Wallace “Wally” Amos, the founder of the popular Famous Amos cookie brand, passed away at the age of 88 in his Honolulu home. He died due to complications from dementia, as reported by his children to the New York Times. Amos started his cookie business in 1975 after opening his Famous Amos cookie shop on Sunset Boulevard using a $25,000 loan from friends like Marvin Gaye. Despite no longer owning the brand, his cookies had become a household name, drawing inspiration from a recipe taught to him by his aunt in Harlem.
Amos developed his passion for baking at a young age, learning baking skills from his aunt in New York City. He pursued a culinary career by attending the Food Trades Vocational High School in Manhattan before joining the Air Force. Upon returning to New York after his military service, he started working at the William Morris talent agency. Despite starting in the mailroom, he worked his way up to become the first black junior agent at the prestigious agency, forming connections with famous musicians like Marvin Gaye.
Amos eventually moved to Los Angeles, starting his own talent agency. Baking cookies as a form of stress relief, he brought them to client meetings and film shoots, attracting positive attention for his homemade treats. Encouraged by the positive response, he decided to turn his hobby into a career by opening his own bakery on Sunset Boulevard. The success of his Famous Amos cookies led to a significant increase in revenue and expansion, with the company’s revenue growing to $12 million by 1981.
Despite the success of his cookie business, Amos faced challenges in managing the company’s finances as it continued to grow. By 1988, he had sold his ownership and equity in the company. Following this, he transitioned into a motivational speaker and author, sharing his self-made story and advocating for black entrepreneurs and childhood literacy. He returned to cookie-making with multiple new brands throughout his life and opened a bakery in Honolulu, where he read to neighborhood children every Saturday.
Throughout his life, Amos made significant contributions not only in the business world but also in advocating for important causes like black entrepreneurship and childhood literacy. He leaves behind a legacy of success and inspiration, survived by his wife Carol Williams, four children, and several grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Despite facing challenges in his professional life, his passion for baking and commitment to giving back to the community remained a central part of his identity.
