Founder of Famous Amos Cookie Brand Leaves Behind a Legacy at 88

Wally Amos, founder of Famous Amos cookies, has passed away at 88, leaving behind a legacy of creativity, determination, and kindness.

At a Glance

Wallace “Wally” Amos, Jr., founder of “Famous Amos” cookies, died at 88.
Amos passed away peacefully at home with his wife Carol by his side after battling dementia.
Amos started his cookie brand in 1975 in Hollywood, California, using a family recipe.
Amos’ children highlighted his influence on a generation of entrepreneurs and his role as a source of Black pride.
Famous Amos cookies became a Hollywood success, praised by iconic musicians and celebrities.

Humble Beginnings to Hollywood Success

Wallace “Wally” Amos, Jr. was born in Tallahassee, Florida. He ventured into the cookie business in 1975 in Hollywood, California, utilizing a family recipe to create the famous chocolate-chip cookies. The business started with a single store in Los Angeles and achieved $300,000 in its first year. By 1981, Famous Amos had grown into a $12 million enterprise (equivalent to about $42 million today).

The cookies, notable for their real ingredients without added coloring or chemicals, earned praise from celebrities and iconic musicians. Amos’ recipe, influenced by one he learned from his aunt, was a testament to his dedication to high-quality, handmade goods.

A Symbol of Black Pride and Inspiration

Amos is remembered not only for his cookies but also for his role as a source of Black pride and inspiration to many. “With his Panama hat, kazoo, and boundless optimism, Famous Amos was a great American success story, and a source of Black pride,” Amos’ children stated. Amos’ influence extended beyond the kitchen; he inspired a generation of entrepreneurs to pursue their dreams. He was also an active promoter of reading, serving as a spokesperson for Literacy Volunteers of America for 24 years and writing eight books.

Wallace “Wally” Amos, the creator of the cookie empire that took his name and made it famous and who went on to become a children’s literacy advocate, died at 88. https://t.co/c4HpH7L8ni

— TODAY (@TODAYshow) August 15, 2024

A Legacy of Ingenuity and Philanthropy

Despite financial difficulties that led him to sell Famous Amos in 1988, Amos continued his entrepreneurial pursuits by running a cookie shop called Chip & Cookie in Hawaii and co-founding Uncle Wally’s Muffin Co. “Being famous is highly overrated anyway,” Amos once remarked, emphasizing the importance of happiness and fulfillment over fame.

His commitment to literacy was recognized with the National Literacy Award from President George H.W. Bush in 1991. “Your greatest contribution to your country is not your signature straw hat in the Smithsonian, but the people you have inspired to learn to read,” President Bush commended Amos.

Enduring Values and Contributions

Amos’ children have praised him for instilling values of hard work, self-belief, and the courage to chase dreams. Perhaps one of his most memorable statements was, “You can’t compare a machine-made cookie with a handmade cookie. It’s like comparing a Rolls-Royce with a Volkswagen.” Amos emphasized the quality of handmade cookies, believing in the superior taste and craftsmanship of his products.

Not only did Amos’ cookies bring joy to many, but his philanthropic efforts made a significant impact. His legacy lives on through the people he inspired and the authentic, high-quality products he championed. Wally Amos’ life story is a testament to the power of perseverance, creativity, and making a difference in the lives of others.