The beloved founder of Famous Amos cookies, Wally Amos, has passed away at the age of 88. According to the New York Times, Amos died on Tuesday at his home in Honolulu due to complications from dementia. His children, Shawn and Sarah Amos, confirmed his passing.
Wally Amos is survived by his wife, Christine Harris Amos, and four children. The family has not provided additional details at this time.
Wally Amos, who first gained fame with Famous Amos cookies, began his baking journey as a hobby before launching the Famous Amos Cookie Company on Sunset Boulevard in 1975. His cookies quickly gained recognition for their use of natural ingredients. In its inaugural year, the Famous Amos Cookie Company earned $300,000, and within five years, revenue soared to $12 million.
Despite the early success, Wally Amos sold Famous Amos in 1988 for $3 million after encountering financial difficulties. Following the sale, he lost the rights to his name and image. However, Wally did not leave the baking world behind. He continued to create and sell baked goods under new names such as Uncle Wally’s Muffins, Cookie Kahuna, and more recently, Aunt Della’s Cookies.
Before making his mark with Famous Amos cookies, Wally Amos worked in the talent industry, where he managed superstar acts like Simon and Garfunkel and The Supremes.
The legacy of Famous Amos cookies lives on, even as the world remembers the remarkable life of Wally Amos.