Famous Amos, born Wally Amos on July 1, 1936, in Tallahassee, Florida, best known for his brand of chocolate chip cookies, Famous Amos, died at the age of 88 from dementia.

“With his Panama hat, kazoo, and boundless optimism, Famous Amos was a great American success story, and a source of Black pride,” said children Sarah, Michael, Gregory and Shawn Amos in a statement.

“Our dad taught us the value of hard work, believing in ourselves, and chasing our dreams.”

Amos grew up in New York City, where he developed a passion for baking from his aunt. After serving in the U.S. Air Force, Amos worked in the entertainment industry, initially as a talent agent at the William Morris Agency, where he represented artists like Simon & Garfunkel and Diana Ross.

In 1975, Amos combined his love for baking with his business acumen and opened the first Famous Amos cookie store in Los Angeles, California. His high-quality, bite-sized chocolate chip cookies quickly gained popularity, leading to nationwide distribution and making Famous Amos a household name. Despite initial success, financial difficulties led to the sale of the company in the late 1980s. However, Amos remained a prominent figure, known for his charismatic personality and as a pioneer in the gourmet cookie industry.

In 2023, Amos' son, Shawn Amos' book, Cookies & Milk, a book chronicling growing up with his father making cookies, was nominated for Outstanding Literary Work - Youth/Teens.

Wally Amos's legacy as the "Father of the Gourmet Cookie" will remain influential in American pop culture.