Wally Amos, born on July 1, 1936, in Tallahassee, Florida, started his career in the music industry. He worked as a talent agent for the William Morris Agency, representing notable artists like Simon & Garfunkel and Marvin Gaye. However, his life took an unexpected turn when he discovered his passion for baking cookies.

In 1975, after being inspired by his grandmother’s cookie recipes, Amos decided to start his own cookie business. He named it “Famous Amos” after his childhood nickname and began selling his cookies from a small store in Los Angeles. His cookies, known for their homemade taste and quality ingredients, quickly gained popularity. In 1980, just five years after starting his business, Amos sold his company to Shansby, a food conglomerate, for a reported $20 million.

Famous Amos Founder’s Current Net Worth

As of 2025, the latest available information pegs the net worth of Famous Amos founder, Wally Amos, at approximately $50 million. This figure is a testament to his successful entrepreneurship and the enduring popularity of his cookie brand.

Career

Wally Amos, born in 1936, began his career in the music industry, working as a talent agent for the William Morris Agency. However, he is best known for founding the Famous Amos cookie brand in 1975. He started the company with a $100,000 loan and a unique business model, selling cookies directly to consumers through mail-order catalogs and later in retail stores. In 1988, he sold the company to Shansby, Inc., but he remained involved in the business until 1992.

Other Ventures

After selling Famous Amos, Amos founded Uncle Wally’s Muffin Co. in 1994, which he later sold in 2001. He also ventured into the tea business with The Cookie & Tea Company, which he launched in 2003. Amos has been involved in various other entrepreneurial and philanthropic endeavors, including the Wally Amos Rock ‘n’ Roll Foundation, which he established to support music education.

Assets

Wally Amos’ assets include real estate properties, primarily in the United States. He also has investments in various businesses and stocks. His most notable asset, however, is the brand equity and intellectual property rights of Famous Amos, which he still owns despite selling the company. This has allowed him to continue earning royalties and licensing fees from the brand.

Annual Income

Wally Amos’ annual income is primarily derived from royalties and licensing fees from the Famous Amos brand, as well as his other business ventures. His exact annual income is not publicly disclosed, but it is estimated to be in the millions of dollars. Additionally, he earns income from public speaking engagements and appearances, where he shares his entrepreneurial journey and insights.

Frequently Asked Questions about  Famous Amos Founder

**Frequently Asked Questions: Famous Amos Founder Net Worth**

1. Who is the founder of Famous Amos?

Wally “Famous” Amos is the founder of Famous Amos cookies. He was born as Wallace Amos Jr. on July 1, 1936, in Tallahassee, Florida.

2. When was Famous Amos founded?

Famous Amos cookies were first introduced in 1975. The company was founded by Wally Amos and his business partner, Melvin “Mel” Greenberg.

3. What was Wally Amos’ background before starting Famous Amos?

Before starting Famous Amos, Wally Amos worked in the music industry. He was a talent agent and had worked with artists like Diana Ross and the Supremes. He also had a brief stint in the U.S. Army.

4. How did the name ‘Famous Amos’ come about?

The name ‘Famous Amos’ was inspired by the nickname Wally Amos had given himself, ‘Famous’, and the character ‘Amos ‘n’ Andy’, a popular radio and TV show in the mid-20th century.

5. What is Wally Amos’ net worth?

Wally “Famous” Amos’ net worth is estimated to be $50 million.

6. How did Wally Amos become successful?

Wally Amos’ success can be attributed to his unique recipe for chocolate chip cookies, his charismatic personality, and his innovative marketing strategies, such as personally handing out samples of his cookies in supermarkets.

7. Did Wally Amos sell his company?

Yes, Wally Amos sold his company, Famous Amos, to Shansby Corporation in 1988. However, he left the company in 1992 due to creative differences.

8. What happened to Wally Amos after he left Famous Amos?

After leaving Famous Amos, Wally Amos started a new cookie company called Uncle Wally’s Muffins. He also became a motivational speaker and author, writing books like “The Cookie Never Crumbles” and “The Power of Believing”.

9. Did Wally Amos face any financial difficulties?

Yes, Wally Amos has faced financial difficulties. In 2001, he filed for bankruptcy, citing debts of over $5 million. He also had to sell his mansion in Beverly Hills to pay off his debts.

10. What is Wally Amos doing now?

As of now, Wally Amos is still involved in the food industry. He has a new cookie company called The Cookie Comeback, which focuses on making cookies with natural ingredients. He also continues to be a motivational speaker and author.