Duff Goldman didn’t start his journey with the intention of becoming a world-famous baker. “I initially earned a degree in history and philosophy,” he shares with Closer. “College, for me, wasn’t about finding a career path. It was about figuring out how to grow up and become an adult. I wasn’t even sure what I wanted to do with my life back then.” Fast forward to today, and Duff, 49, is a beloved Food Network star, best known for his breakout role on Ace of Cakes in 2006. His charm, energy, and humor quickly turned him into a household name. “When I’m filming, I genuinely try to connect with the people at home watching,” Duff explains. He currently hosts two holiday competition series on the network: The Elf on the Shelf: Sweet Showdown and Holiday Baking Championship. But how did he get here?
Who Inspired Duff’s Culinary Journey?
“Oh man, so many people have inspired me,” Duff says with a laugh. “My great-grandmother was a huge influence. A lot of her recipes are now available on Food Network’s website, like her strudel and babka. She was a master in the kitchen. But it was my mom who really taught me the importance of good food. She handled all the cooking for family holidays, and when you grow up eating great food at home, it becomes your benchmark. You realize how special that is when you’re exposed to other people’s meals. My mom played a crucial role in shaping my appreciation for quality ingredients and flavors.”
When Did Duff Start Cooking Professionally?
“I began cooking when I was just 14-and-a-half years old. My first job was at McDonald’s, and from there, I worked at several fast-food restaurants. But things changed when I got to college. I wanted to become a chef, so I landed a job at a high-end restaurant in Baltimore called Savannah. That’s where I fell in love with baking. It wasn’t just about creating something delicious—it was about mastering a craft. I could tell right away that baking was something I excelled at, and it felt like home.”
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Does Duff Bake a Lot During the Holidays?
“Absolutely! I start preparing my Christmas cookie dough months ahead of time and freeze it. By spreading out the dough-making process over several months, the cookies stay fresh when you bake them. One of my favorite recipes is my great-grandmother’s Russian tea cakes. Traditionally, they’re made with pecans, but I tweak the recipe by using walnuts instead. It’s a small change, but it makes it feel more personal and unique to me.”
What About Family Life? Is His Daughter Involved in the Kitchen Yet?
“Josephine, my daughter, is almost 3 years old, and she’s already showing interest in the kitchen. She loves adding the salt, though you have to watch her because sometimes she’ll throw in way too much! We recently made our first homemade ice cream cone together—it was adorable watching her get chocolate ice cream all over her face. Beyond baking, she’s really into Legos and building things. We’ve also been working on little wood projects from the hardware store, like a birdhouse and a plane. She’s very hands-on, which is great to see.”
Will Josephine Follow in Her Dad’s Footsteps?
“I think Josephine will follow her own path, whatever that may be. She’s incredibly smart, and she’s surrounded by creativity every day. My wife is a fiber artist, and she’s currently working on a macramé hammock. Josephine gets to witness that kind of artistic expression daily. So, I’m confident she’ll find her passion, whether it’s baking, crafting, or something else entirely.”
A Special Friendship: Duff and Valerie Bertinelli
“One of the highlights of my career has been hosting Kids Baking Championship alongside Valerie Bertinelli. Food Network really did me a favor by pairing us together. Not only has Valerie become a dear friend, but she’s also helped me grow as a TV personality. Watching her work is inspiring. She’s authentic and genuine, never forcing anything. That’s something I’ve tried to incorporate into my own style. Valerie is truly one of the most positive and supportive people in my life, and I’m incredibly grateful for our friendship.”
What’s Duff Most Proud Of?
“This might sound cheesy, but it’s true. One of the things I’m proudest of is my work with the Make-A-Wish Foundation. These kids can ask for anything in the world, yet they choose to come and bake with me. It humbles me every time. Knowing that they find joy in something as simple as baking cookies makes me feel like I’m doing something meaningful. There’s no greater validation than that.”
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What’s the Biggest Lesson Duff Has Learned?
“If I had to boil it down, the secret to life is kindness and enthusiasm. It sounds simple, but it’s powerful. In a world filled with anger and a lack of civility, kindness is our greatest weapon. Positive thinking is essential because negativity gets you nowhere. Staying optimistic and enthusiastic opens doors and creates opportunities. It’s a mindset that’s served me well throughout my life.”
What Does Duff Do for Fun?
“Music is a big part of my life. Right now, I’m learning ‘Hotel California’ on bass guitar for my father-in-law’s band. It’s been a fun challenge. On top of that, I’ve been on a fitness kick lately. I’ve lost about 40 pounds and am focusing on staying healthy. I spend time in the gym daily and eat clean. I even have a fitness Instagram account called @beefcakecookie, where I share my journey. It’s a positive community where we encourage each other, and I love being part of it.”
What’s Next on Duff’s Bucket List?
“There’s so much I want to explore! Travel is a big one for me. I’d love to visit South Korea someday. I adore Korean food and culture—it’s warm and inviting. I also dream of seeing the Northern Lights. It’s something I hope to experience with my family. Beyond travel, I’d love to dive into writing. I’ve written cookbooks, but I want to try my hand at fiction. I’ve been brainstorming a few stories in my head, and I think it’d be exciting to become a novelist. The possibilities are endless!”
