Who Voices Donkey? Shrek's Hilarious Sidekick & More!
Ever wondered who breathes life into the most lovable, motormouth sidekick in animation history? The voice of Donkey in the Shrek franchise is a role that has been filled by a constellation of talented actors, each bringing their unique flair to the wisecracking, waffle-loving character. From the silver screen to the Broadway stage, Donkeys voice has resonated with audiences across the globe, delivered by a variety of performers, each leaving an indelible mark.
The most recognizable voice behind Donkey undoubtedly belongs to Eddie Murphy. His comedic timing and infectious energy made Donkey an instant fan favorite when the first Shrek film was released in 2001. Murphy's performance was so iconic that it became synonymous with the character, shaping how Donkey was perceived in subsequent films, video games, and even theme park attractions. However, Eddie Murphy isn't the only actor to have inhabited the role. Other notable performers have stepped in to voice Donkey in various Shrek-related projects, each bringing their own interpretation to the character.
| Category | Information |
|---|---|
| Name | Edward Regan "Eddie" Murphy |
| Birth Date | April 3, 1961 |
| Birth Place | Brooklyn, New York, USA |
| Occupation | Actor, Comedian, Writer, Producer, Singer |
| Years Active | 1976present |
| Known For | Stand-up comedy, Saturday Night Live, Beverly Hills Cop series, Shrek (voice of Donkey) |
| Awards | Golden Globe Award, Primetime Emmy Award, Screen Actors Guild Award, Mark Twain Prize for American Humor |
| Voice of Donkey In | Shrek, Shrek 2, Shrek the Third, Shrek Forever After, Shrek in the Swamp Karaoke Dance Party, Far Far Away Idol, Shrek's Thrilling Tales, Donkey's Christmas Shrektacular |
| Other Notable Roles | Axel Foley (Beverly Hills Cop), Prince Akeem Joffer (Coming to America), Reggie Hammond (48 Hrs.), Various characters in The Nutty Professor |
| Website | EddieMurphy.com |
One such example is Dean Edwards, who took over the voice of Donkey in the Halloween special "Scared Shrekless" when Eddie Murphy declined to reprise the role. Edwards managed to capture the essence of Donkey's personality while adding his own comedic touch. Mark Moseley and Phil LaMarr have also lent their voices to the character in various Shrek-related media. Each actor offers a slightly different interpretation, but they all strive to maintain the core characteristics that make Donkey so beloved: his unwavering loyalty, his boundless optimism, and his penchant for hilarious banter.
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Beyond the realm of film and television, Donkey has also graced the stage in "Shrek the Musical." Daniel Breaker originated the role of Donkey in the Broadway production, bringing a unique physicality and vocal delivery to the character. Breaker's performance earned critical acclaim and further solidified Donkey's status as a multifaceted character capable of captivating audiences in various mediums. His Broadway credits also include principal roles in Hamilton, Hadestown, Once Upon a Mattress, and The Book of Mormon.
The creation of Donkey's character was not without its initial considerations. Steven Spielberg, before DreamWorks fully took the reins, reportedly considered his friend Steve Martin for the role. While that casting never came to fruition, it highlights the initial vision for Donkey as a character with significant comedic potential. The ultimate decision to cast Eddie Murphy proved to be a stroke of genius, as his comedic brilliance perfectly complemented the character's inherent charm.
The Shrek franchise has also seen international adaptations, with actors from various countries lending their voices to the beloved characters. In Poland, the late Jerzy Stuhr was the voice of Donkey, bringing his own cultural nuances and comedic sensibilities to the role. A video of Stuhr dubbing Donkey and Puss in Boots in Polish offers a fascinating glimpse into the global reach and adaptation of the Shrek universe. His passing marked a significant loss to the Polish entertainment industry and to the Shrek fanbase worldwide.
The success of the Shrek franchise, which began with the Academy Award-winning "Shrek" in 2002, is inextricably linked to the memorable characters and their voice actors. Mike Myers, the voice of Shrek, has remained a constant throughout the series, providing his signature Scottish-tinged delivery. Cameron Diaz, as Princess Fiona, has also been a vital part of the core cast, returning to the role even after stepping back from acting for a period. The chemistry between these voice actors, particularly Murphy and Myers, is palpable and contributes significantly to the films' comedic appeal.
Walt Dohrn, a prolific voice actor, has also contributed to the Shrek universe, although not as Donkey. He is known for bringing Rumplestiltskin to life, showcasing his versatility in portraying both comedic and villainous characters. Dohrn's voice work extends to numerous other animated films, including "Penguins of Madagascar," "Trolls," "The Boss Baby," and "The Bad Guys," solidifying his reputation as a prominent figure in the animation industry.
Donkey's character design has also fueled speculation and humor. The notion that Donkey might hail from Texas, based on his buckteeth and Southern accent, is a testament to the character's enduring appeal and the way fans connect with his unique traits. This playful interpretation highlights how deeply ingrained Donkey is in popular culture and how readily audiences attribute familiar characteristics to him.
The impact of Eddie Murphy's portrayal of Donkey extends beyond the Shrek films themselves. His performance has influenced countless other animated characters and has set a high bar for comedic voice acting. Murphy's ability to infuse Donkey with both humor and heart has made him a truly unforgettable character, solidifying his place as one of the most beloved animated sidekicks of all time. In fact, even before joining the cast of Shrek in 2001, Eddie Murphy was already an icon because of his stint on SNL.
Finding out who voiced Donkey in the Shrek movies, games, shows and ads, reveals a landscape of talent, with Eddie Murphy at its core. The contributions of Mark Moseley, Dean Edwards, Phil LaMarr, and Daniel Breaker in their own rights add to the vibrant story of how the character of Donkey came to life across multiple platforms.
Edward Regan Eddie Murphy was born in Brooklyn, New York on April 3, 1961, and raised by his mother (and later his stepfather). This foundation helped shape the comedic genius that would bring the character of Donkey to life. His work as Donkey, Shrek's wisecracking sidekick, shows why Murphy is the winner of the first Academy Award for best animated feature (2002); Shrek sparked a motion picture phenomenon and captured the world's imagination.
While "Shrek 5" is anticipated, the legacy of those who have brought Donkey to life, including the late Jerzy Stuhr, remains an integral part of the franchise's appeal. Watch a video of Jerzy dubbing Donkey and Puss in Boots in Polish to understand just how far the character's influence reaches.
In "Scared Shrekless," Dean Edwards stepped in when Eddie Murphy chose not to reprise his role. Fortunately, Murphy was able to voice Donkey again in "Donkey's Christmas Shrektacular," delighting audiences with his return. Eddie Murphy's portrayal of Donkey in the Shrek series, since 2001, remains a benchmark in animation, and his other projects are examples of why his career is celebrated, from awards to memorable roles.
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