Wallace ‘Wally’ Amos Jr., founder of Famous Amos cookies, passes away at 88

Wallace “Wally” Amos Jr., known for founding the Famous Amos cookie brand, has passed away at the age of 88, according to an announcement from his family on Wednesday. They shared that he died peacefully at home after struggling with dementia.

In 1975, Amos launched the inaugural Famous Amos cookie shop on the iconic Sunset Boulevard in Hollywood. Over the years, his cookie brand surged in popularity, becoming widely recognized all over the world. “With his Panama hat, kazoo, and boundless optimism, Famous Amos was a great American success story, and a source of Black pride,” read a statement from the Amos family.

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“It’s also a part of our family story for which we will forever be grateful and proud. Our dad taught as the value of hard work, believing in ourselves, and chasing our dreams. He was a true original Black American hero,” the statement continued.

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The statement also requested donations to the Alzheimer’s Association.

“We also know he would love it if you had a chocolate chip cookie today,” the statement finished.