Wally Amos launched his iconic cookie brand in 1975|newthoughtdocumentary|CC BY 2.0
Wallace “Wally” Amos, founder of Famous Amos cookies, passed away at 88 in Honolulu on Tuesday due to complications from dementia.
Known for his Panama hat, Amos launched his iconic cookie brand in 1975—revolutionizing cookie-making with high-quality, handmade treats.
The brand quickly gained fame for its homemade-tasting chocolate chip cookies, competing with established names like Chips Ahoy. He also launched Uncle Wally’s Muffins and appeared on “Shark Tank” in 2016.
Despite the success, he sold Famous Amos in 1988 and struggled to recreate his cookie magic. He remained influential as an author and literacy advocate.
Amos earned awards for his volunteer work, including a 1991 Literacy Award and the 1987 Horatio Alger Award.