Bill Farmer, voice of Goofy for 37 years, reveals the character isn't actually a dog

For decades, many Disney fans have assumed that Goofy, the beloved cartoon character, was a dog. But according to Bill Farmer, who has voiced Goofy since 1987, that's not entirely accurate. In a 2020 interview, Farmer clarified that while Goofy belongs to the canine family, he isn’t a dog like Pluto.

“Pluto is a dog, but Goofy seems to be in the canine family in the same way that a wolf is not a dog, but they also are in the canine family,” Farmer explained. “I think 'Canis Goofus' is the technical Latin term for what Goofy is. He’s just Goofy.”

This distinction has sparked curiosity among Disney enthusiasts, particularly because Goofy is often romantically linked to Clarabelle Cow, leading some to speculate whether Goofy could be a cow. However, Farmer’s explanation puts those theories to rest: Goofy is his own unique species.

Farmer's connection to Goofy began long before he became the character’s official voice. He fondly recalls watching "Walt Disney's Wonderful World of Color" as a child, often sitting on his father's lap. Goofy was his favorite character, inspiring him to practice cartoon voices throughout his childhood. These early impressions eventually led Farmer to a career as a stand-up comic and impressionist, and ultimately to Hollywood, where he landed the role of Goofy after auditioning for Disney.

“I thought I did a pretty good Mickey Mouse,” Farmer shared, although he admitted that Donald Duck was a challenge. “But Goofy was right in the wheelhouse. They liked that one, and since 1987, I’ve been the official voice.”

Farmer's work as Goofy includes roles in the animated series "Goof Troop" and the popular 1995 film "A Goofy Movie." In the latter, Goofy was portrayed as a concerned father, adding new dimensions to the character. Farmer found this portrayal particularly meaningful, as it allowed Goofy to become a relatable and endearing figure for many viewers.

“So many people have told me that they didn’t get along with their dad, but could understand their dad because of the way Max understood Goofy,” Farmer said. “They don't have to see eye to eye all the time but they still love each other. I’m really grateful that people have kept it as one of their favorites and it still is after all this time.”

To bring authenticity to Goofy’s father-son relationship in "A Goofy Movie," Farmer drew inspiration from his own life. “My son at the time was around 5 years old, so I was substituting in my mind my son so I could have that father/son relationship and it became real.”

Goofy first appeared in 1932 in "Mickey's Revue," followed by a newspaper comic strip under the name "Dippy Dawg." But it was the 1939 film "Goofy and Wilbur" that solidified Goofy’s popularity. Over the years, the character has remained a fan favorite, and thanks to Farmer's portrayal, Goofy continues to resonate with audiences of all ages.

This article was originally published on August 9, 2024. It has since been updated.