An Authentic Black American Hero

Wallace “Wally” Amos, Jr., the beloved founder of “Famous Amos” cookies, passed away at the age of 88 on Wednesday, as confirmed by his family.

Amos died peacefully at home surrounded by his wife, Carol, after battling dementia. His children—Sarah, Michael, Gregory, and Shawn—shared this news in a heartfelt statement.

Born in Tallahassee, Florida, Amos built his cookie empire in 1975 when he opened a small bakery in Hollywood, California, using a treasured family recipe.

“Our dad inspired a generation of entrepreneurs,” his children stated. They added, “With his Panama hat, kazoo, and boundless optimism, Famous Amos was a great American success story and a source of Black pride. It’s also part of our family story for which we will forever be grateful and proud.”

Wally Amos’ journey in baking began with a simple yet revolutionary idea. “Big was in, but Wally Amos dared to go small and perfected the ultimate bite-size chocolate chip cookie,” the brand’s website emphasizes. This approach soon led to a remarkable success story in Hollywood, as renowned musicians and celebrities began singing the praises of Amos’ cookies, which originated from a small bakery on Sunset Boulevard.

His son, Shawn, a blues musician and author, played a key role in establishing the first shop alongside his father. In 2022, Shawn released a book titled “Cookies and Milk,” which captures elements of his upbringing as the son of the Famous Amos founder.

During an appearance on CBS Mornings, Shawn described his book as “a book about joy, a book about fathers and sons who want to be seen by each other.”

Shawn shared that he worked at the front of the store, where he saw firsthand the dedication his father poured into the baking process. Amos’ children fondly recalled their father’s lessons on the importance of hard work, self-belief, and pursuing dreams.

In their statement, they characterized him as “a true original Black American hero,” highlighting the impact he had not only on their lives but also on many aspiring entrepreneurs. Wally Amos’ legacy as a trailblazer in the baking industry and as an advocate for self-confidence and perseverance will continue to resonate with many for years to come.