Cora Goffin was one of Britain's most famous pantomime princpal boys
and musical comedy stars. At the height of her fame during the 1920s
and 30s she was a household name and her picture adorned chocolate
boxes, cigarette cards and magazine covers.
Married to the powerful impresario Emile Littler she starred in many of
his stage shows. Her costumes were created by the leading designers of
the day and her legs were insured for £20,000.
Born in London, the daughter of the actress Cora Poole, she began
performing at an early age at afternoon tea parties given by London
society hostesses. In 1912, at the age of 10, she made her professional
debut as a child dancer at the London Palladium with the Russian
Ballet. After one performance, the legendary ballerina Anna Pavlova
told her "Little girl, one day you will be a great star."
After her father's death Cora Goffin toured on variety bills billed as
'Little Cora Goffi - the Child Phenomenon'. She went on to appear in
leading roles in Shakespeare in London's West End but her most
memorable role as a child star was Little Lord Fauntleroy.
After her marriage in 1933 to Emile Littler she starred in several
stage shows and films but retired from acting in 1940. Littler was
knighted for his services to entertainment in 1974 and shortly
afterwards the couple moved to Ditchling, Sussex in the south of
England. A much admired hostess Cora numbered among her many close
friends stars such as Elsie Randolph, Alice Delysia, Vera Lynn and
Douglas Byng.
