SHREK

HI THERE EVERYBODY! I’m back once again and this time I am talking about “The greatest fairy tale never told”.

Did you know that “SHREK” [2001] actually saved DREAMWORKS PICTURES from bankruptcy?

Before “SHREK” came along, DREAMWORKS was struggling to find its identity as a studio. “SHREK’S” mix of humour, parody, drama and pop culture references made it famous and helped DREAMWORKS to thrive and make more films with the same mix of fantasy, comedy and heart, including “HOW TO TRAIN YOUR DRAGON” [2010] and “KUNG FOO PANDA” [2008]. Thanks Shrek!

In a 2007 interview with THE AGE, DREAMWORKS CO-FOUNDER and "SHREK" PRODUCER JEFFREY KATZENBERG said, "That first 'SHREK' saved the company financially. We're here today because of it. It's been a great blessing. I refer to it as the gift that keeps on giving."

Did you know that “SHREK” CO-STAR JOHN LITHGOW had the perfect response to whether or not the adult jokes in the movie were ok?

LITHGOW was asked whether or not the adult jokes in the movie would've been too inappropriate for kids, he responds: "No, as long as it's done correctly. One of the things I always loved about British Theater was “THE ANNUAL CHRISTMAS BRITISH PANTOMIMES”, which are these corny old fairy tales that are put on as musicals. The principal boy is played by a girl and the ugly sisters are played by guys in drag. “PETER PAN: THE MUSICAL” was very much in that tradition. It is a particular tradition developed over centuries, this ability to put on a show for the entire family, where the adults and the children are laughing at the same time, at the same jokes, for completely different reasons. And the adults like it, particularly, because they realize that the kids are oblivious to what's so funny about it. It's a huge, electric moment when these jokes pay off, and that's what "SHREK" is all about. It's very rare. In a way, that's what we were always trying to achieve on "3RD ROCK” [a.k.a. “3RD ROCK FROM THE SUN" - 1996-2001], appealing to lots of different audience constituencies at the same moment."

[LITHGOW and his character “LORD FARQUAAD”.]

KATZENBERG also had some concerns about the jokes!

CO-DIRECTOR ANDREW ADAMSON frequently found himself at loggerheads with KATZENBERG over the film's adult jokes. KATZENBERG thought that some of the more adult material was inappropriate for an animated film, ADAMSON disagreed. ADAMSON could be perceived as winning the argument as many critics liked the film for the fact that it didn't just pander to under-age audiences.

[ADAMSON]

Did you know that the opening song was originally just a place holder?

The song "ALL STAR" by SMASH MOUTH [remember SMASH MOUTH?], heard in the opening credits, was only a placeholder for test screenings until a new song could be found. But test audiences loved it, and the producers kept it in. When the producers decided to keep "ALL STAR" they decided to let the band perform the last song in the movie, "I’M A BELIEVER."

Speaking of which: The song "I’M A BELIEVER", which has become one of the series' theme songs, was chosen specifically because of the line "I thought love was only true in fairy tales."

Did you know that a famous celebrity had a rather surprising reaction to the movie’s ending?

After NEIL DIAMOND went to see the DREAMWORKS animated hit, he heard a group of giggling youngsters singing "I’M A BELIEVER" in the lobby of the theater. "I couldn't resist. I went over and joined in, and we just sang the song together," the 61-year old SINGER-SONGWRITER revealed in DECEMBER 2002. "They had no idea that I had written it, or who I was. I was just some weird guy who wanted to join in on the singing."

[DIAMOND]

Did you know that there is also a “SHREK” broadway show?

“SHREK” was adapted into a stage musical in 2008 with music by JEANINE TESORI and lyrics by DAVID LINDSAY-ABAIRE. The original cast included BRIAN d'Arcy JAMES [It would have felt weird to have his middle name be completely capitalized in my usual typing style.] as “SHREK”, SUTTON FOSTER as “PRINCESS FIONA”, DANIEL BREAKER as “DONKEY” and CHRISTOPHER SIEBER as “LORD FARQUAAD”. A high definition recording of “SHREK: THE MUSICAL” (2013) was released on DVD/BLU-RAY and on streaming in 2013.

[A poster for the stage show.]

[And the poster for the “HOME VIDEO” version!]

Do you know how “SHREK” got his SCOTTISH accent?

After MIKE MYERS completed his dialogue in his own voice and “SHREK’S” animation was being completed, MYERS decided he wanted to give “SHREK” a SCOTTISH accent. "Once I saw the whole picture, I saw I needed to dig even deeper. And in having “SHREK” be SCOTTISH, I was able to tap into a certain energy." When his mother, who is from LIVERPOOL, read him books like “BABAR” [1931-PRESENT] or “CURIOUS GEORGE” [1939-PRESENT] she often gave BRITISH dialects to the characters. "It was a happy memory of my childhood, and in SCOTTISH I was able to connect to that." When MYERS begged to be allowed to redo “SHREK’S” voice, KATZENBERG and his partner and DREAMWORKS CO-FOUNDER STEVEN SPIELBERG agreed after hearing a demo, although the decision required the ogre to be reanimated from scratch. "That incident cost us about $5 million," said KATZENBERG. "But it's MIKE’S total creation, and honestly, it made the movie so much better."

[MYERS and “SHREK”.]

Did you know that the DESIGNERS went to great lengths for research about mud?

Although only pictured in the film for a few seconds, the DESIGNERS went all out in ensuring “SHREK’S” mud baths were as accurate as possible by taking actual mud showers. This was done to study “fluid dynamic simulation” and work out exactly how the mud would fall onto a person. If you think you've had a bad day at work, ART DIRECTOR DOUGLAS ROGERS apparently visited a MAGNOLIA PLANTATION to also study the environment for research and got chased by an alligator during his excursion. Ouch.

[“SHREK” taking a “MUD SHOWER”!]

[ROGERS holding “SHREK’S” “OSCAR FOR BEST ANIMATED FEATURE - 2001” award.]

[A scene from MAGNOLIA PLANTATION AND GARDENS, SOUTH CAROLINA. The place that ROGERS visited!]

[And just for the fun of it: AN ALLIGATOR!]

Did you know that one line almost didn’t make the cut do to a mistake?

Usually, there are mistakes made when making films. Yes, even in the perfectionistic world of filmmaking, they still make mistakes. And often, I might add. Heck, there is even a whole section on “IMDb” (“THE INTERNET MOVIE DATABASE”) that shows all of the “goofs” made in films. So it is not shocking at all that the same thing occurred during the making of “SHREK”. This one, though, could have made a very important scene in the movie a bit confusing. The scene in question is when “SHREK” discovers all of the banished fairytale creatures in his swamp. He yells at all of them, “What are you doing in my swamp?!” But in the original cut of the film, they realized too late that the line had never been read by MYERS. It seems they had forgotten to record it somehow. So KATZENBERG ended up having to fly all the way to NEW YORK CITY, where MYERS currently was, and he had him read the line while in the back of a limo. At least they found the "goof" in the first place and made it right, even if it took more time and money to achieve the iconic line.

That was a close call.

Do you know story behind the DISNEY references?

Anyone who has been to “DISNEYLAND” knows all about the “IT’S A SMALL WORLD” ride there. It is a fun yet slow-moving ride where children from all over the world are singing “IT’S A SMALL WORLD AFTER ALL” over and over, to show we are all one in the same, despite our differences. Well, if you are aware of that ride and its companion song, you probably noticed that “SHREK” decided to spoof both the ride and their famous song in one unforgettable moment in the film. When “SHREK” and “DONKEY” first arrive in “DULOC”, at “LORD FARQUAAD’S” castle to be exact, they are greeted at the entrance by singing puppets, singing about how great “DULOC” is. It includes robotic dancing…as well as a very familiar melody. Their song has the same exact number of beats per minute and is also in the same key, further proving they are parodying the classic DISNEY song. It was a hilarious moment in the film that left “DONKEY” and “SHREK” looking at each other as if they were wondering what they had gotten themselves into. This was not the only reference to DISNEY and “DISNEYLAND” in the film but it was definitely the funniest one.

[“IT’S A SMALL WORLD” at “DISNEYLAND”, ANAHEIM, CA.]

Now let’s talk about why that scene exists!

Sometimes certain beef between two people just can’t be squashed. Even in the film industry…or especially in the film industry. And there is one feud that directly affected the making of “SHREK”. This is because it has long been rumored that KATZENBERG has a serious issue with his former DISNEY boss, MICHAEL EISNER. Because of this, it has been thought that the character of “LORD FARQUAAD” was a way to stir the pot even further with EISNER as “FARQUAAD” is supposed to represent him, especially when considering his small stature in the movie. This was directly referencing a quote from EISNER in a lawsuit between the two about KATZENBERG’S height. EISNER is 6’3” while KATZENBERG is 5’4.” So it is apparent KATZENBERG never forgot that dig and decided to make the visual representation of EISNER a bit…smaller. Plus, “FARQUAAD’S” name alone is a dig when you sound it out. Furthermore, their squabbles seemed to be a significant reason for a lot of the plot lines in “SHREK” in the first place. Needless to say, these two HOLLYWOOD big shots will never resolve this feud between them. But at least it gave us “LORD FARQUAAD”.

[EISNER and “LORD FARQUAAD”]

There’s a bit more that went on with that feud that we have not discussed yet. See, “SHREK” has been believed to have multiple jabs all throughout the film that are directed at DISNEY. Whether it be their views of the ridiculous notions of fairytales, which is primarily the type of movies DISNEY has been making since the '30’s, or the fact that “LORD FARQUAAD’S” castle even resembles “DISNEYLAND” when you look at it. Plus, once they enter “DULOC” in the movie, they meet those puppets we’ve mentioned before who sing an eerily similar song as the “IT’S A SMALL WORLD” ride at “DISNEYLAND”. Because of all of those facts, they had to screen the film with both DREAMWORKS and DISNEY LAWYERS just to avoid a lawsuit from DISNEY. That, at the time, was a very dramatic turn of events for a children's movie. Luckily for them, no legal action occurred after that point, though “RADIO DISNEY” [1996-2021] affiliates did decide to not allow DREAMWORKS any ad time to promote “SHREK”. Seems the feud between the two execs is just never going to end.

[“SHREK” and “FIONA” arriving at “DULOC”.]

[“MICKEY MOUSE” and friends at “DISNEYLAND”.]

[And this random image about LAWYERS. Because I thought it would fit nicely here!]

Here is what else I have heard about the “RADIO DISNEY” side of the situation:

“RADIO DISNEY” was told not to allow any ads for the film to air on the station, stating, "Due to recent initiatives with THE WALT DISNEY COMPANY, we are being asked not to align ourselves promotionally with this new release “SHREK”. Stations may accept spot dollars only in individual markets." The restriction was later relaxed to allow ads for the film's soundtrack album onto the network.

Did you know that there is a major continuity issue involving “THE THREE BLIND MICE”?

At the end of the movie, we see the three blind mice magically transformed into two horses and a carriage driver to take Shrek and Fiona away on their honeymoon after their wedding. Trouble is, they’re still very clearly depicted as being blind. Nevertheless, just seconds after we start scratching our heads over that one, we see the mice back in their original rodent forms, dancing along with the wedding guests to the catchy rendition of “I’m a Believer”. Is this a movie blooper or just a magical coincidence?

[“THE THREE BLIND MICE”.]

[Not the exact image that I was looking for, but here are some white horses for you anyway!]

Did you know that “PINOCCHIO” and “THE THREE LITTLE PIGS” are all voiced by the same person?

“PINOCCHIO” and “THE THREE LITTLE PIGS” were side characters in the “SHREK” franchise, but they deserved spin-offs of their own. Their voices and sense of humor added depth to the movie, compared to “SHREK’S” hostile personality. Interestingly enough, VOICE ACTOR, STORYBOARD ARTIST and DIRECTOR CODY CAMERON voiced all four characters in the “SHREK” franchise. He was able to separate each character and add his own spin on the pigs' accents.

[CAMERON]

[“PINOCCHIO”]

[“THE THREE LITTLE PIGS”]

Here is an extra bit of information about the man:

During a voiceover session, CAMERON suggested that CAMERON DIAZ [the voice of “PRINCESS FIONA”] marry him "... so you can become “CAMERON CAMERON".

[DIAZ]

Did you know that “DONKEY” was inspired by a real-life DONKEY?

While he had to share the spotlight with “PUSS IN BOOTS” [ANTONIO BANDERAS] in the sequels, “SHREK’S” wise-cracking sidekick, “DONKEY”, was the breakout character of the first “SHREK” film. Voiced by EDDIE MURPHY in all four films, “DONKEY” was beloved for his quick mouth, happy-go-lucky attitude, and odd couple romance with The “DRAGON”. What many don't know is that “DONKEY” is based on a real-life MINIATURE DONKEY, named PERICLES, PERRY for short. In the late 90s, filmmakers visited PERRY’S home in BOL PARK, in the suburb of BARRON PARK, PALO ALTO, in search of a refernce model for the character of “DONKEY”. After PERRY’S companion, NINER, proved difficult to work with, the more placid PERRY was chosen as the main model. DREAMWORKS paid just $75 dollars for their modelling sessions with PERRY, and his carers were never offered royalties after “SHREK” was released. Thankfully, PERRY continues to be cared for by charitable donations and volunteers in THE BARRON PARK COMMUNITY.

[Here’s a picture of PERRY.]

Here’s a little bit of something extra for you:

When the fairytale creatures arrive at “SHREK’S” swamp, you can see “PAPA BEAR” comforting “BABY BEAR” next to a fire... later in “LORD FARQUAAD’S” castle, as he watches Fiona on the mirror you see “MAMA BEAR” as a rug, skinned and laying on the floor. Her ultimate fate, however, seems to be OK: she re-appears in the VIDEO/DVD KARAOKE scene, dancing with both “PAPA” and “BABY BEAR”.

[Here is “THE THREE BEARS’” story told through pictures! Look to the far right in “THE SHREK IN THE SWAMP KARAOKE DANCE PARTY!” bonus scene.]

Let’s just try not to mix them up with “THE THREE BEARS” from “PUSS IN BOOTS: THE LAST WISH” [2022]

[“GOLDILOCKS AND THE THREE BEARS” from “PUSS IN BOOTS: THE LAST WISH”.]

Did you know that “SHREK” competed with another DREAMWORKS ANIMATION movie?

if back in 1996 you asked DreamWorks — founded by SPIELBERG, KATZENBERG and DAVID GEFFEN — what the studio thought of the grouchy green giant, the answer would be bleak. You would hear that “SHREK” was the “ugly stepchild” of the studio’s animation wing, a movie that would never see the light of day, let alone an Academy Award. Before its 2001 release, DREAMWORKS considered “Shrek” a low-budget boondoggle, a project to which animators were banished once they failed on other projects, according to the book, “THE MEN WHO WOULD BE KING: AN ALMOST EPIC TALE OF MOGULS, MOVIES AND A COMPANY CALLED DREAMWORKS.” “It was known as the Gulag,” one animator told the books author NICOLE LAPORTE. “If you failed on ‘THE PRINCE OF EGYPT’ [1998] [another DREAMWORKS movie that was only half as successful], you were sent to the dungeons to work on SHREK.” Employees called it “GETTING SHREKED”.

[An image for “THE PRINCE OF EGYPT”.]

Did you know that “SHREK” has received three major honors?

In 2002, “SHREK” made history by winning the first ever “ACADEMY AWARD FOR BEST ANIMATED FEATURE” and in recognition of its cultural significance, “SHREK” was chosen for preservation in THE UNITED STATES NATIONAL FILM REGISTRY in 2020, further solidifying its place in cinematic history.

The animated OGRE also received the 2,408th star on “THE HOLLYWOOD WALK OF FAME” on MAY 20TH, 2010, one day before the release of “SHREK FOREVER AFTER: THE FINAL CHAPTER.”

[“THE OSCARS” - 1929-PRESENT]

[THE N.F.R. logo.]

[MYERS and “SHREK” posing for the cameras on the OGRE’S star from “THE HOLLYWOOD WALK OF FAME” in LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA!]

On a related note: EDDIE MURPHY’S “BAFTA” nomination for his voiceover performance as “DONKEY” was the first of its kind.

[MURPHY and “DONKEY” in a split-screen image.]

[A bunch of awards from “THE BRITISH ACADEMY FILM AWARDS” more commonly known as the “BRITISH ACADEMY OF FILM AND TELEVISION ARTS” [a.k.a. “THE BAFTA AWARDS”] - 1947-PRESENT]

Now let’s see about some alternate casting choices!

“SHREK”:

MIKE MYERS is the voice of Shrek, but he wasn't the first actor cast in the role.

Before his sudden death in 1997, "SNL" [“SATURDAY NIGHT LIVE” - 1975—PRESENT] star CHRIS FARLEY (FEBRUARY 15, 1964 — DECEMBER 18, 1997) was cast to voice “SHREK”, and clips of his voice work have since surfaced online.

According to a 2015 YAHOO! interview with his brother KEVIN FARLEY, the actor recorded most of the movie before his death.

"Originally the “SHREK” character was a little bit more like CHRIS, like a humble, bumbling innocent guy," KEVIN said. "The studio needed to do what they needed to do. It was a bad time, bad timing … a tragedy. MIKE did a great job with 'SHREK.' He knocked it out of the park.”

[CHRIS FARLEY]

[KEVIN FARLEY]

FARLEY’S version of “SHREK” was completely different from MYERS’ version. FARLEY’S version was about “SHREK” not wanting to scare people but to be a knight. “FIONA”, originally voiced by JANEANE GAROFALO [more on her later], was going to be a brash and sarcastic character. After FARLEY’S passing, talks went around the studio about hiring an impersonator to finish the lines. At one point, KEVIN thought about finishing the rest of the lines, but didn't due to being too shook up from his brother's death.

MYERS was hesitant about succeeding the role of “SHREK” from FARLEY, due to them being friends and believing it was disrespectful to do so. But after thinking it over and the PRODUCERS all telling MYERS: "Can't we just settle this over a pint?", he decided to take on the role. And that line was eventually used in the final cut of the film.

[Thank goodness for memes!]

And here’s one more connection between”SHREK” and FARLEY: “SHREK’S” "air quotes" in the film is an homage to FARLEY, whose “SNL” character “BENNETT BRAUER” also used air quotes. A story reel featuring a sample of Farley's recorded dialogue was leaked to the public in August 2015.

[FARLEY as “BRAUER” from one of “SNL’S WEEKEND UPDATE” sketches! Unfortunately I was not able to find an image of “SHREK” using the air quotes. So here’s an image of FARLEY, “SHREK” and MYERS in order of appearance instead!]

NICOLAS CAGE has taken on many roles over the years, but one that he turned down was the voice of “SHREK”. During a 2013 interview on "TODAY" [also called “THE TODAY SHOW” -1952—PRESENT], CAGE explained why he didn't want the role saying, "I'm not afraid to be ugly in a movie ... When you're drawn, in a way it says more about how children are going to see you than anything else, and I do care about that." He said he doesn't regret turning it down. He did however tell THE DAILY MAIL also in 2013, “Maybe I should have done it, looking back.” Uh, yeah, Nick. You should have.

[CAGE]

“SHREK” AND “DONKEY”:

In early drafts, the story was very different. It was going to be hand drawn, not computer animated, BILL MURRAY was set to play “SHREK” and STEVE MARTIN would play “DONKEY”. Also, “FIONA” would have been an ogre for the whole film, which totally changes the story!

[MURRAY]

[MARTIN]

“PRINCESS FIONA”:

JANEANE GAROFALO told MTV in 2007 that she was originally supposed to voice “PRINCESS FIONA” in “SHREK” [Back when FARLEY was voicing the OGRE.], but she was inexplicably fired. She maintains that no one told her why she was pushed off the project in favor of CAMERON DIAZ.

[GAROFALO]

“LORD FARQUAAD”:

The late ALAN RICKMAN ( February 1946 21 – January 14 2016) was the initial casting choice for the role of “LORD FARQUAAD”. However, RICKMAN opted to portray the character of “PROFESSOR SEVERUS SNAPE” in the “HARRY POTTER” film series (2001-2011) instead.

[RICKMAN as “PROF. SNAPE”.]

Honorable mention:

The late ROBIN WILLIAMS (JULY 21, 1951 – AUGUST 11, 2014) was going to have a role in the film, but he suffered a bitter falling-out with KATZENBERG when KATZENBERG was still working at DISNEY, and refused to work with him.

[WILLIAMS]

And finally - “THE MAGIC MIRROR”:

GAME/TALK SHOW HOSTS JIM LANGE [AUGUST 15, 1932 – FEBRUARY 25, 2014) and JIMMY FALLON were both brought in at different times to record the voice of “THE MAGIC MIRROR” (LANGE in particular hosted “THE DATING GAME” (1965-2021) version 1 (1973–1974) v2 (1978–1980) v3 (1986–1989) v4 (1996–1999) v5 (2021), which “THE MIRROR” parodies). Eventually, however, “THE MIRROR” was voiced by STORYBOARD ARTIST CHRIS MILLER.

[LANGE]

[FALLON]

[MILLER]

Did you know that STEVEN SPIELBERG almost made his own version of “SHREK” in the early 90’s?

“SHREK” could have looked totally different if SPIELBERG went ahead with his initial plans. When the award-winning director purchased the rights to WILLIAM STEIG’S book in 1991, he imagined the film to be a standard hand-drawn animated film for his company, AMBLIN ENTERTAINMENT. He had two comedians in mind for the lead roles [I already mentioned them up above!]. However SPIELBERG couldn’t get the project off the ground until years later though — the year was 1994 — after DREAMWORKS SKG came to be. The rest is history.

Did you know that the studio hired an ARMOR EXPERT?

An ARMOR EXPERT was brought in to show the ANIMATORS a variety of armors that they could use as inspiration for the film. The ANIMATORS tried on the armor, studied how they moved with the armor on, and also took turns flailing different swords!

[SIR SHREK! Remember what I said about him wanting to be a KNIGHT earlier!]

Did you know that “DONKEY” has a bit of a connection with a famous DISNEY character?

“DONKEY” was the easiest character to sketch since no-one knew what a talking DONKEY would look like. He looked very different in the early drafts, more akin to “EEYORE” from “WINNIE THE POOH”.

[Early concept art of “DONKEY” and “SHREK”. He kinda does look like “EEYORE”!]

[And here is the other “DONKEY” in question!]

Do you know what the name “SHREK” means in other languages?

"SHREK" means "MONSTER" in YIDDISH, and is derived from the GERMAN word "SCHRECK", which means "TERROR" or "FRIGHT". SCHRECK is also the name of ACTOR MAX SCHRECK (6 September 1879 – 20 February 1936).

FRIEDRICH GUSTAV MAXIMILIAN SCHRECK known professionally as MAX SCHRECK, was a GERMAN ACTOR, best known for his lead role as the VAMPIRE “COUNT ORLOK” in the film “NOSFERATU” (1922) aka “NOSFERATU: A SYMPHONY OF HORROR”.

[SCHRECK]

[SCHRECK as “COUNT ORLOK” from “NOSFERATU”]

The character of Shrek is based on a figure of the same name in RUSSIAN folklore, dating as far back as 1200 CE.

Did you know that CAMERON DIAZ got very physical while recording one particular scene?

DIAZ, having undergone KUNG FU training during the making of CHARLIE’S ANGELS [2000], became very physical when recording her kung fu moves for “FIONA’S” fight with “ROBIN HOOD” and his “MERRY MEN”, and at times even broke out into CANTONESE.

[“FIONA” fighting the “MERRY MEN”.]

[DIAZ getting ready to kick some bad guys’ butt in a scene from “CHARLIE’S ANGELS [2000]”.]

And now let’s learn about some improvised moments!:

The scene where “PRINCESS FIONA” burps was written after a recording session where DIAZ burped after drinking some COCA-COLA. MURPHY improvised “DONKEY’S” response to “SHREK”, "She's as nasty as you are!"

The line "You're on your way to a smacked bottom" was improvised by MYERS after he got annoyed at one of the DIRECTORS. He had also used this line a few years earlier while playing his “AUSTIN POWERS” character in the popular music video of MADONNA’S song “BEAUTIFUL STRANGER” [1999]. The song and music video were made to promote the second film in “THE AUSTIN POWERS TRILOGY” [1997-2002] - “AUSTIN POWERS: THE SPY WHO SHAGGED ME” [1999].

[MADONNA and MYERS as “AUSTIN POWERS” from the music video “BEAUTIFUL STRANGER”.]

MYERS improvised numerous lines in the film, including when he addresses the guests at “FIONA” and “FARQUAAD’S” wedding.

When climbing up the fiery mountain to rescue “FIONA”, “DONKEY” says "My mouth was open and everything" when he thought “SHREK” passed wind. MURPHY had used the same line in his stand-up comedy movie “EDDIE MURPHY: DELIRIOUS” (1983) when he mentioned "You could fart in your friend's face while watching the game, he don't care...".

[A poster from the movie.]

When “DONKEY” goes off alone in the castle in search of stairs, he mutters "I am the stair master." This same line was spoken by MURPHY in “THE NUTTY PROFESSOR” (1996) after transforming into his [main] character's [“PROF. SHERMAN KLUMP”] alter ego, “BUDDY LOVE”. MURPHY also portrays the characters “CLETUS KLUMP” (“SHERMAN’S” FATHER), “ANNA PEARL JENSEN-KLUMP” (“SHERMAN’S”S MOTHER), “IDA MAE JENSON” (“SHERMAN’S” GRANDMOTHER, “ANNA’S” MOTHER), “ERNIE KLUMP SR.” (“SHERMAN’S” BROTHER) and “LANCE PERKINS, a parody of RICHARD SIMMONS in case you were interested.

[MURPHY as “THE KLUMPS”, “BUDDY LOVE” and “LANCE PERKINS”.]

Did you know that “DONKEY” is one of MURPHY’S most popular roles ever?

In an interview once MURPHY joked that the movie “SHREK”, and his character “DONKEY”, became so popular that if he had died the year the movie was released, newspapers would have probably used a picture of “DONKEY” instead of EDDIE MURPHY!

Well I hope you guys certainly enjoyed this entry. I will see you all again real soon and remember: “Stay out of MY swamp!”