Wallace “Wally” Amos, the man behind the Famous Amos cookie empire and a prominent children’s literacy advocate, has passed away at the age of 88 in Honolulu. He is best known for founding the world’s first cookie store on Sunset Boulevard in Los Angeles in 1975, inspiring many entrepreneurs. Despite losing ownership of Famous Amos and the rights to use his name, he continued his entrepreneurial ventures, such as co-founding Uncle Wally’s Muffin Co., known for its products sold nationwide.
Amos, a Panama hat enthusiast with a kazoo and a positive outlook, believed that fame was overrated. Reflecting on the legacy of Famous Amos, his children, Sarah, Michael, Gregory, and Shawn, expressed pride in their father’s achievements. An advocate for literacy, Amos operated a cookie shop in Hawaii, where he engaged with the community by providing a reading room filled with books and reading to children on weekends while wearing his iconic watermelon hat.
Throughout his life, Amos penned eight books, served as a spokesperson for Literacy Volunteers of America for 24 years, and delivered motivational speeches to various audiences. His dedication to promoting literacy earned him accolades, including the Literacy Award presented by President George H.W. Bush in 1991. Despite setbacks with his businesses, including Famous Amos and Uncle Noname Cookie Co., he remained resilient and continued to inspire others through his work and words.
Born in Tallahassee, Florida, Amos moved to New York City as a young boy and later found his passion for baking while living with his aunt. His journey from a high school dropout to a successful entrepreneur and literacy advocate showcases his determination and belief in the power of hard work and self-belief. Amos leaves behind a legacy of perseverance, entrepreneurship, and a love for chocolate chip cookies, encouraging others to follow their dreams, just as he did.
