Unveiling The "Donkey (film) Cast" & Voice Actors!

Gustave Mueller 08 May 2025

Is it possible for a supporting character to steal the show? In the world of animated films, the answer is a resounding yes, and the character of Donkey from the Shrek franchise is a prime example.

From the moment he first bounded onto the screen, voiced with irrepressible energy by Eddie Murphy, Donkey became an instant fan favorite. His comedic timing, his unwavering loyalty to Shrek, and his relentless optimism in the face of ogre-sized cynicism made him an unforgettable character. But the story of Donkey extends beyond just one animated film. It's a story of voice acting, of character design, and of the lasting impact that a seemingly minor character can have on popular culture. This article will delve into the world of Donkey, exploring his various incarnations, the actors who brought him to life, and the legacy he has built.

Category	Details
Full Name	Edward Regan Murphy
Born	April 3, 1961, Brooklyn, New York
Nationality	American
Known For	Voice of Donkey in the Shrek series, comedic actor
Other Notable Works	Saturday Night Live, Beverly Hills Cop, Coming to America, Mulan (voice of Mushu)
Voice Acting Roles	Donkey ( Shrek franchise), Mushu ( Mulan)
Awards	Multiple Emmy and Golden Globe nominations, numerous awards for his comedic work
Notable Fact	Eddie Murphy was already an established comedic icon thanks to his work on SNL and his stand-up routines before taking on the role of Donkey.
Reference Link	IMDB - Eddie Murphy

The evolution of Donkey, both as a character and through the actors who have voiced him, is a fascinating aspect of the Shrek phenomenon. While Eddie Murphy is undoubtedly the most recognizable voice of the character, the role has been portrayed by others in different contexts. In Scared Shrekless, Dean Edwards took over the role, showcasing the willingness of the franchise to adapt and explore different interpretations of the character. However, Murphy returned to voice the character in Donkey's Christmas Shrektacular, a testament to the enduring popularity of his performance.

The decision to cast Eddie Murphy as Donkey was a stroke of genius. Murphy's unique comedic style and improvisational skills injected a level of energy and humor into the character that resonated with audiences of all ages. His delivery of lines, his ad-libs, and his overall portrayal of the fast-talking, loyal sidekick elevated Donkey from a simple supporting character to a scene-stealing star. The role perfectly suited Murphy's talents, allowing him to showcase his ability to deliver rapid-fire jokes, heartfelt moments, and a signature laugh that became instantly recognizable.

The creative process behind Donkey's character design is also noteworthy. The animation team, tasked with bringing the character to life, drew inspiration from various sources, including the comedic energy of Eddie Murphy himself. While the exact details of the design process are not always publicly available, it is clear that the animators carefully crafted Donkey's physical appearance to match his personality. His large, expressive eyes, his buck teeth (which some speculate are meant to suggest a Texan origin, given the character's Southern accent), and his overall goofy demeanor all contribute to his charm.

The Shrek franchise itself, which began in 2001, was a revolutionary film, not just in terms of its animation, but also in its approach to storytelling. It subverted fairy tale tropes, presented a cynical take on the "happily ever after," and offered a fresh perspective on what a children's movie could be. Donkey, with his endless optimism and unwavering friendship with Shrek, played a key role in anchoring the film's emotional core. He was the voice of reason, the comedic relief, and the heart of the story, balancing Shrek's gruff exterior with his infectious enthusiasm.

The success of Shrek spawned a franchise that included sequels, spin-offs, and various other forms of media. Donkey, of course, remained a central figure throughout. He continued to provide laughs, offer unwavering support to Shrek and Fiona, and become a beloved character for a whole new generation. The continued success of the franchise is a testament to the enduring appeal of its characters, its humor, and its positive messages about acceptance and friendship. It is also a reflection of the quality of the voice acting and the writing that brought these characters to life.

Beyond the Shrek films, the concept of "Donkey" has also appeared in various other contexts. The term itself can refer to the animal, and in other animation worlds and video games. It is interesting to note the wide variety of projects that are out there that involve or mention "Donkey". These projects are as diverse as the creative mind allows and reflects the influence and legacy of the character, even outside of the main Shrek franchise. This shows the power that this character has, influencing many different areas of the entertainment industry.

The popularity of Donkey also highlights the importance of voice actors in the animation world. The voice actor becomes inextricably linked to the character, and their performance can shape the way audiences perceive that character. Eddie Murphy's portrayal of Donkey is a perfect example of this phenomenon. His performance is so iconic that it is difficult to imagine anyone else in the role. The voice actors behind Donkey, both Eddie Murphy and Dean Edwards, brought unique qualities to the role, further enriching the character's complexity.

The legacy of Donkey is one of comedic brilliance, unwavering loyalty, and enduring popularity. He is a character who has resonated with audiences of all ages, and his impact on popular culture is undeniable. From his memorable lines to his infectious laugh, Donkey has become an icon of the animated film world. The character's success is a testament to the power of great writing, exceptional voice acting, and the enduring appeal of a well-developed and lovable sidekick.

Another performer who left a mark in a completely different way is Michael Bower. Michael Bower, who played Eddie Donkeylips Gelfen on Salute Your Shorts. While a different character entirely, and in live-action rather than animation, this role shows the breadth of comedic roles that have utilized the name or some form of it. It gives a good idea of the different ways characters can exist in comedy.

Beyond the world of feature films, the character of Donkey has also found his way into video games. This demonstrates the widespread influence of the character and the Shrek franchise as a whole. With 20 images (& sounds) of the Donkey Kong Country cast of characters, the reach of the character across multiple media platforms cannot be understated. This expansion into different mediums also shows the versatility of the character design, which allows it to be adapted across media.

Moreover, the use of voice actors extends beyond the main franchise. Photos of the Donkey Kong Country and Donkey Kong 64 (game) voice actors show how the character of Donkey transcends the original concept. This creates a diverse body of work. The inclusion of Japanese voice actors like Koichi Yamadera (Japanese voice for Donkey in Shrek 2) also highlights the global appeal of the character. Furthermore, Takashi Nagasako, is known for voicing Dodoria since Dragon Ball: Raging Blast. All these point to the character's ability to be reinterpreted, repurposed, and adapted into different cultural contexts.