Elwood Edwards, the beloved voice behind America Online’s signature “You’ve got mail” greeting, has died at the age of 74. He passed away on Tuesday at his home in New Bern, North Carolina, due to complications from a stroke he suffered late last year, his daughter Heather Edwards confirmed.
In 1989, Edwards recorded AOL’s iconic greeting in his living room, along with other familiar phrases such as “Welcome,” “Goodbye,” and “File’s done.” His brief recording session earned him $200, yet his voice would go on to be heard by millions each day as AOL became a household name. His famous phrase even inspired the title of the 1998 film You’ve Got Mail, starring Tom Hanks and Meg Ryan.
Despite the immense popularity of his voice, Edwards remained humble and somewhat shy about his fame. “He would still blush anytime someone brought it up,” his daughter shared, adding that while he appreciated the recognition, he never fully adapted to the spotlight.
Edwards’ journey into this iconic role came about through his second wife, Karen, who worked as a customer service representative for the company that eventually became AOL. Hearing about the need for a voice for AOL’s software, Karen suggested her husband. The company was so pleased with his recordings that they didn’t even ask him to visit a studio.
While his face was largely unknown, Edwards’ voice became a memorable part of millions of Americans’ daily lives. For a time, AOL kept his identity a secret, adding to the mystique of the “You’ve got mail” voice. He later shared his story in 1999, joking about his role as a “man of mystery.”
In 2015, Edwards made a guest appearance on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, where he delighted the audience by reprising his famous catchphrase. He also lent his voice to an episode of The Simpsons in 2000, further cementing his role in pop culture.
Edwards began his career in radio before moving to television, where he briefly worked as a weatherman and announcer, though he spent most of his time behind the camera. Reflecting on his career, he’d often say with a smile, “I have a face for radio.” Known for his warm demeanor and quick smile, Edwards later worked at WKYC-TV in Cleveland, where he was affectionately described as a “graphics guru, camera operator, and general jack-of-all-trades.” He also took on freelance voice-over work for radio and TV commercials.
Edwards is survived by his daughter Sallie Edwards, granddaughter Abbie Edwards, and his brother, Bill. A memorial service is planned for Monday in New Bern to honor his life and legacy.
