<Li> Hayley Orrantia as Erica Dorothy Goldberg, the somewhat bad - tempered oldest child of the Goldbergs . Smart and musically gifted but rebellious, she is popular in school and dominant over her younger brothers . As of the fifth season, Erica has left for college at DC . School of the Arts . "Erica" is based on Adam's real - life brother, Eric Goldberg . </Li> <Li> George Segal as Albert "Pops" Solomon, Beverly's laid - back widower father . Though an elderly man with a number of comic eccentricities, he acts much younger than his age and often gives sage advice to his grandchildren . Adam considers him his best friend . He once owned a successful furniture store called Ottoman Empire that allowed him to retire comfortably, and he now lets his son - in - law Murray run the business . </Li> <Li> AJ Michalka as Lainey Lewis (Season 3--4; recurring 1--2, 5 - present), Erica's best friend and one of the most popular girls at school, whom Barry has had a lifelong crush on . To the surprise of many, Lainey kisses Barry at a party in the first - season finale, the two slowly grow closer together in season two, and eventually become an unlikely couple . Following the fourth season, she has gone to attend fashion school in Savannah, Georgia and ended her relationship with Barry . </Li> <Li> Sam Lerner as' Madman' Geoff Schwartz (Season 5 - present; recurring 2 - 4), one of Barry's best friends . The nickname "Madman" is a form of ironic humor, given how well - behaved the character is, especially compared to Barry . He is infatuated with Erica and makes many futile attempts to win her affections . At the end of the third season, he begins dating Evelyn Silver just as Erica realizes she reciprocates Geoff's feelings . He later breaks up with Evey to be with Erica . </Li>

Who plays erica's friend on the goldbergs