Wallace “Wally” Amos Jr., the founder of Famous Amos cookies, has died, his family said Wednesday. He was 88.
He died “peacefully” at home following a battle with dementia, his family said.
Amos, a native of Tallahassee, Florida, opened the first Famous Amos cookie shop in Hollywood, California on the famed Sunset Blvd. in 1975. Amos’ cookie brand exploded in popularity over the years, becoming known for its signature beige packaging and blue lettering.
Wally Amos in his home office in the Lanikai section of Kailua, Hawaii. Amos, who in the 1980s lost ownership of his “Famous Amos” cookie company, is now selling his cookies at candy store Boardwalk Treats under the name, “The Cookie Kahuna,” June 12, 2007.
Lucy Pemoni/AP
“With his Panama hat, kazoo, and boundless optimism, Famous Amos was a great American success story, and a source of Black pride,” read a statement from the Amos family.
The statement continued, “It’s also a part of our family story for which we will forever be grateful and proud. Our dad taught as the value of hard work, believing in ourselves, and chasing our dreams. He was a true original Black American hero.”
The statement also asked for contributions to Alzheimer’s Association.
“We also know he would love it if you had a chocolate chip cookie today,” the statement finished.
Amos was recognized as the Horatio Alger Award recipient in 1987, an award who recognizes Americans who are “contemporary role models whose experiences exemplify that opportunities for a successful life are available to all individuals who are dedicated to the principles of integrity, hard work, perseverance and compassion for others.”
Amos’ membership page on the award’s website details a career as a music agent prior to Famous Amos. The founder also authored several books including “The Famous Amos Story: The Face That Launched a Thousand Chips,” “The Cookie Never Crumbles: Practical Recipes for Everyday Living” and “The Man with No Name: Turn Lemons into Lemonade.”
Wallace Amos Jr., the founder of the iconic cookie brand Famous Amos, has passed away at the age of 88. Amos, who was known for his delicious chocolate chip cookies and charismatic personality, leaves behind a legacy that has left a lasting impact on the world of baking and entrepreneurship.
Born in Tallahassee, Florida in 1936, Wallace Amos Jr. had a passion for baking from a young age. After serving in the Air Force and working in the music industry, he decided to pursue his dream of opening a cookie shop. In 1975, he founded Famous Amos Cookies in Los Angeles, California.
Famous Amos quickly became a household name, known for its rich, buttery cookies packed with chunks of chocolate. Amos’ secret recipe and dedication to quality ingredients set his cookies apart from the competition, earning him a loyal following of customers.
In addition to his delicious cookies, Wallace Amos Jr. was also known for his larger-than-life personality and infectious enthusiasm. He was a natural salesman and promoter, always eager to share his love of baking with others. His passion for his craft inspired countless aspiring bakers and entrepreneurs to follow their dreams.
Despite facing challenges and setbacks along the way, Wallace Amos Jr. remained dedicated to his vision and never gave up on his dream. His perseverance and determination are a testament to his character and serve as an inspiration to all who knew him.
In 1985, Amos sold Famous Amos Cookies to the Keebler Company, but his legacy lived on through the continued success of the brand. He went on to start other ventures in the food industry and remained active in charitable work and community outreach.
Wallace Amos Jr.’s impact on the world of baking and entrepreneurship cannot be overstated. His cookies brought joy to millions of people around the world and his entrepreneurial spirit inspired countless others to pursue their passions.
As we mourn the loss of Wallace Amos Jr., we also celebrate the incredible life he lived and the legacy he leaves behind. His memory will live on through the delicious cookies that bear his name and the countless lives he touched along the way. Rest in peace, Mr. Amos.
