It’s with great sadness that I report Wallace “Wally” Amos Jr., the visionary behind the iconic Famous Amos cookies that have captured the hearts of cookie lovers across the nation, has passed away at the age of 88.
His family confirmed that the American entrepreneur died peacefully at his home, with his devoted wife Carol by his side, after a long battle with dementia.
Wally Amos was born in Tallahassee, Florida, and went on to build a cookie empire from humble beginnings.
In 1975, he opened his first bakery in Hollywood, California, using a cherished family recipe.
This small venture quickly grew into a beloved brand known coast-to-coast.
“Our dad inspired a generation of entrepreneurs,” his children—Sarah, Michael, Gregory, and Shawn—shared in a heartfelt statement.
“With his signature Panama hat, kazoo, and boundless optimism, Famous Amos became a true American success story and a source of Black pride. This legacy is an integral part of our family’s history, one that we will always cherish and be proud of.”
As noted on the Famous Amos website, Wally Amos revolutionized the cookie industry by daring to go small, perfecting the bite-sized chocolate chip cookie.
His Hollywood bakery soon became a sensation, with iconic musicians and celebrities raving about his delicious treats.
Shawn Amos, Wally’s son who is a blues musician and author, played a pivotal role in the early days of the Famous Amos brand, helping his father set up the first shop.
Shawn’s 2022 book, “Cookies and Milk“, draws inspiration from his childhood experiences as the son of the Famous Amos founder.
“It’s a book about joy, about fathers and sons who want to be seen by each other,” Shawn shared during an interview on “CBS Mornings.”
He fondly recalled working at the front of the store while his father baked cookies in the back.
Reflecting on their father’s impact, Wally Amos’ children expressed gratitude for the lessons he imparted—hard work, self-belief, and the importance of pursuing dreams.
“He was a true original Black American hero,” they said in their tribute.
Wally Amos’ legacy lives on, not just in the cookies that bear his name, but in the countless lives he touched with his entrepreneurial spirit and unwavering positivity.
My sincerest condolences and prayers to the Amos family and all who knew and loved Wally.
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