Elwood Edwards, the voice recognized by millions of AOL users, passed away on November 5, 2024, at age 74. Known for iconic phrases like “You’ve got mail” and “File’s done,” Edwards’s voice became synonymous with America Online (AOL). Since news of his passing emerged, many have been curious about his career and the circumstances of his death. Here are the details.
Elwood Edwards dead at 74, claims report
The news of Edwards’s passing was shared by WKYC Studios, where he worked for years as a graphics operator and camera technician.
They reported that he died following complications from a stroke at his home in New Bern, North Carolina, a day before his 75th birthday. His daughter, Sallie Edwards, confirmed the cause of death (via The New York Times).
Edwards began his career in radio during high school, later moving into television, where he took on various roles, including as a booth announcer and weatherman. Eventually, he shifted focus to behind-the-scenes work in graphics and camera operations.
In 1989, Edwards’s voice journey took off when his wife, Karen, who worked at Quantum Computer Services (later AOL), overheard CEO Steve Case discussing the need for a voice on the platform. She recommended her husband, and Edwards recorded the iconic lines “Welcome,” “You’ve got mail,” “Files done,” and “Goodbye” on a cassette deck in his living room, earning $200 for the gig. These phrases quickly became a hallmark of the AOL user experience.
His voice continued to resonate culturally for years. The 1998 film You’ve Got Mail and a 2000 episode of The Simpsons both referenced his work. He also appeared on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, where he humorously read fan-suggested phrases.
In his later years, Edwards took on roles outside of broadcasting, including working as an Uber driver. He retired from WKYC in 2016 after a multi-decade career.