Wallace “Wally” Amos, Jr., founder of the “Famous Amos” cookies known and loved across the country, died at age 88 on Wednesday, his family said.
The American entrepreneur died peacefully at home with his wife Carol by his side after a battle with dementia, Amos’ children, Sarah, Michael, Gregory and Shawn, said in a statement.
Born in Tallahassee, Florida, Amos built his brand from a bakery in Hollywood, California, in 1975 and a family recipe.
“Our father inspired a generation of entrepreneurs,” his children said, adding, “With his panama hat, kazoo and boundless optimism, famous Amos was a great American success story and a source of black pride. It is also part of our family’s story that we forever will be grateful and proud of.”
AP/Mark Foley
“Big was in, but Wally Amos dared to go small and perfected the ultimate bite-sized chocolate bar,” the brand’s website states. After that, Amos and his cookies became a success story in Hollywood. “Iconic musicians and other Hollywood celebrities began singing the praises of the delicious cookies from a small bakery on Sunset,” the website says.
Wally’s son Shawna blues musician and author, helped create the first store in Hollywood with his father. Shawn Amos’ book, “Cookies and Milk,” published in 2022, is based in part on his experiences growing up as the son of the famous Amos founder.
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“It’s a book about joy, it’s a book about fathers and sons wanting to be seen by each other,” he said on CBS Mornings.
Shawn said he worked in the front of the store while his father baked cookies in the back.
Amos’ children praised their father for teaching them the value of hard work, believing in themselves and chasing their dreams. “He was a true black American hero,” they said in their statement.