Most fans of the original King Kong know the screams, the skyscraper, and the stop-motion magic. But fewer know about the censored scene that vanished for decades—the moment when Kong actually starts to undress Ann Darrow (Fay Wray).
In the early cut, Kong curiously tugs at Ann’s dress,
peeling pieces away as he studies her like a new discovery. It wasn’t graphic, but for 1933 America, it sent censors into full banana-peel panic. The Hays Office declared it too suggestive, too intense, and way too close to the line between curiosity and impropriety.
The scene was cut from most re-releases by 1938 and stayed missing until restoration teams finally recovered it decades later. Today, you can see it in restored versions—a reminder that early Hollywood pushed boundaries long before anyone knew what “PG-13” meant.
Even in black-and-white, Kong wasn’t just king of Skull Island—he was king of scenes that made the censors sweat.
🤓 Why It Matters (Yes, Even in 2025)
This scene is a perfect snapshot of Hollywood at a turning point:
Special effects legend Willis O’Brien created a moment so lifelike, it accidentally crossed a line.
Pre-Code filmmaking pushed boundaries that would soon be shut tight for decades.
Censorship shaped how generations experienced the film.
And let’s be honest: it’s also a reminder that moviegoers in 1933 weren’t all that different from us—they noticed awkward moments too.
🎥 The Making of Thriller: Behind the Scenes of the Video That Changed Music Forever
When Michael Jackson dropped the Thriller music video in 1983, he didn’t just release a hit — he rewrote the rulebook for music videos. Clocking in at nearly 14 minutes and packed with horror-movie flair, movie-quality makeup, and choreography so addictive it’s now universal language, Thriller became a global pop-culture earthquake.
But the story behind the making of this iconic short film is just as wild, innovative, and surprising as the video itself.
🧟♂️ A Music Video… That Wasn’t Supposed to Exist
After the Thriller album came out, sales started slipping. Yep — slipping! Hard to believe for the best-selling record of all time, but it’s true.
Michael and his team wanted to revive interest, and his idea was bold:
“Let’s shoot a horror movie disguised as a music video.”
This had never been done before. Music videos were typically cheap, fast, and promotional. Michael wanted cinema — big budget, real sets, professional actors, and Hollywood talent.
🎬 Enter John Landis: The Hollywood Director Who Made It Possible
Michael hired John Landis, the director of An American Werewolf in London, because he loved Landis’ transformation effects.
Landis agreed — under one condition:
“We’re making a short film, not just a music video.”
That’s why the official title is Michael Jackson’s Thriller — A Short Film.
💰 The Budget Was Outrageous (And No One Wanted to Pay It)
MTV and record labels thought Michael was crazy. They didn’t want to fund a 14-minute mini-movie. The final cost? $900,000 — unheard of in 1983.
So Michael used some showbiz genius:
He and Landis filmed a behind-the-scenes documentary,
Sold it to Showtime and MTV,
And used the profit to pay for the video.
This made Thriller the first music video in history financed by licensing its own making-of documentary.
🧟 The Zombies Were… Dancers From Fame
Those undead creatures you see crawling out of the graves? Most of them were dancers from the TV show Fame. Michael wanted professionals, not extras, so the team recruited trained dancers who could hit every beat with creepy precision.
🧪 Michael Jackson Sat 3–4 Hours in the Makeup Chair Every Day
Legendary makeup artist Rick Baker transformed Michael into a werewolf and a zombie.
Fun fact:
The werewolf makeup took 4 hours.
The zombie look took about 2 hours.
Michael actually kept some of the prosthetics and wore them to scare people on set.
🧛 A Weird Legal Twist: Michael Had to Make a Public Disclaimer
After joining the Jehovah’s Witnesses, Michael’s church objected to the horror elements and “occult imagery.” They threatened to excommunicate him.
Michael briefly considered scrapping the entire video — yes, really.
The compromise was the now-famous opening text:
“Due to my strong personal convictions, I wish to stress that this film in no way endorses a belief in the occult.”
Without that disclaimer, Thriller might never have been released.
🔥 Things You Might Not Know
1. Ola Ray (the girlfriend) was a former Playboy Playmate
Casting her caused a minor scandal — and she later sued for unpaid royalties.
2. The red jacket became a worldwide fashion boom
People didn’t just buy versions of it — demand jumped so high that knockoff manufacturers sprang up overnight.
3. The dance almost didn’t happen
Michael was worried that zombie choreography would look silly. Landis convinced him that “monsters dancing is the fun.”
4. The cemetery wasn’t spooky… at all
The graveyard was a soundstage in Los Angeles. Most of the fog was created by overworked smoke machines that kept breaking down.
5. Guinness World Records certified it as the most successful music video ever
It sold more than 9 million copies, making it the best-selling video in history.
6. The premiere shut down MTV’s phone lines
People called begging for replays because no one had ever seen a music video like this.
7. It revived the Thriller album in a massive way
After the video debuted, album sales tripled, ultimately making Thriller the best-selling album of all time.
💡 Why Thriller Still Matters Today
It set the gold standard, and 40+ years later, its influence is still everywhere — from Halloween flash mobs to modern music-video storytelling.
Welcome back to Indy Chicken Soup, where we warm your soul with local flavor, classic nostalgia, and the occasional “Wait… THAT really happened?” moment.
And today’s moment is a doozy.
Before Marvel movies took over the universe, the 1960s specialized in wild mash-ups: beach stars on skis, soul legends in snow boots, and the future Batgirl trying not to slip on ice while wearing perfect eyeliner. This brings us to one of the greatest oddball film moments of the decade…
When James Brown Brought the Funk to a Ski Resort
The movie was Ski Party (1965)—a bubblegum-sweet teen musical starring Frankie Avalon, Dwayne Hickman, and a young Yvonne Craig, who later suited up as Batgirl on the 1966 Batman TV series.
The plot? Two college guys pretend to be women to learn how to pick up girls on the slopes. It’s the kind of movie where the logic ends and the dance numbers begin.
And then… James Brown enters.
Yes, that James Brown—the Godfather of Soul—bursts onto the snowy screen with The Famous Flames and unleashes “I Got You (I Feel Good)” in one of his earliest on-film performances of the song.
A Performance So Hot It Should’ve Melted the Snow
Brown’s feet moved faster than most people ski.
The man didn’t need winter gear. His energy alone could’ve powered a small mountain town.
The song wasn’t even a huge hit yet—but after this movie, it became one of the most recognizable anthems of all time. Frankie Avalon crooned, Yvonne Craig sparkled, but James Brown straight-up stole the film.
It’s still celebrated as one of the most delightfully unexpected musical cameos in 1960s cinema.
Did You Know? (Fun Facts!)
“I Got You (I Feel Good)” hit No. 3 on the Billboard Hot 100 shortly after the movie’s release.
Yvonne Craig filmed Ski Party the same year she was cast as Batgirl.
James Brown didn’t ski—he didn’t have to. He let the snow try to keep up with him.
Ski Party was part of the “beach party movie” craze… except someone said, “Forget the beach—let’s put everyone in a lodge.”
Final Ladle of Chicken Soup Wisdom
If anyone ever tells you the ’60s were boring, show them the movie where Frankie Avalon skis, Batgirl flirts, and James Brown sings his heart out at high altitude.
Trust me—you’ll feel good.
🐟 Indiana: It’s Illegal to Catch a Fish With Your Bare Hands (Well… Kind Of)
Here in the Hoosier State, we’ve got cornfields, tenderloins the size of hubcaps, and lawmakers who apparently once knew someone way too good at hand-fishing.
Technically speaking, catching fish with your bare hands is prohibited under certain circumstances—mostly because the state wants to protect fish populations and make sure everyone plays fair. But the image of lawmakers sitting around saying, “We MUST stop these slippery-fingered renegades!” is too good to ignore.
So if you were planning on strolling into Eagle Creek, rolling up your sleeves like a frontier superhero, and snatching a catfish mid-wiggle… maybe just bring a pole like the rest of us.
🍺🐠 Ohio: You Can’t Get a Fish Drunk
Someone, somewhere in Ohio’s history, absolutely tried this.
That’s the only explanation for why the Buckeye State officially prohibits giving alcohol to fish. While we can all appreciate the idea of a carp belly-up at the bar saying, “Just one more round,” the law exists to prevent animal cruelty and protect waterways.
But let’s be honest — if you're pouring Bud Light into a lake, you’ve already made several questionable decisions that have nothing to do with marine biology.
🛁🐴 Arizona: Donkeys Can’t Sleep in Bathtubs
If you’re imagining a donkey in a claw-foot tub wrapped in a towel and listening to Kenny G, you’re not alone — but the real story is even better.
Back in the 1920s, a rancher in Arizona let his donkey sleep in an old bathtub. One day, a flood swept the tub (and the donkey) miles down the valley. After an all-hands rescue operation involving disgruntled neighbors and very patient firefighters, local lawmakers decided: Never again.
And thus, the “Donkey Bathtub Act” (my unofficial name, but it should be real) was born.
🥄 Final Ladleful
Every state has its quirks — but some take it to another level. Whether it’s Indiana protecting fish from overly talented hands, Ohio preventing drunken trout uprisings, or Arizona banning bathtime burros, these laws remind us that history is made by real people with real problems… and occasionally, very confused animals.
🐾 Nature’s Funhouse: Crazy Animal Facts That’ll Scramble Your Brain
By BJ for Indy Chicken Soup — Where curiosity clucks louder than common sense.
Welcome back, readers! Today we’re diving into the wild, the weird, and the “I need to Google this immediately” side of the animal kingdom. As always, we bring you the facts with research-backed reliability, a pinch of Indiana charm, and a ladle of Chicken Soup humor.
🐙 Octopuses: Overachievers of the Sea
With three hearts and blue blood, octopuses sound like they belong in a nautical soap opera. While humans struggle with cardio, these sea geniuses can squeeze through holes the size of a quarter and solve puzzles faster than your nephew on an iPad.
🐔 Chickens Remember 100+ Faces
Studies show chickens can recognize people and other animals. So yes — your hens absolutely remember who brought the good snacks… and who dared switch to discount feed. Careful, they hold grudges.
🦆 The Duck Quack Echo Mystery
For years people claimed a duck’s quack didn’t echo. Turns out it does — scientists just couldn’t hear it clearly. Ducks basically invented stealth mode.
🐨 Koalas Could Ruin a Crime Scene
Their fingerprints are almost identical to humans. A koala could technically frame you for a crime… but they’re too sleepy to follow through.
🦔 A Group of Hedgehogs Is Called a “Prickle”
This is not only 100% true, it’s 100% adorable. Imagine a biker gang, but tiny, spiky, and more likely to run from danger than cause it.
🦑 Immortal Jellyfish: Nature’s Reset Button
When stressed or injured, this species can revert to its youthful state — basically hitting control-Z on life. Humans call this “vacation.” Jellyfish call it Tuesday.
🐘 Elephants Think Humans Are Cute
Research shows elephants see us the way we see puppies. This is touching, humbling, and explains why they look at us like, “Aw, look at you trying to be tall.”
🦒 Giraffes Hum at Night
They have no vocal cords, yet they make a low nighttime hum. Your bedroom fan isn’t broken — that’s just the distant lullaby of a giraffe.
🦞 Lobsters Pee From Their Faces
File this under “facts we didn’t ask for.” But yes, when lobsters need to make a statement (especially during fights), they literally spray pee from the nozzles on their face.
🐀 Rats Laugh When Tickled
Using special audio equipment, researchers discovered rats emit tiny giggles when tickled. Somewhere right now, a scientist is doing important work with a feather.
🐢 Turtles Can Breathe Through Their Butts
Technically it’s called “cloacal respiration,” but let’s not pretend that makes it less awkward. Nature was clearly experimenting that day.
Yoda Bat (Star Wars)
Despite its internet fame, the Yoda bat is actually a shy and peaceful creature, spending most of its life gliding through dense forest canopies in search of figs and other sweet treats. Scientists believe its tube-shaped nostrils help it sniff out ripe fruit with Jedi-level precision. The discovery of this species was a reminder of just how much mystery and wonder still hide in the world’s untouched forests. As for the bat itself? It may not wield a lightsaber, but with a face like that, “cute and wise, this one is.”
Which Eggs Are Worth Cracking Open Your Wallet For?
If you’ve ever stood in the egg aisle wondering why some cartons cost as much as a car payment, welcome to the club. Today we’re breaking down three of the big-name “fancy eggs” so you don’t crack under pressure.
🐓 Vital Farms
The Beverly Hills of Eggs
These hens live on pasture like feathered retirees—sunshine, bugs, space, the works. Why they’re special:
Pasture-raised = more omega-3s, vitamins A & E, and richer flavor.
Yolks so golden they look filtered. Best for: People who want high ethics and high flavor.
🐣 Happy Egg Co.
The “My Chickens Are Probably Happier Than I Am” Eggs
Free-range or pasture-raised depending on carton. Usually great taste, bright yolks, and fun packaging. Why they’re good:
More humane than typical eggs.
Often cheaper than Vital Farms. The catch: “Pasture-raised” isn’t always equal—some farms are paradise, some are more like a chicken timeshare.
🥚 Eggland’s Best
The Supplement Store Egg
These hens don’t roam free—they get the good stuff from a special feed. Why they stand out:
More omega-3s, vitamin D, vitamin E, and B vitamins than regular eggs.
Lower saturated fat. Best for: Anyone wanting a nutrient boost without paying for pasture real estate.
🧪 Are These Better Than Cheaper Eggs?
Usually, yes.
Vital Farms & Happy Egg: More nutrients from outdoor living and natural diets.
Eggland’s Best: Lab-verified vitamin power.
Store eggs: Still edible, still make good scrambled eggs, still don’t require a loan.
🧭 Indy Chicken Soup’s Official Egg Scorecard
What You Want…
Recommend
Best taste + ethics
Vital Farms
Good + not too pricey
Happy Egg Co.
More nutrients for your $$
Eggland’s Best
Cheap but dependable
Store eggs
🐔 Final Peck of Wisdom
If you care about flavor, nutrition, or how the chickens lived their best life, the premium eggs earn their keep. If you’re just trying to avoid burning breakfast again… the budget eggs will still crack just fine.
Robot Athlete Completes 400 Meters in Just 83 Seconds — The Future of Sports?
If you thought the Olympics were intense, wait until you see what’s sprinting down the track now. A humanoid robot named “ARTEMIS” (short for Advanced Robotic Technology for Enhanced Mobility and Improved Stability) recently completed a 400-meter run in just 83 seconds — faster than many weekend warriors at Eagle Creek or the Monon Trail. Yes, a robot just smoked half of us… and didn’t even break a sweat.
What Makes This Robot So Fast?
Engineers designed ARTEMIS with lightweight materials, shock-absorbing legs, and a motion-control system that mimics human stride. Picture a supercharged athlete who never gets tired, never trips over shoelaces, and definitely doesn’t need Gatorade.
Researchers say this breakthrough shows how close robots are getting to real-world mobility — the kind that could one day help in disasters, deliver packages, or ref soccer games when nobody wants the job.
So… Should We Be Worried?
Not quite. At 83 seconds, ARTEMIS is fast, but the world-record human time is 43.03 seconds. So your spot on the couch is safe… for now. But it does raise fun questions:
Will robots compete in their own Olympics?
Will Indy someday host the Robo-500 at the Speedway?
And most importantly — who gets the gold when a robot coach yells at a robot athlete?
Why This Matters to Us in Indy
Indiana is quietly becoming a robotics hotbed, from university research labs to factories that use advanced automation. This kind of story isn’t just sci-fi — it’s a preview of the workplace, sports, and daily life in Naptown.
Plus, it's always fun when futuristic technology gives us something to laugh about between weather updates, Pacers highlights, and whatever wild raccoon news the city delivers next.
Final Scoop
A robot may have run a quick 400 meters… but Indy Chicken Soup readers just sprinted through another fun slice of science, Hoosier-flavored and approved. Stay tuned — because the future runs fast, but we publish even faster.
A Funny video from the web for Indy Chicken Soupers.
If you’ve ever walked through a doorway and suddenly performed an Olympic-level karate routine—arms flailing, voice cracking, dignity gone—congratulations. You’ve probably met a spider. And like most folks, you reacted as if that tiny eight-legged roommate was a tax auditor wearing a ski mask.
But why are so many people afraid of spiders? Let’s dig into the science, psychology, and sheer comedy of it all.
1. Blame Your Caveman Brain (It Started Before Netflix)
Experts say our fear of spiders likely goes back thousands of years. Early humans had two jobs: (A) Stay alive (B) Don’t get bitten by something with fangs and questionable hygiene
While not all spiders were dangerous, enough of them were to convince your ancestors that “eight legs = avoid.”
And just like your family’s questionable casserole recipes… that instinct was passed down.
2. They Move in… Let’s Call It… Unpredictable Ways
Spiders don’t walk. They skitter. They zip. They teleport. One second, they’re on the wall. Blink twice, and they’re in your shoe inspecting the insole.
Your brain likes predictable motion—cars, people, squirrels, even raccoons doing taxes behind your garage.
But spiders? They move like they’ve had too much energy drink.
3. Too Many Legs. Way Too Many.
Let’s be honest.
If a house cat had 8 legs, we’d all burn down our homes.
Eight legs looks like a glitch in nature’s software. Your brain sees that and hits CTRL + ALT + NOPE.
4. Childhood Conditioning (Thanks, Cartoons)
A surprising number of people inherit spider fear from parents, siblings, or that one babysitter who screamed like she saw the IRS every time a daddy longlegs crawled by.
What’s learned young tends to stick.
Just like the belief that quicksand would be a bigger problem in adulthood.
5. The Myth Factor: “All Spiders Want to Bite You”
Here’s the real web—the facts:
Most spiders don’t want anything to do with humans.
They don’t hunt us.
They don’t crawl into mouths at night (that’s a myth older than dial-up internet).
They actually do us a favor by eating pests like flies, mosquitoes, and other winged annoyances.
In short: spiders are the unpaid janitors of your home.
6. They Look Like Halloween Decorations That Came to Life
Science says people are wired to fear creatures that look “other-worldly.”
And spiders… well… they are basically eight-legged aliens wearing tiny fur coats.
Cute? Sometimes.
Creepy? Always just a little bit.
🥣 Final Scoop for Indy Chicken Soup
Most people fear spiders because our brains evolved to keep us safe, and spiders have a PR problem due to their legs, their motion, and a lifetime of horror movies. But the truth is: they’re shy, helpful, and usually more scared of us than we are of them.
So next time you see one, instead of screaming like you’ve seen your credit card bill, consider this:
That little critter is working overtime to keep your home bug-free…
…while paying zero rent.
(Still okay to relocate them with a cup and a piece of junk mail. Even heroes need boundaries.)
If you’re a fan of classic television—especially Rod Serling’s unforgettable Twilight Zone—there’s one name that probably still gives you a nostalgic chill: Willoughby. And while the episode “A Stop at Willoughby” first aired in 1960, the real Willoughby, Ohio continues to embrace its name’s mysterious fame.
For readers of Indy Chicken Soup, here’s a deep-dive into the small Midwestern town that accidentally became one of the most iconic “locations” in sci-fi history.
A Snapshot of Willoughby, Ohio
Located in Lake County, northeast of Cleveland, Willoughby is a historic town with roots stretching back to the early 1800s. It’s known for its preserved 19th-century architecture, walkable downtown, and friendly neighborhood atmosphere.
Fun Local Highlights
Charming Downtown – Boutique shops, antique stores, and locally owned restaurants line the main street.
Historic Willoughby Coal Plant – A landmark often used for film and photography.
Parks & Nature – Daniels Park, Osborne Park, and the Chagrin River offer hiking, fishing, and quiet scenic escapes.
Events – Willoughby hosts seasonal festivals, concerts, farmers markets, and holiday parades that still give off a friendly, small-town vibe—fitting, considering its TV connection.
The Twilight Zone Connection: “A Stop at Willoughby”
Rod Serling’s 1960 episode tells the story of Gart Williams, a stressed-out advertising executive who dreams of escaping the pressures of modern life. On his evening train commute, he repeatedly drifts into a vision of a serene 1880s town called… Willoughby.
In the episode, Willoughby is:
Peaceful
Slow-paced
Familiar
Gentle and old-fashioned
A stark contrast to the frantic world Williams feels trapped in.
Did Serling Base It on the Ohio Town?
Here's the twist—there’s no official evidence Serling ever visited Willoughby, Ohio, or that he based the fictional town on the real one.
However, several clues keep the legend alive:
The name “Willoughby” was unusual enough to capture fans’ curiosity.
The real Willoughby does evoke a quaint, historic feeling Serling might’ve found appealing.
Over time, residents embraced the coincidence, turning the town into a bucket-list spot for Twilight Zone fans.
Today, local businesses proudly reference the episode, and the community regularly celebrates the connection.
Willoughby’s Pop-Culture Legacy
Fun Facts
The town has hosted Twilight Zone–themed events including screenings, memorabilia displays, and meet-ups for classic TV fans.
A local bar once created a drink called “The Willoughby Stop,” inspired by the episode.
Some train stations have displayed “Next Stop: Willoughby” signs, a tribute to the haunting final line from the show.
The episode remains one of the most discussed Twilight Zone stories, thanks to its emotional punch and eerie finale.
Why Willoughby Still Matters
For Hoosiers and Indy Chicken Soup readers, Willoughby represents something universal—our longing for a simpler, calmer time. Whether you’re commuting through Indianapolis traffic or balancing work and life, the idea of a peaceful place where time slows down is still powerful.
There’s something comforting about knowing that quiet, friendly towns like Willoughby, Ohio really do exist. Why not plan a weekend visit, it's about 5 hours from Indianapolis. 🚘😀
Long before viral videos and TikTok clips captured kids’ unfiltered honesty, there was Art Linkletter — a calm, sharp-witted host who knew that the best entertainment often came from simply listening to children. His iconic TV segment, “Kids Say the Darndest Things,” became a cultural phenomenon, proving that kids don’t just speak their minds… they steal the show.
Who Was Art Linkletter? A Quick Snapshot
Art Linkletter was born on July 17, 1912, and rose from a tough early childhood to become one of America’s most beloved radio and TV personalities. He hosted several hit programs, but his greatest legacy came from how he connected with everyday people — especially kids. Linkletter had an uncanny ability to make children feel comfortable, encouraging them to speak freely and honestly. The results were pure gold.
His interviewing style was warm, patient, and deceptively simple. He asked small questions that led to big laughs, and he always treated children with genuine respect. That emotional intelligence helped him stay on the air for more than 40 years, cementing his reputation as a trusted and admired figure in American broadcasting.
The Magic Behind “Kids Say the Darndest Things”
The segment first appeared on Linkletter’s long-running show “House Party,” which began on radio in 1945 and later moved to television. Each episode featured a group of kids sitting beside him as he asked questions about family life, school, dreams, and everyday situations.
The charm came from the unexpected.
Children responded with total honesty — sometimes adorable, sometimes awkward, always hilarious.
Some classic moments included:
A little boy explaining that his family dog “knows he’s not allowed on the couch, so he only sits on Daddy.”
A girl proudly announcing that her mom “doesn’t burn dinner anymore… because Dad cooks now.”
Linkletter’s most famous line after a shocking or silly answer: “Kids say the darndest things!”
The segment became so popular that Linkletter published several best-selling books featuring children’s quotes and stories from the show.
Linkletter’s Lasting Influence
Art Linkletter paved the way for modern family-friendly entertainment. The show’s format later inspired the 1990s revival with Bill Cosby and the more recent reboot hosted by Tiffany Haddish. But the heart of the idea — giving kids space to speak their minds — started with him.
Even today, teachers, parents, and content creators reference the Linkletter tradition: let kids talk, keep it genuine, and the humor takes care of itself.
Why It Still Matters to Hoosiers (and to Indy Chicken Soup)
Here in Indiana, where family, humor, and storytelling remain part of our everyday culture, Linkletter’s style of entertainment still resonates. It reminds us of simpler times — when families gathered around the TV, shared a laugh, and felt connected.
For Indy Chicken Soup, his legacy fits perfectly with what we celebrate: community, nostalgia, and the little things in life that bring warmth and joy.
Art Linkletter didn’t just host a show — he helped America laugh together.
And sometimes, that’s the kind of wholesome reminder we all need.
Wally “Famous” Amos didn’t just bake cookies — he baked joy. Long before his name appeared on store shelves, Wally was a groundbreaking Hollywood talent agent in the 1960s, the first Black agent at the William Morris Agency. He discovered and represented stars like Diana Ross, Marvin Gaye, and Simon & Garfunkel, all while carrying a childhood memory close to his heart: Aunt Della’s homemade chocolate chip cookies.
In 1975, he took the leap of a lifetime. With a little startup help from friends Marvin Gaye and Helen Reddy, Wally opened the first Famous Amos Cookie Shop on Sunset Boulevard. The aroma alone pulled people off the street. Before long, Hollywood was buzzing about the gourmet cookies with the big flavor — and the bigger personality behind them. His straw hat, warm smile, and enthusiasm made him a brand all by himself.
Personal Life:
But Wally’s life wasn’t just business. His personal journey was filled with love, family, and a lot of heart. Across his life, he married five different women in six marriages, always believing in fresh starts and the power of connection. His final wife, Carol Williams, was a meaningful constant — they divorced and remarried, ultimately reuniting for good. She stayed by his side through his final years.
Wally was also a devoted father to four children: Shawn, Michael, Gregory, and Sarah. His best-known son, Shawn Amos, became a respected blues
musician. Even when business challenges hit — especially after Wally lost the rights to use the “Famous Amos” name — his children said he never stopped teaching them about optimism, kindness, and leading with love.
In his later years, Wally found peace in Hawaiʻi, where he continued making baked goods, supported literacy programs, and lived a quieter, more grounded life under the island sun.
On August 13, 2024, Wally Amos passed away at age 88 in his Honolulu home, surrounded by family. Dementia-related complications contributed to his passing, closing the chapter on a life full of flavor, creativity, resilience, and warmth.
Today, Famous Amos cookies sit on store shelves everywhere — but the real legacy is Wally himself. A dreamer, a doer, and proof that sometimes the sweetest success comes from following your heart… and your favorite recipe.
If you grew up hearing “Two all-beef patties, special sauce, lettuce, cheese, pickles, onions on a sesame seed bun!” then congratulations — you’ve been officially hypnotized by one of the most successful jingles in fast-food history.
But where did the legendary Big Mac come from? Let’s take a tasty walk back in time…
⭐ Born in Pennsylvania (1967) — Famous by 1968
The Big Mac was created by franchise owner Jim
Delligatti in Uniontown, Pennsylvania, in 1967.
The double-decked burger was such a hit that McDonald’s rolled it out nationwide in 1968, officially marking the Big Mac’s birthday.
At the time? It cost 45 cents.
⭐ Fun Big Mac Facts You Never Knew
• It almost had awful names.
Before “Big Mac,” McDonald's tried calling it The Aristocrat and The Blue Ribbon Burger—both flopped.
A young secretary named Esther Glickstein suggested “Big Mac,” and history was made.
• The secret sauce isn’t the original sauce.
The sauce was reformulated in 1972 into the tangy version we know today.
• It inspired an economic tool. The Economist created the Big Mac Index, comparing global currencies using the price of the sandwich.
• One man has eaten over 34,000 Big Macs.
Don Gorske of Wisconsin has eaten one (or two!)
nearly every day since the 1970s.
• There’s a Big Mac Museum.
Located in North Huntingdon, PA — complete with the world’s largest Big Mac statue.
⭐ The Jingle That Took Over America
In 1974, McDonald’s launched the now-famous jingle.
People memorized it instantly, and McDonald’s even ran promotions where if you could recite it perfectly in five seconds, you got a free Big Mac.
Not bad for a tongue-twister.
Final Bite
From a small-town experiment to an international icon, the Big Mac has been part of American pop culture for over half a century. And yes — the jingle still slaps.
If you want more nostalgia, food history, or Indy favorites, keep reading the Indy Chicken Soup Newsletter. BJ’s got you covered!
