Wally Amos, the iconic founder of Famous Amos cookies, has died at the age of 88, his children announced in a statement.
The cause of death was complications related to dementia. “He was a true original Black American hero,” the statement read, signed by his children Sarah, Michael, Gregory, and Shawn Amos.
Described as a “great American success story” and “a source of Black pride,” Amos was known for his signature Panama hat, kazoo, and infectious optimism.
He launched his bakery in 1975 on Sunset Boulevard in Los Angeles, offering bite-sized chocolate chip cookies that quickly became a hit among Hollywood stars and musicians.
The cookies were based on a family recipe, making them a novel treat at the time.
Amos, born in Tallahassee, Florida, reflected on his business in a 1991 interview with Detroit Black Journal, saying, “I started making cookies just to make a living and to be happy doing what I was doing.”
He emphasized his commitment and joy in the process, stating, “I didn’t say, ‘Hey, I’m going to go in the cookie business, make a lot of money…’ I said, ‘Well, do something I like the way I want to do it.’”
Beyond his business, Amos was a notable pop culture figure, making appearances on shows like “The Office,” “The Jeffersons,” and “Taxi.”
He sold his cookie brand to a private equity group in 1988 after facing financial difficulties.
Source-CNN
