Popular actor, voice of Donkey in “Shrek”, dies tragically

We bake waffles one last time for the prolific voice actor who played Donkey in the 4 previous international Shrek Films, who unfortunately 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 The franchise has spawned four films, a spin-off, a hit television series, and even a foray into the world of theme parks. This article delves into the world of the lovable ogre, examining the films, characters, box office success, and lasting impact.

Shrek (voice: Mike Myers) puts a stop to the classic fairy tale clichés.

His swamp home is haunted by exiled fairy-tale creatures banished by Lord Farquaad (John Lithgow). Among them is Donkey (Eddie Murphy), a hyperactive and talkative donkey who becomes Shrek’s unusual companion. As part of a deal with Farquaad, Shrek must rescue Princess Fiona (Cameron Diaz) from a dragon-guarded tower to get his swamp back. However, Fiona is keeping a secret – at night she turns herself into an ogre. Shrek and Fiona fall in love, question society’s ideals of beauty and find acceptance in their true selves.

The sequels build on this foundation. Shrek 2 (2004) they have to deal with the disapproval of their ogre connection by Fiona’s parents (voices: Julie Andrews and John Cleese). Shrek the Third (2007) brings parenthood into play, while Shrek Forever After (2010) examines alternative timelines and the importance of self-acceptance. Puss in Boots (2011), a spin-off featuring the swashbuckling cat voiced by Antonio Banderas, explores the backstory of Puss in Boots.

The success of the Shrek Franchise is undeniable.

The first film, produced on a budget of $60 million, grossed an incredible $484 million worldwide. Each sequel continued the trend of Shrek 2 reached a high of $919 million. Together, the four films have grossed over $3.5 billion worldwide, making Shrek Place as one of the highest-grossing animation franchises of all time.

The reviews were equally strong. Shrek won an Academy Award for Best Animated Feature and received praise for its witty humor, clever pop culture references, and complex themes that appealed to both children and adults.

Shrek dared to subvert fairy tales and celebrated inner beauty and the importance of self-acceptance.

Shrek The success extended beyond the screen. Universal Studios embraced the franchise and created themed attractions in its parks around the world. Shrek’s Far Far Away Land at Universal Studios Singapore invites park-goers to explore a recreation of Fiona’s kingdom, complete with Donkey’s live show and the chance to meet beloved characters.

Universal Orlando Resort just opened DreamWorks Land, which recreates Shrek’s swamp, as well as a swampy play area for kids and an outdoor toilet slide that farts as you slide down. Yes, you read that right. Here, guests can munch on a Shrekzel (Shrek-shaped pretzel with green cheese), eat a Donkey popsicle, and meet Donkey, Shrek, and Fiona.

The popularity of these attractions is consolidating Shrek Status as a global phenomenon.

More than two decades later Shrek The franchise continues to hold a special place in pop culture. The witty dialogue, memorable characters, and timeless themes of self-acceptance ensure that the films remain relevant. With a fifth film set to hit theaters in 2026, it seems Shrek’s journey is far from over. The grumpy ogre with a heart of gold is sure to entertain audiences and remind us all that true beauty lies within.

Unfortunately, we have just received a message that not only Shrek The community’s grief can not only help, but also change the franchise in the future.

Shrek History confirmed: “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 film and theater directors and his influence on art and life was immeasurable.

Below you can see 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, fitting in with the Shrek Family, as well as Mushu in Disney’s Mulan.

With the loss of Jerzy, we will probably see a new voice in the upcoming Shrek 5 films when it comes to “Donkey” and “Puss in Boots”.

The news came to light on July 9, 2024 through a press release from DreamWorks Animation and Universal Pictures, sparking a wave of excitement in the hearts of Shrek Fans worldwide. Shrek 5 is officially upon us and is set to hit theaters on July 1, 2026, a date that coincides perfectly with the 25th anniversary of the first film in the franchise.

While plot details are still under wraps, one thing is certain: the beloved core trio will make a triumphant return. Mike Myers, Eddie Murphy and Cameron Diaz will once again lend their voices to Shrek, Donkey and Princess Fiona.

This news has generated great anticipation among 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 franchise’s enduring appeal, particularly highlighting the films’ unconventional take on fairy tales.

“The idea of ​​turning a fairy tale on its head,” Myers enthused in a 2022 interview with GQ, “and making it so that all the traditional villains are good guys and all the traditional good guys are bad guys,” really appealed to him. Revealing a newfound depth within the seemingly lighthearted humor, he explained, “I realized it’s a dramatic role. I mean, halfway through, I was like, ‘There’s an emotional center here.'”

Perhaps the most influential aspect of Shrek for Myers was its central theme of acceptance. He confessed to GQ: “You know the old joke: ‘I wouldn’t want to be a member of any club that would accept me as a member.’ That’s how I’ve always felt.” He went on to find a personal connection to Shrek’s journey: “The concept of going from a self-hating ogre to a self-accepting ogre was meaningful to me.”

Myers’ enthusiasm for the role is palpable.

He ended the interview with an opinion shared by many fans: “I loved playing Shrek. If I had to play a Shrek every year, I would 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 seeing Far, Far Away and its lovable inhabitants again, anticipation is sure to remain high.

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

We will miss Jerzy Stuhr and his interpretation of the legendary Donkey and Puss in Boots in Shrek 5.