Wallace “Wally” Amos, Jr., founder of the “Famous Amos” cookies, passed away on August 14. He was 88.

He died peacefully at home with his family by his side following a battle with dementia.

Wally Amos, born Wallace Amos Jr. on July 1, 1936. is an entrepreneur best known for his famous chocolate chip cookies The founder of Famous Amos cookies, Amos’s story is a classic American tale of innovation, and determination in the face of adversity.

Wally Amos was born in Tallahassee, Florida, and raised in New York City by his aunt. He developed a passion for baking at an early age. He  learned the craft from his aunt who often baked cookies for him. This early exposure to baking would later serve as the foundation for his future business success.

Amos joined the U.S. Air Force after high school and, after his discharge, attended the prestigious Food Trades Vocational High School in New York. He began his career in the mailroom at the William Morris Agency. Amos’s talent and hard work soon saw him rise through the ranks, becoming the agency’s first African American talent agent. During his tenure, he represented well-known clients such as Simon & Garfunkel, Diana Ross, and Marvin Gaye.

Despite his success in the entertainment industry, Amos never lost his love for baking. He often baked chocolate chip cookies for his clients and friends, who praised their exceptional taste. He was encouraged by people’s positive feedback and decided to turn his hobby into a business.

In 1975, with a loan from friends and a sense for business, Wally Amos opened the first Famous Amos cookie store on Sunset Boulevard in Los Angeles, California. The store quickly became a sensation, attracting both locals and celebrities alike. Amos’s charismatic personality and marketing savvy played a crucial role. He became the face of Famous Amos, promoting the cookies on talk shows and in media appearances.

Famous Amos cookies soon became a national hit. The brand expanded into supermarkets and convenience stores across the United States. The brand’s distinctive packaging, featuring Amos’s smiling face and signature hat, became a symbol of quality and taste.

Despite the initial success, the company had financial challenges. Rapid expansion, coupled with competition and rising production costs, led to debt. In the early 1980s, Amos was forced to sell a majority portion of the company to the Bass Brothers, a Texas-based investment group.

Undisturbed by the setback, Wally Amos continued to pursue his passion for baking and entrepreneurship. Amos had become a motivational speaker and author. He has written several books, including “The Cookie Never Crumbles” and “Watermelon Magic: Seeds of Wisdom, Slices of Life.

Rest in Peace.

Wally Amos, the man behind ‘Famous Amos’ cookies has sadly passed away at the age of 88 RIP to a legend pic.twitter.com/iDzYjEu1Tx

— Morning Brew ☕️ (@MorningBrew) August 14, 2024