Wallace ‘Wally’ Amos, Jr., Creator of Famous Amos Cookies Passes Away
Famous Amos Cookies is one of the most well-known cookie brands in America, but did you know it was named after a real person, Wallace “Wally” Amos, Jr.? On August 7, the Black American entrepreneur passed away peacefully at his home after battling dementia. He was 88 years old. His wife, Carol, and children, Sarah, Michael, Gregory, and Shawn, released a statement confirming his death.
“Our dad inspired a generation of entrepreneurs,” the statement read. “With his Panama hat, kazoo, and boundless optimism, Famous Amos was a great American success story, and a source of Black pride. It’s also part of our family story for which we will forever be grateful and proud.”
Amos started with a single bakery in Hollywood, California, in 1975, eventually launching Famous Amos cookies and turning it into a household name. At the time, his decision to sell bite-sized chocolate chip cookies made Famous Amos stand out from other brands, which typically offered larger cookies. His bakery quickly became popular among Hollywood celebrities and legendary musicians.
Amos owned and operated several bakeries over the years, with the help of his children, who praised the strong work ethic he instilled in them. “He was a true original Black American hero,” they said in their statement. In addition to founding Famous Amos cookies, Amos authored eight books and served as a spokesperson for Literacy Volunteers of America for 24 years. In 1991, President George H.W. Bush presented him with the National Literacy Award for his volunteer work.
“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,” Bush said.
