As a gamer who grew up in the 90s, Elwood Edwards was more than just a voice to me – he was a nostalgic reminder of simpler times. His iconic phrases echoed through my childhood, serving as the soundtrack to countless hours spent online exploring new worlds and making connections.
Elwood Edwards, whose voice was familiar to millions of AOL users, died on November 5, 2024, at the age of 74. Famous for catchphrases such as “You’ve got mail” and “File’s done”, Edwards’ voice became inseparable from America Online (AOL). Following the announcement of his passing, many have expressed curiosity about his career and the circumstances surrounding his death. Here is a summary of those details.
Elwood Edwards dead at 74, claims report
Word spread through WKYC Studios about the death of their long-time employee, Edwards, who had served as both a graphics operator and camera technician for many years.
It was announced that he passed away due to issues stemming from a stroke, at his residence in New Bern, North Carolina, just one day prior to his 75th birthday. His daughter, Sallie Edwards, verified the reason for his demise (as reported by The New York Times).
During high school, Edwards kicked off his professional journey in radio broadcasting. Transitioning afterwards, he ventured into television, assuming diverse positions such as a booth commentator and meteorologist. Over time, his interest leaned towards technical aspects, leading him to concentrate on graphic design and camera operation behind the scenes.
1989 marked the start of Edwards’s voice acting career. His wife, Karen, who was employed at Quantum Computer Services (later known as AOL), listened in on a conversation between CEO Steve Case about the need for a voice on their platform. She suggested her husband, and he recorded the famous phrases “Welcome,” “You’ve got mail,” “Files done,” and “Goodbye” using a cassette deck at home. For this job, he earned $200. These catchphrases soon became synonymous with 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.
Later in his life, Edwards found himself venturing into jobs beyond broadcasting; one of these roles was driving for Uber. In 2016, he decided to hang up his microphone and retire from WKYC after a long, successful career spanning several decades.
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2024-11-11 01:10