Good-natured but not that brightthis cartoon-character made his first appearance, somewhat disguised, as a member of the audience in "Mickey's Revue" (1932). What distinguished this character from those sitting around him was not so much his appearance but his raucous laugh. That laugh, supplied by Disney storyman, musician, and former circus clown Pinto Colvig, made such an impression on Walt Disney and his staff that the character soon began to feature in other cartoons.
Before long, Goofy was part of the gang that included Mickey, Minnie, Pluto, Clarabella Cow, and Horace Horsecollar. In the newspaper comic strip, this new character was first given the name Dippy Dawg. A 1938 book indicated the first change in Dippy's name, "The Story of Dippy the Goof," amd by 1939 the final change was made to Goofy with the release of the cartoon "Goofy and Wilbur."
Goofy was created as a human character, as opposed to Pluto, who was a pet, so he walked upright and had a speaking voice (first supplied by Colvig, later by George Johnson, Bob Jackman and Bill Farmer).
There were 48 Goofy cartoons (primarily in the 1940's and 1950's), but he also appeared in many cartoons with Mickey Mouse and Donald Duck.
He was best known for his series of "How to" cartoons, where he bumbled through the explanations. In the 1950's he appearedin several cartoons as Mr. Geef , with a wife and son.
The 1990s television series "The Goof Troop" reintroduced Goofy and son , but by this time the son was named Max, quite different from his earlier incarnation, and the wife was no longer on the scene.
Favorite sayings: "Garwsh!" "Well, whaddya know...." "A-hyuck!" "Huh?"
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