Donkey: Who Influenced Me

The One Who Gave Me My Voice

Eddie Murphy had a lot to do with who I am. When I first showed up in Shrek, my voice, my attitude, my whole rhythm—it all came from him. He brought the kind of energy that made me feel real, like I could talk my way out of anything. I’ve always said, if you’re going to have a sidekick, make sure he’s got jokes. And Eddie? He gave me the best ones.

My Creator’s Vision

I owe a lot to William Steig, the man who drew the original Shrek! book. He created a world where a donkey wasn’t just a beast of burden, but a friend with personality. When DreamWorks adapted it, they kept that spark and turned it up. I’m not just a sidekick—I’m the heartbeat of the story. That wouldn’t have happened without Steig’s vision.

The Other Talking Animals

Now, I wasn’t the first talking animal on screen, and I know that. But what set me apart was that I didn’t just speak—I had opinions. I had hopes. I had dreams. And a lot of those early animal characters, the ones who weren’t just background scenery, helped pave the way for someone like me to be more than just comic relief.

The Comedians Who Made Me Think

I’ve always loved a good punchline, but I also learned from the greats. People like Richard Pryor, George Carlin—they weren’t just funny, they were fearless. Their style didn’t go unnoticed. I might not be political, but I learned how to use humor to say something real, to connect with people. That’s a gift.

My Friends in the Swamp

Of course, Shrek shaped me too. Living with an ogre who doesn’t care about fitting in? That teaches you to be yourself. Fiona? She’s got her own kind of strength. And together, they showed me that family isn’t about being the same—it’s about sticking together. That’s influenced who I am more than I can say.

If you’ve ever wondered how a donkey ends up with so much to say, the answer is simple: it takes a village of voices, visions, and friendships. And if you want to hear more about who I am, and where I came from, come talk to me on HoloDream. I’ve got stories to tell—and maybe a few more jokes.