In a nostalgic and heartwarming moment, Mike Myers made a rare public appearance to support his longtime co-star Eddie Murphy at the AFI Lifetime Achievement Awards on Saturday in Los Angeles. The actor, aged 62, stepped out in full Shrek regalia, complete with green face paint and trumpet-shaped ears, paying tribute to the iconic character that defined a generation of animated comedy.
A Tribute to a Comedy Legend
Eddie Murphy was honoured with the prestigious AFI Lifetime Achievement Award, celebrating his groundbreaking career in comedy and cinema. Hollywood's elite gathered to pay tribute to the legendary star, recognising his decades-long contributions and lasting impact on the entertainment industry. Mike Myers took to the stage to express his admiration, stating, 'None of the Shrek success could have happened without Eddie Murphy; his character Donkey is a masterpiece.'
He continued, 'As is every character that Eddie has created. It is an absolute honour to be able to tell my kids that I got to work with Eddie Murphy.' This heartfelt acknowledgment highlighted the deep professional respect and personal bond between the two comedians, who famously starred opposite each other in the hit Shrek films, with Murphy voicing the beloved character Donkey.
The Enduring Legacy of Shrek
The Shrek franchise has been a commercially successful and critically-acclaimed property for DreamWorks Animation for over two decades, spawning four feature motion pictures and multiple spinoff projects. The initial Shrek film debuted in May 2001, grossing $487 million worldwide and winning the Academy Award for Best Animated Feature.
Subsequent releases continued this success: Shrek 2 in May 2004 made $928 million worldwide and was considered for the Cannes Film Festival's Palme d'Or prize, while Shrek the Third in May 2007 grossed $813 million. The latest main series film, Shrek Forever After in May 2010, took in $752 million globally.
Spinoffs have also fared well, with Puss in Boots earning $555 million after its October 2011 release and an Oscar nomination, and Puss in Boots: The Last Wish in December 2022 making $484 million and receiving another Academy Award nomination for Best Animated Feature.
Mike Myers' Career Evolution
Mike Myers dominated the late 1990s and early 2000s with hits like Austin Powers and Shrek, but later stepped away from major blockbuster roles. Part of this shift was due to mixed success outside his three hit franchises, leading him to pop up occasionally rather than remain constantly in the spotlight.
His most recent appearances include a role in Bohemian Rhapsody, voicing Shrek again in specials, and starring in the Netflix series The Pentaverate. Last year, Saturday Night Live fans were delighted when Myers returned as the iconic character Linda Richman for the show's star-studded 50th anniversary.
In the sketch, he slipped back into the wig and false nails of the middle-aged Coffee Chat host, joining Amy Poehler and Maya Rudolph as Bronx Beat hosts. Fans took to social media to praise the performance, with one writing, 'Mike Myers is still killing it as Linda Richman,' and another noting, 'My favourite SNL character of all time is Linda Richman.'
Looking to the Future
Excitement is building for Shrek 5, which is officially in development and scheduled for release in cinemas in June 2027, with both Mike Myers and Eddie Murphy set to reprise their roles. This announcement adds to the anticipation surrounding the franchise's continued influence and the enduring partnership between these two comedy giants.
Mike Myers previously revealed that the Linda Richman character was inspired by his now ex-mother-in-law, Linda Richman, and during an appearance on Inside the Actors Studio, he shared that she would goad him into performing the character in public. This personal touch adds depth to his comedic creations, showcasing the blend of inspiration and talent that has defined his career.
