Renowned Actor, Famous as Donkey in 'Shrek', Dies

We are making waffles one last time for the prolific voice actor who voiced Donkey in the 4 previous international Shrek films, who has sadly passed away.

Shrek, the grumpy green ogre with a heart of gold, has become a pop culture icon since his debut in 2001. The brainchild of DreamWorks Animation, the Shrek franchise has spawned four films, a spin-off, a successful television series, and even a foray into the theme park world. This article dives into the lovable ogre’s world, exploring the films, characters, box office success, and lasting impact.

Shrek (voiced by Mike Myers) throws a wrench into the classic fairytale tropes.

His swamp home is invaded by banished fairytale creatures Lord Farquaad (John Lithgow) has evicted. Among them is Donkey (Eddie Murphy), a hyperactive and talkative donkey who becomes Shrek’s unlikely companion. In a deal with Farquaad, Shrek must rescue Princess Fiona (Cameron Diaz) from a dragon-guarded tower in exchange for getting his swamp back.

However, Fiona harbors a secret – by night, she transforms into an ogre herself. Shrek and Fiona fall in love, challenging societal expectations of beauty and finding acceptance in their true selves.

The sequels build upon this foundation. Shrek 2 (2004) sees them navigate Fiona’s parents’ (voiced by Julie Andrews and John Cleese) disapproval of their ogre union. Shrek the Third (2007) throws parenthood into the mix, while Shrek Forever After (2010) explores alternate timelines and the importance of self-acceptance. Puss in Boots (2011), a spin-off featuring the swashbuckling feline voiced by Antonio Banderas, delves into Puss’s backstory.

The success of the Shrek franchise is undeniable.

The first film, produced on a budget of $60 million, grossed a staggering $484 million worldwide. Each sequel continued the trend, with Shrek 2 reaching a peak of $919 million. Combined, the four films have raked in over $3.5 billion globally, solidifying Shrek’s place as one of the highest-grossing animated franchises ever.

Critical reception was equally strong. The first Shrek earned an Academy Award for Best Animated Feature, and the films garnered praise for their witty humor, clever pop culture references, and layered themes that resonated with both children and adults.

Shrek dared to subvert fairytales, celebrating inner beauty and the importance of self-acceptance.

Shrek’s success transcended the silver screen. Universal Studios embraced the franchise, creating themed attractions at their parks around the world. Shrek’s Far Far Away Land at Universal Studios Singapore invites parkgoers to explore a recreation of Fiona’s kingdom, complete with Donkey’s live show and opportunities to meet beloved characters.

Universal Orlando Resort just opened DreamWorks land, which has recreated Shrek’s swamp as well as a swamp-tastic play area for kids, as well as an outhouse slide that farts as you go down it. Yes, you read the right. Here, guests can chomp on a Shrekzel (Shrek-shaped pretzel with green cheese), eat a Donkey popsicle, as well as meet Donkey, Shrek, and Fiona.

The popularity of these attractions cements Shrek’s status as a global phenomenon.

Over two decades later, the Shrek franchise continues to hold a special place in pop culture. The films’ witty dialogue, memorable characters, and timeless themes of self-acceptance ensure their continued relevance. With a fifth film slated for release in 2026, it appears Shrek’s journey is far from over. The grumpy ogre with a golden heart is sure to keep audiences entertained, reminding us all that true beauty lies within.

Sadly, we just received news that will not only leave the Shrek community mourning but also alter the franchise moving forward.

Shrek History confirmed that “Yesterday, Jerzy Stuhr, the Polish voice actor for Donkey, sadly passed away at the age of 77”.

Yesterday, Jerzy Stuhr, the polish voice actor for Donkey, sadly passed away at the age of 77. May he rest in peace. 💚💚 pic.twitter.com/gbsyMr5ywk

— 👑 ShrekHistory 👑 (@ShrekHistory) July 10, 2024

Stuhr was a highly valued collaborator for directors in film and theater, and his influence on both art and life was immeasurable.

Below, you can watch a video of Jerzy dubbing the lines for Donkey in Polish. We can also see that Jerzy dubbed the voice of Puss and Boots in Polish, cementing himself into the Shrek family, as well as Mushu in Disney’s Mulan.

With the loss of Jerzy, we will likely hear a new voice in the upcoming Shrek 5 film when it comes to both Donkey and Puss in Boots.

News broke on July 9th, 2024, via a press release from DreamWorks Animation and Universal Pictures, that sent a wave of excitement through the hearts of Shrek fans worldwide. Shrek 5 is officially on the horizon, slated for a theatrical release on July 1st, 2026, a date that coincides perfectly with the 25th anniversary of the franchise’s first film.

While the plot details remain shrouded in secrecy, one thing is certain: the beloved core trio will be making a triumphant return. Mike Myers, Eddie Murphy, and Cameron Diaz will once again lend their voices to Shrek, Donkey, and Princess Fiona, respectively.

This news has ignited anticipation amongst fans eager to revisit the fantastical land of Far, Far Away after a 13-year hiatus. However, Mike Myers himself has shed some light on the enduring appeal of the franchise, particularly highlighting the films’ unconventional approach to fairytales.

“The idea of taking a fairytale and turning it on its head,” Myers enthused in a 2022 interview with GQ, “and having it be that all the traditional bad guys are good guys, and all the traditional good guys are bad guys” truly resonated with him.

He went on to reveal a newfound depth within the seemingly lighthearted humor, stating, “I realized it’s a dramatic role. I mean halfway through I went, ‘There’s an emotional center here.'”

Perhaps the most impactful aspect of Shrek, for Myers, was the central theme of acceptance. He confessed to GQ, “You know the old joke, ‘I wouldn’t want to be a member of a club that would have me as a member.’ I have always felt that way.” He continued, finding a personal connection to Shrek’s journey: “The concept of going from a self-loathing ogre to a self-accepting ogre was meaningful to me.”

Myers’ enthusiasm for the role is palpable.

sCredit: DreamWorksHe concluded the interview with a sentiment shared by countless fans: “I loved playing Shrek. If I had to do one Shrek a year I’d be thrilled.”

With the return of the original cast and the promise of a new chapter, Shrek 5 has the potential to recapture the magic of the original films while offering a fresh adventure for a new generation. The wait until 2026 may seem long, but with the prospect of revisiting Far, Far Away and its lovable inhabitants, the anticipation is sure to remain high.

Eddie Murphy, the voice of Donkey, has revealed that not only is a new Shrek movie in production, but Donkey will also star in his very own standalone film.

Jerzy Stuhr and his take on the iconic Donkey and Puss and Boots will be sorely missed in Shrek 5.