, April 28 (UPI) -- Noted actor Mason Adams, prominent in radio, television, movies and the theater, has died of natural causes in his Manhattan home at the age of 86,
Adams, who died Tuesday, was born in Brooklyn, received his master's degree from the University of Wisconsin and then returned to New York, where he taught speech and then moved into radio drama.
He first starred in radio serials during the 1940s and 1950s, the New York Times said Thursday. In 1953, for example, he was the memorable bad guy of the radio show "Gangbusters."
Later he gained fame in television, with key roles in "Lou Grant," before moving into theater.
His voice became synonymous with the J. M. Smucker Co., which featured him in its jam and jelly commercials for more than 30 years using his trademark line: "With a name like Smucker's, it has to be good."
Adams is survived by his wife and two children.
