Duff Goldman facts for kids
 |
|
| Born | Jeffrey Adam Goldman December 17, 1974 Detroit, Michigan, U.S. |
|---|---|
| Education | University of Maryland, Baltimore County (B.A.) The Culinary Institute of America |
| Spouse | Johnna Colbry |
|
Current restaurant(s)
Charm City Cakes (Baltimore, Maryland)
|
|
|
Television show(s)
|
|
Jeffrey Adam "Duff" Goldman, born on December 17, 1974, is a famous American chef and TV star. He is known for his amazing cake creations. Duff is the head chef at Charm City Cakes in Baltimore, Maryland. This bakery became super popular thanks to the Food Network show Ace of Cakes.
Duff also has another bakery, Charm City Cakes West, in Los Angeles. You might have seen his work on other TV shows like Iron Chef America, Buddy vs. Duff, and Duff's Happy Fun Bake Time.
Contents
Duff's Early Life and Learning
Duff Goldman was born in Detroit, Michigan. His family is Jewish. When he was a baby, his older brother couldn't say "Jeffrey" and called him "Duffy" instead. That's how he got his nickname!
When Duff was four, his mom found him watching a cooking show. He was even holding a big knife! This showed his early interest in cooking.
After his parents divorced when he was ten, Duff lived in both Northern Virginia and Sandwich, Massachusetts. He went to high school in both places. He played ice hockey in high school.
Duff later went to the University of Maryland, Baltimore County. He studied East Asian History and Ethics. After that, he went to cooking school at the Culinary Institute of America at Greystone.
How Duff Started Cooking
Duff started working in kitchens when he was just 14. His first job was at a bagel shop. He also worked at McDonald's as a fry cook.
A big moment for Duff was when he was in college. He wanted to work at a fancy restaurant in Baltimore called Charleston. The head chef, Cindy Wolf, saw his resume. It didn't have much cooking experience. But she gave him a job making only cornbread and biscuits. Duff says this was a turning point in his career.
He learned from great chefs in California. He even worked at a very famous restaurant called The French Laundry. Before opening his own bakery, he baked bread at a restaurant in Washington, D.C..
Charm City Cakes: Where the Magic Happens
In 2002, Duff started his own bakery, Charm City Cakes. At first, he baked cakes from his house in Baltimore, Maryland. He had two helpers. As more people wanted his cakes, he hired more people. He even hired painters, architects, and sculptors! They helped make his amazing cakes.
The team at Charm City Cakes uses special tools. They use blow torches, grinders, and drills. These tools help them build strong supports inside the cakes.
Duff has made cakes for many famous people and events. He made a cake for former President Barack Obama's second inaugural ball. He also made cakes for the TV shows Lost and 30 Rock. Pop singer Katy Perry even had one of his cakes in her "Birthday" music video!
Duff's Cookbooks
Duff Goldman has written three cookbooks. They are:
- Ace of Cakes: Inside the World of Charm City Cakes
- Duff Bakes: Think and Bake Like a Pro at Home
- Super Good Baking for Kids
Duff on TV
Duff is a popular face on Food Network. He judges many cooking shows. These include Holiday Baking Championship, Spring Baking Championship, and Kids Baking Championship. He hosts Kids Baking Championship with Valerie Bertinelli.
In 2022, Duff was on The Masked Singer. He was dressed as "McTerrier." During one performance, his mask accidentally fell off! He was the first person to be eliminated that season.
Duff has also appeared on Guy's Grocery Games. He competed in a special Hanukkah episode.
Duff's Life Outside of Baking
As of 2021, Duff Goldman lives in Los Angeles, California. He loves playing bass guitar. He was in a band called "...soihadto..." and later Foigrock. He even made a wedding cake for the lead singer of the band Clutch, Neil Fallon. Duff says his dream job would be to play bass for Clutch.
Duff is Jewish and believes in giving back to his community. He said that because he has been so lucky, it's important to help others. This is called "Tzedakah" in Jewish tradition.
Duff got married to Johnna Colbry on April 2, 2018. In January 2021, they welcomed their daughter.
Duff's TV Shows and Appearances
- Cake Masters (2016-)
- Duff Till Dawn (2015)
- Ace of Cakes (2006-2011)
- Holiday Baking Championship (2014-)
- Iron Chef America (2005)
- Kids Baking Championship (2014-)
- Spring Baking Championship (2015-)
- Worst Bakers in America (2016-)
- Dessert Games (2017-)
- Buddy vs. Duff (2019-)
- Duff Takes the Cake (2019-)
- Double Dare (2019)
- Ryan's Mystery Playdate (2019)
- Unfiltered (2020)
- Duff's Happy Fun Bake Time (2021)
- The Masked Singer (2022)
- Summer Baking Championship (2023-)
- Guy's Grocery Games Delivery
- The Tiny Chef Show (2025)
Awards and Nominations
Duff Goldman has been recognized for his work. In 2023, he was nominated for an award. It was for "Outstanding Host" for Kids Baking Championship at the Children's and Family Emmy Awards.
See also
In Spanish: Duff Goldman para niños
