Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
Add a Memory
Make a Donation
Mason Adams Obituary
Adams died of natural causes, said his daughter, Betsy.
His distinctive, often fatherly voice was first heard in 1940s and 1950s radio serials, including "Batman" and "Pepper Young's Family." But he did not achieve fame until being cast as Charlie Hume in "Lou Grant," a spin-off of "The Mary Tyler Moore Show" that ran from 1977 to 1982.
Adams earned three Emmy nominations for his work on the series.
He had small roles in several films, including "F/X" (1986) and "Houseguest" (1995), and worked steadily on stage in his later years. His last theater role was in the Broadway revival of Arthur Miller's "The Man Who Had All the Luck" in 2002.
He was also famous for his work in television commercials for J.M. Smucker Co., voicing the tag-line "With a name like Smucker's, it has to be good."
Adams was born in Brooklyn and received his master's degree from the University of Wisconsin.
Copyright © 2005 The Associated Press
Memories and Condolences
for Mason Adams
82 Entries
Mark James Meli
February 5, 2018
This man's voice alone had more character in it than a roomful of screen actors. His voice on episodes of the CBS Radio Mystery Theater were Hall Of Fame worthy.
Bob Becker
February 26, 2017
Mason Adams is one of the reasons I have been in radio for 54 years. I knew that acting and radio was important to him and it is to me as well. Every time I hear his voice and style I just know how much he made me feel to go forward. I just heard this morning Intersantum in which he played the lead.... one were he heard the voice of the dummy in his head. He had killed the man who was the ventriloquist and the dummy was still alive. A must hear show from 1949.... I was 3 at the time! Could be his play was the reason for a Twilight Zone episode that had a dummy that was alive. RIP
2-26-17
A Fan From WV
November 12, 2016
Just watched son in law for the 100th time, enjoyed Mr. Adams character, I have always enjoyed all his work.
Kevin Pomaville
November 7, 2016
To the Adams family I offer my sincerest condolences, whatever Mason meant to the public, is never as much as he meant to you. All I can say is we were fortunate just to know him as an actor; you knew him as husband father etc, these are life's greatest roles. I will remember him and you, in my prayers........God bless
Linda Cummings Mc Phie
August 31, 2016
Mr Adam was a phenomenal human being,i spent a lot of time with him and everyday was special he had so much knowledge of everything such an Intelligent man . Watching him on Lou Grant is nothing compared to knowing him in person and i would cherished those memories and his wife Margo and their children will always have a special place in my heart .
Harry Simpson
April 30, 2016
Thank you for sharing a part of your life with us.
thomas williams
February 7, 2015
loved him on lou grant.
but him on radio was just great ,
r. i. p.
Carr
April 18, 2013
The Adams family, eventho it have been a while, to you it seem as yesterday. But always remember those wonderful times you had togather. And very soon this earth will be transform back into a paradise where we will welcome back our love ones. but for now we have this hope. And we have this comfort that is found in Isaiah41:13, Matthew 5;5 keep them close to you.And always pray. this have help me so much.Stay close to GOD.
Lori Houchins
April 11, 2011
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Larry Geisen
February 11, 2011
Mr. Adams was one of my favorite characters on Lou Grant. He was an effortless actor, so natural, so believable, someone you would want to be friends with in real life. My sympathies to his family and all his fellow actors whose lives he touched in such a special way....
Barry Goode
January 10, 2011
With a name like MASON(Smuckers) it has to be good,Rest In Peace
October 23, 2010
We met in a Manhatten Bar over a beer. Weshared the same work, voice overs. Frank Butler Hollywood
Ronda Rixey
September 9, 2010
He is watching over the family and Blessings from Florida.
John R.
April 28, 2010
My condolences to the family of Mr. Adams. I'm certain he was a kind and gracious gentleman. In my view, he was a legend in the business.
April 2, 2010
For Mason...
WEEP NOT FOR ME
Do not weep for me when I no longer dwell among the wonders of the earth; for my larger self is free, and my soul rejoices on the other side of pain...on the other side of darkness.
Do not weep for me, for I am a ray of sunshine that touches your skin, a tropical breeze upon your face, the hush of joy within your heart and the innocence of babes in mothers arms.
I am the hope in a darkened night. And, in your hour of need, I will be there to comfort you. I will share your tears, your joys, your fears, your disappointments and your triumphs.
Do not weep for me, for I am cradled
in the arms of God. I walk with the angels, and hear the music beyond the stars.
Do not weep for me, for I am within you;
I am peace, love, I am a soft wind that caresses the flowers. I am the calm that follows a raging storm. I am an autumns leaf that floats among the garden of God, and I am pure white snow that softly falls upon your hand.
Do not weep for me, for I shall never die, as long as you remember me...
with a smile and a sigh.
© Joe Fazio
~
[email protected] /Joe Fazio,
Beverly Hills, California
William Keillor
February 7, 2010
Was watching the History Channel today and his familiar voice was on several programs.
Rick Craig
September 22, 2009
Doubtful anyone will see this 4 years after he passed away, but it makes me feel better to say this- his work on Lou Grant was so believable, so genuine, you just KNEW he was a great person. I still enjoy watching him on HULU to this day.
Tedaira Mock
May 18, 2009
To the family of Mason Adams you have my deepest sympathy, I only hope that in your time of need that you may find comfort in reading the bible Revelation chapter 21 verse 3,4. If you do not have a bible available to you please avail yourself to one.
May 7, 2009
Will miss, god bless
Shindo Ryu
September 8, 2008
Read Revelatons 21:3,4
Wanisha
July 3, 2008
Many have experienced first hand God's words at 2 Corinthians 1:4 "[God] comforts us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort those in any sort of tribulation through the comfort with which we ourselves are being comforted by God." Having received comfort to cope with the loss of a loved one, they fine that they are able to give encouragement to others.
Miracle
May 28, 2008
I'm sorry hear about a lost, I would like to share a scripture with the family to bring comfort at John11:25(Jesus said that I am the resurrection and the life he that exercises faith in me, even though he dies will come to life)
Lisa Williams
March 31, 2008
To The Family,
You have my deepest sympathy for the lost of Mr. Adams. He will be missed, but remembered by God. Please take comfort from his word - Psalms 23. I wish you the best.
Sincerely,
bob dotson
March 14, 2008
after all these years i still recognize that great voice. it is sorely missed.rest in peace
Cindy Luna
April 27, 2007
I am sorry to hear of the passing of Mason Adams. I have been wondering who that voice of Pepper Young was and now I know. Thank you for your website.
Sandra Carroll
December 18, 2006
He had a very distinitive voice. I still hear him doing the smuckers jelly comerical. I also enjoyed him on Lou Grant. Thank you for your great talent. You will be missed.
Shirley Harvill
December 2, 2006
I too remember this great voice as that of Pepper on the old radio soaps. I too was excited to get home from school to hear that voice. A true gentleman in the TV and movie set. You will be missed by so many. We enjoyed your acting in our life time. Thanks.
Bob Freeman
September 28, 2006
I heard Willard Scott's voice on a Smuckers commercial recently, and immediately knew something happened to the beloved person whose voice has delicately yet unmistakenly charmed the Smuckers commercials for years. Mr. Adams, I remember you from the Lou Grant days and was impressed then. God rest your soul. For 86 years, with a name like Mason Adams, it had to be good. And, sir, you were.
J Bradley
July 3, 2006
I was told by my teacher (Don Morrow) that you were one of the best and I should listen to you as much as possible. I'm sure he's right, and hopefully listening to you will help my voice acting career. Rest in Peace Mr. Adams and look down on all of us Voice Actors.
Dave Patterson
December 29, 2005
What a great man......Thankyou
Jerry Antil
November 28, 2005
What a wonderful and talented man. I only learned today of his passing and he will truly be missed. I had the priviledge of working with him years ago. Fond memories.
Karen Farago
July 10, 2005
He was an excellent actor and made whatever part he played his own. He was "wonderful" and will be missed.
Bob Mayer
May 20, 2005
A wonderful actor with a gentle comforting voice. When someone is in your life for that long, even peripherally, you feel a personal loss. I hope Smuckers continues to use his voice.
rhonda nieweglowski
May 10, 2005
Mason,my heartfelt goes out to family, friend's enjoyed watching you on tv you'll be grearly missed!
Ann Marie
May 2, 2005
To the family - I am so sorry about your loss. I remember his voice on the Smucker's commercials when I was growing up. May God bless each of you.
Lynda bray
May 2, 2005
Sympathy to the family. I enjoyed
Mason Adams on Lou Grant very much.
He truly had a great voice. I was
interested to read about Pepper
Young's Family as I seem to remember listening to that radio show as a child.
lisa lewis
May 1, 2005
May you rest in peace and in heaven with the Lord
Geoff T
May 1, 2005
So sorry to hear of Mr. Adams passing. I remember him well from Lou Grant as I watched him as a child. I didn't know him personally but feel as though I would have liked him if I had. He seemed like such a kind and gentle soul. My prayers are for his family.
Jo Yates
May 1, 2005
I never met Mr. Adams personally, but always enjoyed his acting on Lou Grant, and his voice on the Smuckers ads.
Fred Schall
May 1, 2005
Although your acting was excellent.
Your voice will NEVER be replaced. Mason Adams had the most PERFECT voice for voiceovers. In my mind, the BEST voice over artist that ever lived. Thank you for your wonderful voice and talent. Although I never knew you or worked with you, Mason, I will miss you. Your voice will live on forever. Rest in Peace.
Bill Stevens
May 1, 2005
Mason Adams - May God bless and console your family and ALL the fans who enjoyed hearing your voice on Radio and Tv, plus your good acting ability. A face and voice that will always be remembered.
Erin Lassley
May 1, 2005
Thank goodness for your timeless voice. You left the world better than you found it. With a voice like Mason Adam's, it had to be good...and it was.
JOYCE WHITFIELD
May 1, 2005
I am sending the family and friends my deepest sympathy
I am very sorry about this tragedy
Tony Doar
May 1, 2005
I had the honor to meet Mr. Adams in the 70's as I knew his daughter Betsy in high school. A class gentleman with a wonderful talent. My thoughts and prayers to his family.
Robert Paty
May 1, 2005
I first heard the voice on Pepper Young's Family on radio. When I heard the Smuckers commercials, at first I couldn't remember where I had heard that voice. After hearing it a few times I remembered. God rest his soul.
ODELL RUSSELL
May 1, 2005
So sad to hear that Mr. Adams had passed away. His voice will forever be heard by all and never forgotten. God Bless you and your family.
PHIL ROCHELLE
May 1, 2005
I always enjoyed watching or hearing you, and had the great pleasure of telling you so as I found you passing through the airport in San Diego one day in the 90's. You were kind and gracious. God bless. Praying for your family.
Jo Autrey
May 1, 2005
So sorry to hear of the loss of this fine man and actor. He will be sorely missed among friends and family as well as the general public who grew to love him. There are so few entertainers with his fine acting abillity to replace him.
Gerry Hargis
April 30, 2005
I have always enjoyed listening to voices that can 'Charm the birds right out of the trees' and Mason you definitely had one of those voices. You will be missed.
Crystal (Mikesell) Tucker
April 30, 2005
His soothing voice will never be forgotten.
Dave Amara
April 30, 2005
I remember your voice on the Smuckers' and Cadbury Easter Bunny commercials...and on LOU GRANT...rest peacefully, sir
betsy edkins
April 30, 2005
God Bless !
bill flanagan
April 30, 2005
god bless
Jerry Allison
April 30, 2005
Oh, how I remember listening to Pepper Young's Family when I was a small boy, as my whole family gathered around the radio. We'll miss you, Mason Adams, you were the best.
Sandra Duncan
April 30, 2005
I Will hear your voice in my head until the day that I die. Thank you.
Michael Terry
April 30, 2005
I'm so sorry to hear about the death of Mr. Adams. I enjoyed his acting very much. Actors of his caliber will be sorely missed.
Evelyn Doak
April 30, 2005
Mr Mason had a very distinctive voice. When I heard the first Smucker's commercial, the picture in my mind was Mr. Adams.
I believe the very first time I saw him was in Nov. 1955, on a soap opera, Love of Life.
God Bless his family.
Thanks,
Evelyn Doak
Gary F. Coleman Sr.
April 30, 2005
Mr. Adams displayed so much class in every role both in front of the camera and even when we only heard his unforgetable voice. I pray that you have found peace. Thank you, sir, for so many, many warm memories.
Michael Croom
April 30, 2005
You were a giant among a feild of mighty big men. God bless you and keep you!
Joy Peasley
April 29, 2005
As a schoolgirl, I used to rush home at noon to hear Pepper Youngs Family. Tonight I just happened to see Mason Adams obituary, and I feel so very sad. My condolences to his family. May they know how much a part he has played in many lives.
DAN BOURDON
April 29, 2005
ACTORS LIKE YOUR SELF, MADE ACTING GREAT.
Brian Bucek
April 29, 2005
Remembered for his character on "Lou Grant" as the editor of the Chicago Trib....but I remember him best for his voice over for the "Smuckers" commercials
Terri Stephenson
April 29, 2005
Mason Adams wasn't only a great actor, but all of the charaters he played displayed his wisdom and grace. Not many people could live thier lives within the characters as he could. May God Bless his family during his remembrance.
Terry and Laurie Van Wormer
April 29, 2005
Mason Adams will be missed but his voice and talents of an actor will always be remembered. If I remember right, he was one of the voices for Smuckers, and paraphrasing one of their ads, with a man like Mason Adams, he had to be good! God Bless those who mourn his passing and may you be comforted at this time. Life is eternal.
Claire
April 29, 2005
The voice of Pepper Young will be missed
Cheryl Hosmer
April 29, 2005
You gave Lou Grant its flavor.
Maria Carroll
April 29, 2005
Mason Adams was a wonderful actor. He and his voice, will be greatly missed.
judy malloy
April 29, 2005
My condolences to family and friends
and the television FAMILY, we have
lost a great actor.
JOHN
April 29, 2005
MAY GOD GRANT YOU REST
Bruce Clarke
April 28, 2005
Sincerest Condolences,
Bruce Clarke & Family
Rich M
April 28, 2005
God Bless you Mason, you will be missed
Dave Loftus
April 28, 2005
Schmucker's will never taste the same.
A voice easily identified.
Will miss him for now, see him anon.
bridgette wyatt
April 28, 2005
Mr.&mrs. Charles wyatt
Jay Mishler
April 28, 2005
The world has lost another great and true entertainer. I always enjoyed watching Mr. Adams television performances. May God Bless him and his loved ones.
linda g
April 28, 2005
Time has a way of soothing us
and lightening our sorrows,
Time has a way of helping us
and brightening our tomorrows,
And those who are concerned for you,
and how you must be feeling,
Are hoping you’ll remember
that time has a way of healing
Bettie Phillips Tyree
April 28, 2005
My condolences to the family and friends of Mr. Adams and may God bless you all with peace and understanding during this time of bereavement. It's hard to let go of people without saying goodbye personally who you have come to know through television because it just feels like you know them personally. So fairwell Mason Adams and legacy is noted.
Vanessa Jacobs
April 28, 2005
May God continue to be with you and your family.
Showing 1 - 82 of 82 results
Make a Donation
in Mason Adams's name
How to support Mason's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor Mason Adams's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read moreMore ways to support the family
Visit the Sympathy Shop
Sponsored