HONOLULU (KHON2) -- Wally Amos, the charismatic founder of Famous Amos Cookies and a longtime advocate for literacy, has passed away.
Amos died in his Makiki home on Tuesday from complications related to pneumonia.
He was 88.
Amos is a former Air Force member who began his career working in the mailroom of the William Morris Agency.
Within a year, he became the agency’s first Black talent agent, representing iconic artists including Simon & Garfunkel, The Supremes, Marvin Gaye, and Helen Reddy.
He is most renowned for founding Famous Amos Cookies in 1975, although he was forced to sell the company in the late 1980s due to financial difficulties.
Following this, he launched several other cookie and muffin ventures.
In recent years, Amos focused on inspirational speaking and advocating for child literacy.
He also appeared on a segment called "Be Positive" on local morning newscasts in the early 2000s.
Amos is survived by his wife, Carol, and four adult children.