Mercedes Morris: The Personality Championing the Future of Acting in the Age of AI
Mercedes Morris has built a remarkable career as a dynamic and talented actress, starring in hit projects like Sky Med on CBC and Star Wars Outlaws, where she broke new ground as the first Black villain in the Star Wars gaming universe. But her influence doesn’t stop at the screen.
As Vice President of ACTRA Toronto and a council member of the national board of ACTRA, Morris is using her platform to advocate for performers’ rights in the face of one of the industry’s most transformative challenges: the rise of artificial intelligence (AI).
A Career Built on Authenticity and Resilience
Before diving into her advocacy work, it’s worth celebrating Morris’s accomplishments as an actress.
In Sky Med, she brought heart and grit to Lexi, a Black female pilot navigating personal and professional struggles. This role resonated with audiences and showcased Morris’s ability to embody characters with depth and relatability.
In Star Wars Outlaws, she stepped into the world of motion capture and gaming, portraying Veil, a powerful and groundbreaking character that expanded representation in the Star Wars universe.
These roles are a testament to her versatility and her commitment to breaking barriers on and off the screen.
The Rise of AI: Opportunity or Threat?
AI has been a hot topic in Hollywood, and for good reason. The technology offers exciting possibilities, but it also raises serious concerns about the future of performers. Morris has been at the forefront of addressing these challenges, advocating for fairness and protection in an evolving industry.
ACTRA’s Principles for AI
As a leader in ACTRA, Morris champions three core principles to guide the industry’s use of AI:
Control: Performers must have control over how their likenesses and voices are used.
Compensation: Actors should be fairly paid for the use of their digital representations.
Consent: No one should have their likeness or voice replicated without clear and informed consent.
These principles are crucial to ensuring that AI enhances the creative process without exploiting performers.
AI as a Tool, Not a Replacement
Morris emphasizes that while AI can be a powerful tool, it can’t replicate the nuance, emotion, and empathy that human actors bring to their work. She notes that AI is essentially regurgitating past data, lacking the ability to create truly original or evolutionary art.
“AI can’t tell a new story—it’s just remixing the old ones,” she says, highlighting the irreplaceable value of human creativity.
The Stakes for Performers
AI isn’t just a theoretical concern—it has real implications for job security across the industry.
Job Loss Concerns: From background actors to voiceover artists, AI could replace roles that provide steady work for many performers.
Cost vs. Value: Morris points out that while AI may seem cost-effective in the short term, the unique value human performers bring can’t be replaced by a machine.
Morris advocates for companies to weigh these considerations carefully, urging them to prioritize hiring real talent over relying solely on AI-generated content.
The Power of Union Advocacy
At the heart of Morris’s work is her dedication to union advocacy through ACTRA.
Fair Pay and Protections: Morris highlights how union membership ensures actors receive fair compensation and work under safe and equitable conditions.
Collective Action: She stresses the importance of performers coming together to push for systemic change. “If every actor joined the union, companies would have no choice but to play fair,” she says.
Accountability: Union representation means companies are held to higher standards, ensuring performers aren’t exploited.
Shaping the Future of Acting
Morris isn’t just reacting to the challenges of AI—she’s shaping the conversation. Her leadership in ACTRA and her advocacy for ethical AI use reflect her commitment to preserving the integrity of the craft while embracing innovation responsibly.
Advice for Aspiring Actors in a Tech-Driven Industry
For those looking to break into the industry, Morris offers this advice:
Know Your Value: Understand your worth as a performer and advocate for fair treatment.
Join the Union: Union membership is essential for protection and fair compensation.
Stay Adaptable: Embrace new tools like AI, but remain rooted in your craft and authenticity.
Advocate for Change: Use your voice to push for ethical practices in the industry.
Final Thoughts: The Future Is Human
Mercedes Morris is more than a talented actress—she’s a visionary leader fighting for the future of her industry. Her work with ACTRA and her thoughtful approach to AI demonstrate that while technology may transform Hollywood, it’s the human touch that will always define great storytelling.
As audiences, creators, and professionals navigate this new era, Morris’s advocacy reminds us to stay grounded in authenticity, fairness, and respect for the art of performance.
Learn more about ACTRA’s work and follow Mercedes Morris’s journey on Instagram: