Wally Amos (1936–2024), creator of Famous Amos cookies

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:aAugust 13, 2024 (Who else died on August 13?)
• Details of death:aDied in Honolulu of dementia at the age of 88.
• We invite you to share condolencesafor Wally Amos in ouraGuest Book.

Wally Amosâ8099 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 (1939â80931984). 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 (1941â80932020) 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 â8093 and Amos himself â8093 famous enough that he had an appearance playing himself on the sitcom â809cTaxi.809d 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 â809cLearn to Read,809d a 30-episode educational series that aimed to help Americans â8093 especially older Americans â8093 learn to read. He also made appearances on â809cThe Jeffersons,809d â809cThe Office,809d and â809cShark Tank.809d

Amos penned a number of books, including â809cThe Famous Amos Story: The Face That Launched a Thousand Chips,809d â809cBe Positive! Insights On How to Live an Inspiring and Joy Filled Life,809d and â809cThe Cookie Never Crumbles: Practical Recipes for Everyday Living.809d A 2020 documentary, â809cThe Great Cookie Comeback: Rebaking Wally Amos,809d 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

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