Wally Amos, Famous Amos Cookies Founder, Dead at 88

Wally Amos, the founder of Famous Amos cookies, has died from complications of dementia.

News of his death comes via a statement from his children.

He was 88 years old.

via Complex:

“He was a true original Black American hero,” the statement read, per CNN. “With his Panama hat, kazoo, and boundless optimism, Famous Amos was a great American success story, and a source of Black pride.” The letter was signed by Sarah, Michael, Gregory, and Shawn Amos.

A native of Tallahassee, Florida, Amos started selling his bite-sized chocolate chip cookies at his Los Angeles-based bakery in 1975, the company’s website says. The mini cookies were Amos’ take on a family recipe, and among his patrons were Hollywood celebrities and musicians.

“I started making cookies just to make a living and to be happy doing what I was doing,” Amos told the Detroit Black Journal in 1991. “And I just, I was so committed and so involved and so joyous about it.”

While his business flourished for years, he eventually had to sell Famous Amos to a private equity group in 1988 due to financial hardships. The Ferroro Group—the maker of Nutella—currently owns the cookie brand.

During the latter years of his life, Amos made a few cameos in popular sitcoms, like The Jeffersons, Taxi, and The Office.

RIP to a legend.

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