Wallace “Wally” Amos Jr., the founder of the popular “Famous Amos” cookies, passed away at the age of 88, as confirmed by his family. He died peacefully at home on Wednesday, surrounded by his wife Carol and following a battle with dementia. Amos’ children—Sarah, Michael, Gregory, and Shawn—shared the news in a heartfelt statement.
Born in Tallahassee, Florida, Amos launched his cookie enterprise in Hollywood, California, in 1975, using a cherished family recipe. His children recognized their father’s impact, stating, “Our dad inspired a generation of entrepreneurs.” They noted his signature Panama hat, kazoo, and infectious optimism, celebrating him as a quintessential American success story and a symbol of Black pride.
Wally Amos transformed the baking world by creating bite-sized chocolate chip cookies, gaining acclaim in Hollywood. His cookies garnered attention from iconic musicians and celebrities, which helped elevate his brand. In his later years, he operated a cookie shop named Chip & Cookie in Hawaii, after relocating there in 1977. He also co-founded Uncle Wally’s Muffin Co., whose products are available in stores across the nation.
Despite his fame, Amos often downplayed its significance, famously stating in a 2007 interview, “Being famous is highly overrated anyway.”
His son, Shawn Amos, a blues musician and author, played a crucial role in establishing the inaugural Famous Amos shop alongside his father. Shawn’s book, “Cookies and Milk,” released in 2022, draws from his experiences growing up as Wally Amos’ son. He described it as a narrative centered on joy and the relationship between fathers and sons.
Shawn recalled his dual role at the shop, where he managed customer service while his father handled baking. The siblings celebrated their father’s teachings on hard work, self-belief, and the pursuit of dreams, calling him “a true original Black American hero.”
Additionally, Amos was a strong advocate for literacy, having authored eight books and served as a spokesperson for Literacy Volunteers of America for 24 years. His efforts in promoting reading earned him the National Literacy Award, which was presented to him by President George H.W. Bush in 1991. Bush praised Amos, saying, “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.”