Wally Amos was an entrepreneur and television personality who created several well-known cookie brands, including Famous Amos cookies, and hosted the TV show “Learn to Read,” an educational series aimed at adults.
- Died: August 13, 2024 (Who else died on August 13?)
- Details of death: Died in Honolulu of dementia at the age of 88.
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Wally Amos’ legacy
Florida-born Wally Amos was interested in the food business from an early age, attending Food Trades Vocational High School in New York before bouncing around between a variety of jobs and serving a brief stint in the United States Air Force. For a time, he worked as a talent agent for the William Morris Agency, where he signed legendary duo Simon & Garfunkel and repped for clients like The Temptations and Marvin Gaye (1939–1984). Amos was known for sending cookies to potential clients, becoming known enough for the practice that a friend suggested he start selling the treats.
In 1975, with the help of a $25,000 loan from Gaye, fellow singer Helen Reddy (1941–2020) and others, he began to do exactly that. In just a few years, his Famous Amos brand had swept across the country, making the cookies – and Amos himself – famous enough that he had an appearance playing himself on the sitcom “Taxi.” He eventually sold the brand, later founding Uncle Wally’s Muffin Company in 1999, along with others.
Amos also devoted himself to promoting literacy. In 1979, he began working with Literacy Volunteers of America, and in 1987, he hosted the television show “Learn to Read,” a 30-episode educational series that aimed to help Americans – especially older Americans – learn to read. He also made appearances on “The Jeffersons,” “The Office,” and “Shark Tank.”
Amos penned a number of books, including “The Famous Amos Story: The Face That Launched a Thousand Chips,” “Be Positive! Insights On How to Live an Inspiring and Joy Filled Life,” and “The Cookie Never Crumbles: Practical Recipes for Everyday Living.” A 2020 documentary, “The Great Cookie Comeback: Rebaking Wally Amos,” chronicled his life. He was presented with an Entrepreneurial Excellence Award by President Ronald Reagan in 1986.
Tributes to Wally Amos
Full obituary: The New York Times
