Mike Myers made a rare public appearance in Los Angeles on Saturday, channeling his iconic Shrek character to celebrate Eddie Murphy’s AFI Lifetime Achievement Award. The 62-year-old actor donned green face paint and distinctive ogre ears, drawing cheers from the crowd.
Hollywood Pays Tribute to Eddie Murphy
Eddie Murphy received the prestigious AFI Lifetime Achievement Award, honoring his groundbreaking contributions to comedy and cinema over decades. Industry stars, including Dave Chappelle, gathered to recognize Murphy’s enduring influence on entertainment.
During his onstage tribute, Myers highlighted Murphy’s pivotal role in the Shrek series. “None of the ‘Shrek’ success could have happened without Eddie Murphy; his character Donkey is a masterpiece,” Myers stated. “As is every character that Eddie has created. It is an absolute honor to be able to tell my kids that I got to work with Eddie Murphy.”
Shrek Franchise’s Blockbuster Legacy
The Shrek franchise has thrived as a DreamWorks Animation powerhouse for over two decades, delivering four main films and numerous spin-offs. The original Shrek (2001) grossed $487 million worldwide and won the Academy Award for Best Animated Feature.
Shrek 2 (2004) earned $928 million globally and competed for the Cannes Palme d’Or. Shrek the Third (2007) brought in $813 million, while Shrek Forever After (2010) amassed $752 million. Spin-offs like Puss in Boots (2011) generated $555 million and earned an Oscar nomination, and Puss in Boots: The Last Wish (2022) secured $484 million with another Best Animated Feature nod.
Mike Myers’ Recent Projects and Comebacks
Myers scaled back from major blockbusters after his Austin Powers and Shrek triumphs but has made selective returns. Recent credits include Bohemian Rhapsody, voice work as Shrek in specials, and the Netflix series The Pentaverate.
Last year, he delighted Saturday Night Live viewers by reviving Linda Richman—his character inspired by his ex-mother-in-law—for the show’s 50th anniversary. Teaming with Amy Poehler and Maya Rudolph as Bronx Beat hosts, Myers interviewed Miles Teller, unleashing catchphrases like complimenting skin as “buttah” and getting “a little verklempt.”
Fans on X raved about the return: “Mike Myers is still killing it as Linda Richman,” one wrote. Another shared, “My favorite SNL character of all time is Linda Richman… when he showed up, it made my night.” A third noted, “Mike Myers as Linda Richman is still ‘buttah’.”
Excitement builds for Shrek 5, slated for June 2027 theaters, with Myers and Murphy reprising their roles.
