Wallace “Wally” Amos, the creator of the Famous Amos cookie empire who later became a children’s literacy advocate, has died at the age of 88. He passed away Tuesday at his home in Honolulu, where he was surrounded by his wife, Carol, and his family. Amos’s life was marked by both immense success and significant challenges, from founding a globally recognized cookie brand to losing control of it and reinventing himself multiple times.
Amos established the Famous Amos cookie company in 1975 on Sunset Boulevard in Los Angeles. His venture became the world’s first cookie store, inspiring countless other entrepreneurs. Known for his signature Panama hat, kazoo, and boundless optimism, he became a symbol of American entrepreneurial spirit and a source of Black pride. However, despite his talent for promotion, Amos struggled with the business aspects and ultimately lost ownership of the company and the rights to his own name. This loss was deeply personal and painful for him, but it did not diminish his drive to reclaim his legacy.
In his later years, Amos moved to Hawaii, a place where he had been stationed during his Air Force days and where he long dreamed of making his permanent home. There, he opened a cookie shop called Chip & Cookie in 1991, selling hand-made cookies reminiscent of the originals that brought him fame. Despite the eventual closure of this store, his love for baking and commitment to community never waned. He often read to children in the shop’s reading room, and his dedication to promoting literacy extended over two decades.
Amos’s commitment to literacy included serving as a spokesperson for Literacy Volunteers of America and writing eight books. He also earned numerous accolades, including the Literacy Award from President George H.W. Bush in 1991, who praised him for inspiring many to learn to read.
Born in Tallahassee, Florida, Amos moved to New York City at age 12 after his parents’ divorce. Raised by his aunt, Della Bryant, he learned to make chocolate chip cookies, a skill that would eventually define his professional life. After dropping out of high school, he joined the Air Force and later found work as a mailroom clerk at the William Morris Agency. He soon worked his way up to become an influential talent agent, representing clients such as The Supremes, Simon & Garfunkel, and Marvin Gaye. Amos was notably the first Black agent in the industry.
Despite the ups and downs in his professional life, Amos always found his way back to his roots in baking. After a period of disillusionment following the loss of his company, he rediscovered his passion for baking. The traditions he started carried on with his family. His children fondly remember making chocolate chip cookies with their kids, realizing the enduring legacy their father had created for them.
Amos’s life story is one of resilience, creativity, and a relentless pursuit of one’s passions. Even as he faced the challenges of dementia in his final years, his spirit remained an inspiration, culminating in a remarkable legacy that blends delicious cookies with a profound commitment to literacy and community service.
