Elwood Edwards, the voice behind AOL’s famous “You’ve got mail” alert, has passed away at 74 after a long illness. Known for his work as a voice actor, radio announcer, ad pitchman, and even a weatherman, Edwards recorded the iconic line in 1989 as a favor to his wife for just $200. His voice greeted millions of internet users during AOL’s early days, quickly becoming a symbol of the online experience.
Starting in local radio as a teenager, Edwards eventually worked in TV. In 1989, his wife, Karen, who was employed by Q-Link, heard that CEO Steve Case wanted voice files for the company’s services. She suggested her husband, and Edwards recorded four lines: “Welcome,” “You’ve got mail,” “File’s done,” and “Goodbye.”
Despite never receiving royalties, he embraced his role in digital history, even appearing on The Tonight Show and The Simpsons. Later in life, he created personalized recordings of his famous phrases, delighting fans for just a few dollars more.
Reflecting on his legacy, Edwards once said, “Being associated with AOL has been gratifying,” expressing pride in his unique place in tech history.
