent directly to you: Download the CTV News App

Appearing via computer screen in a modest black turtleneck sweater and sporting her familiar blonde pixie hairstyle, the iconic actress's digital doppelganger will converse in her familiar breathy voice. She can express emotions, such as smiling in response to a compliment.

In a recent test, Digital Marilyn talked about her favourite movie role as Sugar in the 1959 comedy "Some Like It Hot," pausing and glancing down in a reflective manner before offering her responses.

She said she found the sexy yet vulnerable character to be "a challenging role, but also rewarding." She also recommended other comedies, such as "Gentlemen Prefer Blondes."

Digital Marilyn was built by Soul Machines, an AI firm that specializes in creating realistic digital people, in partnership with Authentic Brands Group. The marketing firm owns a portfolio of brands, including the likeness rights to Monroe as well as other dead celebrities.

"Every time I talk to Marilyn, it's a special feeling," said Greg Cross, CEO and co-founder of Soul Machines. "You feel like you have a good relationship with an icon."

Top science and technology headlines, all in one place

Soul Machines will unveil Digital Marilyn at an event hosted by The Information, where attendees will have the opportunity to interact with the character. Cross said he hopes the demonstration will spark conversations about using the character as a brand ambassador.

(Reporting by Dawn Chmielewski in Los Angeles; Editing by Edwina Gibbs)

CTVNews.ca Top Stories

More than 115 cases of eye damage reported in Ontario after solar eclipse

More than 115 people who viewed the solar eclipse in Ontario earlier this month experienced eye damage after the event, according to eye doctors in the province.

Toxic testing standoff: Family leaves house over air quality

A Sherwood Park family says their new house is uninhabitable. The McNaughton's say they were forced to leave the house after living there for only a week because contaminants inside made it difficult to breathe.

Decoy bear used to catch man who illegally killed a grizzly, B.C. conservation officers say

A man has been handed a lengthy hunting ban and fined thousands of dollars for illegally killing a grizzly bear, B.C. conservation officers say.

B.C. seeks ban on public drug use, dialing back decriminalization

The B.C. NDP has asked the federal government to recriminalize public drug use, marking a major shift in the province's approach to addressing the deadly overdose crisis.

OPP responds to apparent video of officer supporting anti-Trudeau government protestors

The Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) says it's investigating an interaction between a uniformed officer and anti-Trudeau government protestors after a video circulated on social media.

An emergency slide falls off a Delta Air Lines plane, forcing pilots to return to JFK in New York

An emergency slide fell off a Delta Air Lines jetliner shortly after takeoff Friday from New York, and pilots who felt a vibration in the plane circled back to land safely at JFK Airport.

Sophie Gregoire Trudeau on navigating post-political life, co-parenting and freedom

Sophie Gregoire Trudeau says there is 'still so much love' between her and Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, as they navigate their post-separation relationship co-parenting their three children.

Last letters of pioneering climber who died on Everest reveal dark side of mountaineering

George Mallory is renowned for being one of the first British mountaineers to attempt to scale the dizzying heights of Mount Everest during the 1920s. Nearly a century later, newly digitized letters shed light on Mallory’s hopes and fears about ascending Everest.

Loud boom in Hamilton caused by propane tank, police say

A loud explosion was heard across Hamilton on Friday after a propane tank was accidentally destroyed and detonated at a local scrap metal yard, police say.

Canada

Regina police officer injured after another officer's gun accidentally fired

A Regina police officer was injured after another officer's gun was accidentally fired while conducting a search warrant early Friday morning.
AFN chief says Air Canada offered a 15% discount after her headdress was mishandled

After the Assembly of First Nations' national chief complained to Air Canada about how staffers treated her and her ceremonial headdress on a flight this week, she says the airline responded by offering a 15 per cent discount on her next flight.
'Violation': CSIS had officer investigated after she reported a superior raped her

A CSIS officer's allegations that she was raped repeatedly by a superior in agency vehicles set off a harassment inquiry, but also triggered an investigation into her that concluded the alleged attacks were a “misuse” of agency vehicles by the woman.
Pro-plastic lobbyist presence at UN talks is 'troubling,' say advocates

Environmentalist groups are sounding the alarm about a steep increase in the number of pro-plastic lobbyists at the UN pollution talks taking place this week.
Loud boom in Hamilton caused by propane tank, police say

A loud explosion was heard across Hamilton on Friday after a propane tank was accidentally destroyed and detonated at a local scrap metal yard, police say.
OPP responds to apparent video of officer supporting anti-Trudeau government protestors

The Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) says it's investigating an interaction between a uniformed officer and anti-Trudeau government protestors after a video circulated on social media.

World

Columbia leadership rebuked by faculty panel for police crackdown on protesters

Columbia University's embattled president came under renewed pressure on Friday as a campus oversight panel sharply criticized her administration for clamping down on a pro-Palestinian protest at the Ivy League school.
Harvey Weinstein due back in court, while a key witness weighs whether to testify at a retrial

Harvey Weinstein will appear in a New York City court next week, the first step in potentially retrying the film mogul after his 2020 rape conviction was overturned.
U.S. President Joe Biden says he's 'happy to debate' Donald Trump. Trump says he's ready to go

U.S. President Joe Biden said Friday that he is willing to debate his presumptive Republican opponent, Donald Trump, later this fall – his most definitive comment yet on the issue.
British Army says horses that bolted and ran loose in central London continue 'to be cared for'

The military horses that bolted and ran loose when spooked by construction noise in central London earlier this week "continue to be cared for and closely observed," the British Army said Friday.
An emergency slide falls off a Delta Air Lines plane, forcing pilots to return to JFK in New York

An emergency slide fell off a Delta Air Lines jetliner shortly after takeoff Friday from New York, and pilots who felt a vibration in the plane circled back to land safely at JFK Airport.
U.S. flight attendant indicted in attempt to record teen girl in airplane bathroom

An American Airlines flight attendant was indicted Thursday after authorities said he tried to secretly record video of a 14-year-old girl using an airplane bathroom last September.

Politics

Sophie Gregoire Trudeau on navigating post-political life, co-parenting and freedom

Sophie Gregoire Trudeau says there is 'still so much love' between her and Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, as they navigate their post-separation relationship co-parenting their three children.
Canada allocates millions for drone production, ammunition to support Ukraine

The federal government is earmarking $3 million for production of drones in Ukraine in support of Kyiv's fight against Russia's invasion.
AFN chief says Air Canada offered a 15% discount after her headdress was mishandled

After the Assembly of First Nations' national chief complained to Air Canada about how staffers treated her and her ceremonial headdress on a flight this week, she says the airline responded by offering a 15 per cent discount on her next flight.

Health

Toxic testing standoff: Family leaves house over air quality

A Sherwood Park family says their new house is uninhabitable. The McNaughton's say they were forced to leave the house after living there for only a week because contaminants inside made it difficult to breathe.
'Too young to have breast cancer': Rates among young Canadian women rising

Breast cancer rates are rising in Canada among women in their 20s, 30s and 40s, according to research by the University of Ottawa (uOttawa).
More than 115 cases of eye damage reported in Ontario after solar eclipse

More than 115 people who viewed the solar eclipse in Ontario earlier this month experienced eye damage after the event, according to eye doctors in the province.

Sci-Tech

These are the countries where TikTok is already banned

TikTok is in the crosshairs of authorities in the U.S., where a new law threatens a nationwide ban unless its China-based parent ByteDance divests. Here are the places that have partial or total bans on TikTok.
Hubble Space Telescope marks 34 years with new portrait of a 'cosmic dumbbell'

The Hubble Space Telescope has captured a stunning new image of the glowing gas ejected from a dying star, which in this case happens to resemble a 'cosmic dumbbell.'
Boeing and NASA decide to move forward with historic crewed launch of new spacecraft

After years of delays and a dizzying array of setbacks during test flights, Boeing’s Starliner spacecraft is finally set to make its inaugural crewed launch.

Entertainment

B.C. composer with debilitating condition realizes dream of scoring movie

When Art Kinarthy embarked upon this quest, he never could have imagined where it would ultimately lead.
Aerosmith's Steven Tyler wins dismissal for good of sexual assault lawsuit

A federal judge in Manhattan dismissed for good a lawsuit accusing Aerosmith lead singer Steven Tyler of sexually assaulting a former teenage model twice in one day in the mid-1970s.
Taylor Swift dons Montreal designer's dress in 'Fortnight' video

A pair of Montreal designers' work has now been viewed over 41 million times. Taylor Swift dons a Victorian throwback black gown in her latest music video, 'Fortnight', designed by UNTTLD due Simon Belanger and Jose Manuel Saint-Jacques.

Business

Ottawa, Quebec commit $100M for semiconductor capacity in Bromont, Que., 280 jobs

The federal and Quebec governments are spending close to $100 million to boost the country's manufacturing capacity for semiconductors, which are vital in technologies ranging from artificial intelligence to quantum computing.
Monthly earnings rise, payroll employment falls: Jobs report

The number of vacant jobs in Canada increased in February, while monthly payroll employment decreased in food services, manufacturing, and retail trade, among other sectors.
Ford just reported a massive loss on every electric vehicle it sold

Ford’s electric vehicle unit reported that losses soared in the first quarter to US $1.3 billion, or US$132,000 for each of the 10,000 vehicles it sold in the first three months of the year.

Lifestyle

Dishing out history: A look back at defunct restaurants in Winnipeg

Take an illustrated look back at the culinary history of Winnipeg.
Island near Mull of Kintyre for sale for US$3.1 million

An idyllic 453-acre private island is up for sale off the west coast of Scotland and it comes with sandy beaches, puffins galore, seven houses, a pub, a helipad and a flock of black-faced sheep.
$70M Lotto Max winners kept prize a secret from family for 2 months

During a special winner celebration near their hometown, Doug and Enid shared the story of how they discovered they were holding a Lotto Max ticket worth $70 million and how they kept this huge secret for so long.

Sports

DonAir force takes over at Oilers playoff games

As if a 4-0 Edmonton Oilers lead in Game 1 of their playoff series with the Los Angeles Kings wasn't good enough, what was announced at Rogers Place during the next TV timeout nearly blew the roof off the downtown arena.
Nylander rejoins Leafs during practice ahead of Game 4 against Bruins

Maple Leafs winger William Nylander appears on course to suit up for the first time in this spring's Stanley Cup playoffs.
76ers All-Star centre Joel Embiid says he has Bell's palsy

Philadelphia 76ers All-Star centre Joel Embiid has been diagnosed with Bell’s palsy, a form of facial paralysis he says has affected him since before the play-in tournament.

Autos

'I was scared': Ontario man's car repossessed after missing two repair loan payments

An Ontario man who took out a loan to pay for auto repairs said his car was repossessed after he missed two payments.
Ford just reported a massive loss on every electric vehicle it sold

Ford’s electric vehicle unit reported that losses soared in the first quarter to US $1.3 billion, or US$132,000 for each of the 10,000 vehicles it sold in the first three months of the year.
Honda to get up to $5B in govt help for EV battery, assembly plants

Honda is set to build an electric vehicle battery plant next to its Alliston, Ont., assembly plant, which it is retooling to produce fully electric vehicles, all part of a $15-billion project that is expected to include up to $5 billion in public money.

Canucks defeat Predators in Game 3, take 2-1 series lead

J.T. Miller had a goal and assist and the Vancouver Canucks edged the Nashville Predators 2-1 to re-take the lead in their first-round playoff series.
Calls for changes to Hwy. 5 after CN Rail worker killed in head-on collision

The 36-year-old killed on Highway 5 this week has been identified as Juver Balmore, a husband and father of three young children who worked for CN Rail.
1 man in custody after suspicious fire at Surrey townhome, RCMP say

A fire that displaced three families from a townhouse complex in Surrey's Newton neighbourhood Friday afternoon is considered suspicious, local Mounties say.

Toronto

More than 115 cases of eye damage reported in Ontario after solar eclipse

More than 115 people who viewed the solar eclipse in Ontario earlier this month experienced eye damage after the event, according to eye doctors in the province.
Loud boom in Hamilton caused by propane tank, police say

A loud explosion was heard across Hamilton on Friday after a propane tank was accidentally destroyed and detonated at a local scrap metal yard, police say.
'Extremely traumatizing:' Boy, 11, struck by transport truck in Etobicoke

An 11-year-old boy struck by a transport truck in Etobicoke on Friday morning suffered critical injuries and is receiving treatment at a Toronto trauma centre, police say.

Calgary

Stabbing at Calgary Value Village under investigation by police

Calgary police took two people into custody on Friday after a stabbing in the community of Haysboro.
'It's been a wonderful ride': Reunited 'X-Men' cartoon voice cast excited to meet fans new and old at Calgary Expo

If you've spent any amount of time scrolling TikTok at 3 a.m. (it's OK -- we all have), you probably know the meme...
Warmer, windy Saturday ahead for Calgary

It will warm up tomorrow, but it will also be gusty at times.

Ottawa

Trucker from Newfoundland missing in eastern Ontario

Ontario Provincial Police are asking for the public's help in locating a missing man from Newfoundland who disappeared in eastern Ontario.
'Too young to have breast cancer': Rates among young Canadian women rising

Breast cancer rates are rising in Canada among women in their 20s, 30s and 40s, according to research by the University of Ottawa (uOttawa).
Queen’s University names award-winning journalist Shelagh Rogers as next chancellor

Queen’s University says renowned Canadian broadcaster and alumna, Shelagh Rogers will serve as its 16th chancellor starting July 1.

Montreal

'Do I ghost her again?': Quebec minister's office ignores questions on housing as a human right

The office of Quebec Housing Minister France-Élaine Duranceau prefers to openly ignore journalists' requests.
Taylor Swift dons Montreal designer's dress in 'Fortnight' video

A pair of Montreal designers' work has now been viewed over 41 million times. Taylor Swift dons a Victorian throwback black gown in her latest music video, 'Fortnight', designed by UNTTLD due Simon Belanger and Jose Manuel Saint-Jacques.
Truck driver dies in workplace accident at Port of Montreal

Officials with Quebec's workplace safety board were sent to the Port of Montreal on Friday after a truck driver was killed on the job.

Edmonton

Cat who jumped from burning balcony will recover: management company

A cat that jumped from the balcony of a burning building in downtown Edmonton on Thursday afternoon will make a full recovery, building officials say.
'So damn undemocratic': Edmonton mayor reacts to legislation granting province power to fire councillors or veto local bylaws

A bill that would empower the Alberta government to remove elected municipal officials or strike down local bylaws is an "attack on local democracy," says the capital city's mayor.
DonAir force takes over at Oilers playoff games

As if a 4-0 Edmonton Oilers lead in Game 1 of their playoff series with the Los Angeles Kings wasn't good enough, what was announced at Rogers Place during the next TV timeout nearly blew the roof off the downtown arena.

Atlantic

First court appearance for boy and girl charged in death of Halifax 16-year-old

A girl and a boy, both 14 years old, made their first appearance today in a Halifax courtroom, where they each face a second-degree murder charge in the stabbing death of a 16-year-old high school student.
Cape Breton police find dead body in woods

Cape Breton Regional Police found a dead body in Sydney, N.S., Thursday evening.
Community steps up to support popular chef during cancer battle

A popular chef, who is fighting a battle against an aggressive form of cancer, is getting support from her community.

Winnipeg

Avs rally for 6-2 win over Jets in Game 3

Nathan MacKinnon and Valeri Nichushkin scored on the power play during a five-goal, third-period outburst and the Colorado Avalanche rallied for a 6-2 victory over the Winnipeg Jets in Game 3 on Friday night.
'All these families are now scrambling': Gimli parents concerned about policy changes to child care

Parents in Gimli who rely on child care before and after school are sounding the alarm over policy changes coming in September.
Dishing out history: A look back at defunct restaurants in Winnipeg

Take an illustrated look back at the culinary history of Winnipeg.

Regina

Man charged with murder, victim identified in southeast Sask. homicide case

RCMP have identified 28-year-old Brianna Hayes from Oxbow, Sask. as the victim in an ongoing homicide investigation in the province’s southeast. As a result, police have charged 24-year-old Taylor Japp, also from Oxbow with second degree murder, an RCMP news release said.
Lego therapy program expands through Yorkton SaskAbilities

Youth in Yorkton can now access a new Lego Therapy program in their community through SaskAbilities.
Regina police officer injured after another officer's gun accidentally fired

A Regina police officer was injured after another officer's gun was accidentally fired while conducting a search warrant early Friday morning.

Kitchener

Delays in Queen Victoria statue consultation have become 'disrespectful,' say Kitchener Indigenous community leaders

More than a year has passed since the City of Kitchener announced it was pausing community consultations on the future of the Queen Victoria statue in Victoria Park, and there is still no timeline for a resumption of the process.
250 Frederick Street ownership tied to alleged reno-victions in London, Hamilton

An investor with ties to apartment buildings across Ontario appears to be connected to 250 Frederick Street in Kitchener.
About 10 companies interested in Wilmot land, says Minister of Economic Investment

Ontario’s Minister of Economic Investment, Job Creation and Trade says a number of companies have shown interest in a tract of land the Region of Waterloo is trying to assemble in Wilmot Township.

Saskatoon

Saskatchewan's $90M social services initiative underway

Over six months after Saskatchewan's government announced a significant $90 million investment in social services, the initiative is reportedly making progress.
Saskatoon police investigating after body found at recycling facility

The Saskatoon Police Service (SPS) and Saskatchewan Coroners Service are investigating after a woman’s body was found at a recycling facility Friday morning.
Four people arrested after attempted armed robbery in Saskatoon

Four people, including two teen girls, were arrested and charged after an attempted armed robbery on Thursday evening.

Northern Ontario

Northern Ont. hunters fined $8,500 for illegal moose hunt

Two hunters from North Bay, Ont., and a third from Temagami pled guilty recently to offences they committed during a 2022 moose hunt.
Sophie Gregoire Trudeau on navigating post-political life, co-parenting and freedom

Sophie Gregoire Trudeau says there is 'still so much love' between her and Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, as they navigate their post-separation relationship co-parenting their three children.
Police in northern Ont. attacked by person they found lying in the street

Ontario Provincial Police responding to a disturbance in West Nipissing this week discovered a conscious person lying in the street.

London

Increased police presence in Tillsonburg

Police said they were called to a weapons-related incident on Morning Glory Drive around 1:30 p.m. Friday.
Pilot project sees Londoners in apartments and condos join green bin organic waste program

Three months after the launch of curbside green bin collection for homeowners, a pilot project will analyze expanding the program to include medium to high-density apartments and condominiums.
Portion of Highway 401 reopens following fatal crash

A fatal crash in Thames Centre closed down a portion of Highway 401 westbound. Around 2:15 a.m., first responders were called to westbound lanes of the highway between Culloden and Putnam Roads for a two-vehicle crash.

Barrie

One person killed in highway 400 crash in Innisfil

One person killed in multi-vehicle crash in Innisfil on Friday.
Gateway Casinos considers relocating from Innisfil venue

With its Innisfil location’s lease set to expire within the next five years, Gateway Casinos is eyeing a plan to move.
OPP responds to apparent video of officer supporting anti-Trudeau government protestors

The Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) says it's investigating an interaction between a uniformed officer and anti-Trudeau government protestors after a video circulated on social media.

Windsor

NFL Draft: Windsor welcomes as Detroit overflows with fans

All the excitement of the NFL Draft has officially descended upon Detroit, with Windsor welcoming the spillover.
Julien’s House opens new Nick Dyer Clubhouse to offer peer-to-peer grief support

A ribbon cutting to celebrate the opening of a new grief support centre on Baseline Road in Windsor marked a bittersweet moment for many at Julien’s House Friday morning.
Windsor police seize $120,000 in drugs

Windsor police have arrested two people after seizing $120,000 in illegal drugs.

Vancouver Island

B.C. seeks ban on public drug use, dialing back decriminalization

The B.C. NDP has asked the federal government to recriminalize public drug use, marking a major shift in the province's approach to addressing the deadly overdose crisis.
Saanich to consider amalgamating fire department with Victoria, Esquimalt, Oak Bay

Saanich council will be discussing a report Monday prepared by Saanich Fire Chief Michael Kaye on the merits of amalgamating the fire departments of Victoria, Oak Bay, Esquimalt and Saanich.
B.C. composer with debilitating condition realizes dream of scoring movie

When Art Kinarthy embarked upon this quest, he never could have imagined where it would ultimately lead.

Kelowna

B.C. man rescues starving dachshund trapped in carrier: BC SPCA

An emaciated dachshund is now recovering thanks to a Good Samaritan who found the pup near a biking trail in Kelowna, according to the BC SPCA.
Search crews called in after missing Kelowna senior's truck found

Search and rescue crews have been called in after a vehicle belonging to a missing senior was located near a rural intersection outside of Kelowna Tuesday.
Homicide investigation underway after body found near Kelowna, B.C.

Major crime detectives in British Columbia are investigating a suspected homicide after a body was found in a remote area southeast Kelowna over the weekend.

Lethbridge

'No real winner' following first Alberta NDP leadership debate: political scientist

An Alberta political scientist said the NDP leadership hopefuls remained fairly even following the first of the party’s debates.
Multiple grass fires sparked near Kipp rail yard

It was a busy Wednesday evening for fire crews in Lethbridge County after multiple grass fires were sparked near the Kipp rail yard.
Former U of L student awarded diversity, equity and inclusion medal by NASA

A former University of Lethbridge student has been awarded the Medal for Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Equity by NASA.

Sault Ste. Marie

Sault begins phase 2 in waterfront development plan

The City of Sault Ste. Marie is looking for community input on some design concepts for the waterfront.
Sault council looks at options for vacant home tax

Meeting next week, city council in Sault Ste. Marie will get an overview of what to expect if it decides to implement a new tax on empty homes in the city.
Northern Ont. hunters fined $8,500 for illegal moose hunt

Two hunters from North Bay, Ont., and a third from Temagami pled guilty recently to offences they committed during a 2022 moose hunt.

N.L.

Voice of 'Hockey Night in Canada' Bob Cole never considered moving out of St. John's

Legendary sportscaster Bob Cole was a Newfoundlander through and through, and his daughter says his connection to the province was 'everything' to him.
Cenovus fined $2.5 million for biggest oil spill in Newfoundland and Labrador history

Cenovus Energy has been ordered to pay a $2.5-million fine for its role in the largest offshore oil spill ever recorded in Newfoundland and Labrador.
Canada recognizes housing as a human right. Few provinces have followed suit

As more Canadians find themselves struggling to afford or find housing, the country's smallest province is the only one that can point to legislation recognizing housing as a human right.