Wally Amos, the founder of the renowned Famous Amos cookie brand, has passed away at the age of 88. A significant figure in the food industry, Amos eventually lost ownership of his company along with the rights to its name.
In 1975, Amos launched his cookie brand after securing a $25,000 loan from friends in California to realize his vision of high-quality cookies, ultimately establishing one of the most recognizable names in the cookie sector.
According to Decoda Literacy Solutions, Amos began baking cookies as a hobby using his aunt’s recipe while employed at the William Morris Talent Agency. His coworkers often praised his baking skills, which laid the groundwork for his future cookie business.
His children, Shawn and Sarah Amos, revealed that their father died following a struggle with dementia, passing away at his home in Honolulu alongside his wife, Carol.
In a statement, the family highlighted his trademark “Panama hat, kazoo, and boundless optimism,” describing Wally’s journey as “a great American success story and a source of Black pride.”
Amos was also a co-founder of the Uncle Wally’s Muffin Co., established in Shirley, New York, shortly after he lost ownership and name rights to Famous Amos, as reported by the Associated Press.
Following his successful stint in California, Amos continued his endeavors in Hawaii. He was a passionate advocate for reading, running a reading room in his Hawaii cookie shop and hosting events aimed at promoting literacy among children. In 1991, he received the National Literacy Honors Award from President George H.W. Bush.
His children reflected on his life lessons, stating, “Our dad taught us the value of hard work, believing in ourselves, and chasing our dreams.”
They added, “We know he would love it if you had a chocolate chip cookie today.”