Elwood Edwards, the voice that brought the unforgettable “You’ve got mail” greeting to millions of early internet users, passed away on Tuesday at 74 due to complications from a stroke. Edwards, whose simple phrase became a cultural icon, died peacefully at his home in New Bern, North Carolina, according to his daughter, Heather Edwards.
In 1989, Edwards recorded AOL’s “You’ve Got Mail” message from his living room, a line that went on to define the internet experience for a generation in the 1990s. Beyond “You’ve got mail,” Edwards voiced AOL’s “Welcome,” “Goodbye,” and “File’s done” messages, a collection of phrases now etched in digital history. His daughter recalls that despite the fame, Edwards was modest, often blushing when fans brought up his role in internet history.
The lasting impact of Edwards’ voice became evident in pop culture, including the 1998 film You’ve Got Mail, starring Tom Hanks and Meg Ryan. Edwards’ influence stretched even further with appearances on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon in 2015 and an episode of The Simpsons in 2000, cementing his voice as a nostalgic emblem of the early internet era.
Having begun his career in radio, Edwards later worked at WKYC-TV in Cleveland, where he was known for his versatility, handling roles behind the scenes as a graphics specialist and camera operator. He also did freelance voice-over work, bringing his talent to radio and TV commercials.
Edwards is survived by his daughters Heather and Sallie, granddaughter Abbie, and his brother, Bill. A memorial service will be held on Monday in New Bern, honoring the man who was, quite literally, a voice of the internet’s early days.
Source: Swifteradio.com
