Meet Susan Bennett: The Original Voice Of Siri! [Facts & Bio]

Tobin Grant PhD 10 May 2025

Have you ever wondered who the voice behind Siri is? Its Susan Bennett, an American voice artist, whose voice became synonymous with Apple's revolutionary virtual assistant.

Susan Bennett is more than just the voice of Siri; she is an accomplished American voice artist and has even lent her vocals as a backup singer for the legendary Roy Orbison. While many recognize her for her digital role, her career spans over three decades, encompassing a wide array of voice-over work across various media platforms.

Full Name	Susan Alexandra Bennett (ne Cameron)
Birth Date	July 31, 1949
Birth Place	Burlington, Vermont, USA
Age (as of August 2, 2021)	72 years old
Age (as of November 3, 2024)	75 years old
Height	5' 4" (165 cm)
Weight	118 lbs (54 kg)
Occupation	Voice Actress, Singer
Years Active	Over 35 years
Known For	Female American Voice of Apple's Siri
Education	Clinton Central School, Pembroke College, Brown University
Past Affiliations	Backup singer for Roy Orbison and Burt Bacharach
Marital Status	Previously married to Peter Bowles
Additional Information	Member of Jazz Band and Starred in Sock and Buskin Theatrical Productions at Brown University. Original voice of siri, voice actor, singer, speaker mother of @cameronsbennett
Reference	Susan Bennett Voice Official Website

The journey to becoming the voice of Siri wasn't a straightforward one. Susan Alexandra Bennett was born in Burlington, Vermont, on July 31, 1949. Her early life was rooted in New England, where she attended Clinton Central School, laying the foundation for her future endeavors. She then pursued higher education at Pembroke College, a small liberal arts institution. Her academic journey culminated at Brown University, where she immersed herself in the vibrant atmosphere, becoming a member of the jazz band and showcasing her talents in Sock and Buskin theatrical productions.

Before achieving global recognition as the voice of Siri, Bennett had already carved out a successful career as a voice-over artist and singer for over 35 years. Her voice graced television commercials, radio broadcasts, and even the Delta Air Lines gate announcements worldwide. This extensive experience honed her skills and prepared her for the unique challenge of bringing a virtual assistant to life.

The story of how she became the voice of Siri is quite remarkable. In 2005, ScanSoft, a software company, contracted Bennett to record voice samples for a speech database. Little did she know that these recordings would later be used to create the voice of Siri. For several hours each day, over the course of a month, she meticulously recorded a vast array of sounds, phrases, and sentences, providing the raw material for the technology that would power Apple's virtual assistant.

It wasn't until the introduction of the iPhone 4S on October 4, 2011, that the world was introduced to Siri. The voice of "Susa," as it was initially known internally, quickly became an integral part of the iPhone experience. However, Susan Bennett remained anonymous for quite some time, her identity a closely guarded secret. It wasn't until 2013, eight years after the initial recordings, that she publicly revealed herself as the voice behind Siri.

The revelation came about due to a confluence of events. Fellow voice-over artists recognized her voice in the Siri demos and alerted her to the fact. Media outlets began speculating about the identity of the voice actor, further fueling the mystery. Eventually, Bennett decided to come forward, confirming her role in an interview with CNN. This decision marked a turning point in her career, transforming her from an anonymous voice artist into a public figure.

Interestingly, September 18, 2013, marked the last time she provided the voice for Apple's virtual assistant. While her voice continues to resonate with millions of users worldwide, the recordings she made in 2005 remain the foundation of Siri's vocal identity.

Beyond her work with Apple, Susan Bennett has enjoyed a diverse and fulfilling career. As a backup singer, she shared the stage with legendary musicians like Roy Orbison and Burt Bacharach, adding her vocal harmonies to their iconic performances. Her voice-over work has spanned numerous industries, lending credibility and warmth to countless brands and products.

Her personal life has also seen its share of milestones. She was previously married to Peter Bowles, adding another chapter to her multifaceted story. The news articles often reference Tony Bennett and Susan Benedetto, who married in 2007 after 20 years together, and Jacqueline Weiss, a contributing writer at People since 2022. It is important to note that Susan Benedetto is not Susan Bennett, the voice artist.

Susan Bennett's journey is a testament to the power of voice and the impact it can have on our lives. Her voice has become synonymous with technology, connecting us to the digital world in a personal and engaging way. From her early days in Vermont to her current status as a celebrated voice artist, Susan Bennett's story is one of talent, perseverance, and the enduring magic of the human voice.

Her contributions extend beyond the realm of technology. As a skilled vocalist, she has enriched the musical landscape with her backup singing, adding depth and texture to the performances of iconic artists. Her versatility as a voice-over artist has allowed her to connect with audiences across various platforms, leaving an indelible mark on popular culture.

In an age where technology continues to evolve at an unprecedented pace, Susan Bennett's voice serves as a reminder of the human element that lies at the heart of innovation. Her warm, engaging tone has made Siri more than just a virtual assistant; it has transformed it into a companion, a confidante, and a source of information for millions of people around the world.

The influence of Susan Bennett extends to the current generation of voice actors and performers. Her career serves as an example of the dedication, skills, and adaptability required to succeed in this competitive industry. Her story inspires aspiring voice artists to hone their craft, embrace new technologies, and strive to create meaningful connections with audiences.

Susan Bennett's journey is a story of passion, perseverance, and the transformative power of voice. From her humble beginnings in Vermont to her global recognition as the voice of Siri, she has inspired millions with her talent, her warmth, and her unwavering dedication to her craft. As the world continues to embrace new technologies, Susan Bennett's legacy will endure, reminding us of the human connection that lies at the heart of innovation.

Looking back at the timeline of events, it's clear that Susan Bennett's path to becoming the voice of Siri was a serendipitous one. The initial recordings made for ScanSoft in 2005 laid the groundwork for what would eventually become a cultural phenomenon. The introduction of the iPhone 4S in 2011 marked the arrival of Siri, forever changing the way people interact with their smartphones.

The decision to reveal her identity in 2013 was a pivotal moment, transforming Susan Bennett from an anonymous voice artist into a public figure. Since then, she has embraced her role as the voice of Siri, sharing her experiences and insights with audiences around the world. Her story has resonated with people of all ages, inspiring them to pursue their passions and embrace the opportunities that come their way.

Susan Bennett's career continues to evolve, with new projects and collaborations on the horizon. Her dedication to her craft and her commitment to excellence ensure that her voice will continue to be heard for years to come. Her story is a testament to the enduring power of voice and the impact it can have on our lives.

The intersection of technology and human voice is a fascinating area of study, and Susan Bennett's experience provides valuable insights into this dynamic relationship. As virtual assistants become increasingly prevalent in our daily lives, the voices that power them will continue to play a crucial role in shaping our interactions with technology.

Susan Bennett's legacy extends beyond her work as the voice of Siri. Her contributions to the world of voice-over artistry and her achievements as a singer have solidified her place as a respected and admired figure in the entertainment industry. Her story is an inspiration to aspiring artists and a reminder of the power of voice to connect, inform, and inspire.

As Susan Bennett continues her journey, she remains a beacon of creativity and innovation, inspiring others to pursue their passions and embrace the opportunities that come their way. Her voice has become an integral part of our cultural landscape, and her legacy will continue to resonate for generations to come.

Reflecting on her journey, Susan Bennett's story is a powerful reminder of the unexpected paths that life can take. The voice samples she recorded in 2005, without knowing their ultimate purpose, became the foundation for a revolutionary technology that would change the world. Her experience demonstrates the importance of embracing opportunities, honing your skills, and remaining open to the possibilities that lie ahead.

Susan Bennett's voice has touched the lives of millions, and her story is a testament to the enduring power of the human voice. Her contributions to the world of technology and entertainment will continue to inspire and captivate audiences for years to come.

Whether it's the familiar voice of Siri guiding us through our daily tasks, her backup vocals enriching our favorite songs, or her voice-over work bringing brands to life, Susan Bennett's talent has left an indelible mark on our cultural landscape. Her journey is a reminder that passion, perseverance, and a dedication to your craft can lead to extraordinary achievements.

Susan Bennett's story is a celebration of the human voice and the power it has to connect us, inform us, and inspire us. Her journey from a young girl in Vermont to a global icon is a testament to the enduring magic of the human voice.

The story of "The woman who brought siri to life is susan bennett" is more than just a tale of technological innovation; it's a story of human connection, creativity, and the enduring power of voice. Susan Bennett's journey is an inspiration to us all, reminding us that anything is possible with passion, perseverance, and a willingness to embrace the unexpected.

The tale of how Susan Bennett became the voice of Siri is a captivating narrative, weaving together elements of chance, talent, and technological innovation. It's a story that resonates with audiences because it showcases the human element behind the digital world, reminding us that even the most advanced technologies are powered by real people with unique skills and experiences.

Her extensive experience as a voice-over artist and singer prepared her for the unique challenges of voicing a virtual assistant. The countless hours she spent recording voice samples for ScanSoft laid the groundwork for what would eventually become Siri, demonstrating the importance of dedication and attention to detail in achieving success.

The decision to reveal her identity in 2013 was a pivotal moment, transforming Susan Bennett from an anonymous voice artist into a public figure. Her willingness to share her story has allowed audiences to connect with her on a personal level, appreciating the human element behind the technology they use every day.

Susan Bennett's journey is an inspiration to aspiring voice artists, demonstrating the diverse opportunities available in the industry and the importance of honing your craft. Her success serves as a reminder that passion, perseverance, and a willingness to embrace new technologies can lead to extraordinary achievements.

As the world continues to embrace virtual assistants and other voice-activated technologies, Susan Bennett's legacy will endure, reminding us of the human connection that lies at the heart of innovation. Her voice has become an integral part of our cultural landscape, and her story will continue to inspire and captivate audiences for years to come.

The story of Susan Bennett and her role as the voice of Siri is a testament to the transformative power of technology and the enduring magic of the human voice. Her journey is a reminder that even in the digital age, the human element remains essential to our interactions with the world around us.

Her journey is a story of passion, perseverance, and the transformative power of voice. From her humble beginnings in Vermont to her global recognition as the voice of Siri, she has inspired millions with her talent, her warmth, and her unwavering dedication to her craft.