Nicknamed "Tuffy" Norris Goff, a celebrated American comedian, entered the world on May 30, 1906, in the charming town of Cove, Arkansas. However, his early years were marked by a significant change of scenery, as he relocated to the picturesque city of Mena, Arkansas, where his life was forever altered by the arrival of a lifelong friend and future partner, Chester Lauck. As he navigated the complexities of adolescence, Goff continued his academic pursuits, ultimately graduating from Mena High School in 1924.
Noted figures in the realm of rural comedy, Goff and Lauck, surprisingly, pursued higher education at the University of Arkansas, where Goff notably became a member of the esteemed Sigma Chi fraternity. Initially, they gained recognition as blackface entertainers, yet they eventually shifted their focus to a hillbilly skit, cleverly drawing inspiration from their own experiences and those of their friends.
The dynamic duo, comprising Goff and Lum, embarked on a remarkable journey, commencing with their performances on local radio stations. As their talents and popularity grew, they eventually secured their own network series in the year 1931.
Notable radio appearances by Goff and Lauck included guest spots on the esteemed Bing Crosby's Kraft Music Hall, while Goff further showcased his talents with solo performances, such as a memorable turn as the father of Andy Devine on the iconic The Jack Benny Program.
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Jim Goff, a talented actor, maintained a steady presence in the television landscape throughout the 1960s, deviating from the path of his counterpart, Lauck, who had largely stepped away from the acting world.
After hanging up his professional hat, Goff chose to spend his golden years residing in the picturesque desert oasis of Palm Springs, California, where he would ultimately meet his untimely demise at the age of 72 due to a stroke that struck with devastating force on the 7th of June, 1978, in the adjacent city of Palm Desert, California.
