Among both the most critically acclaimed and the highest-grossing animated franchises ever made isShrek. And although not every film in this series is of equal caliber, they’re for the most part high-quality movies from start to finish, with rock-solid structures, hilarious dialogue, and tangible character development.
But one aspect of filmmaking that helped these projects achieve such success would be the star-studded natures of their casts. Mike Myers, Cameron Diaz, and Eddie Murphy are just a few of the well-known actors who famously portray characters in theShrekfranchise. There’s also Antonio Banderas, Julie Andrews, and John Cleese. But throughout the years, several high-profile actors may have eluded your memory regarding their inclusion herein — these are thirteen actors you probably forgot were in theShrekfranchise.
13Kathleen Freeman
In the first everShrek, famous actressKathleen Freemanvoices “old woman (Donkey’s ex-owner)” as her credit. For those who can’t remember: the only scene in which she was featured came early on in the film, during Donkey’s introduction. She’s the lady who sells him away, and tries to get him to talk to prove to the guards of Far Far Away that he is in fact a talking donkey.
After this scene, Donkey escapes and meetsthe titular characterfor the first time. And Freeman may not have had a prominent role, but it was definitely one that fit her. For those unfamiliar: Kathleen Freeman’s filmography spanned more than five decades, frequently appearing with Jerry Lewis in comedies. Considering the hilarious nature of the franchise at hand, Freeman fit right in among the voice cast ofShrek.
12Joan Rivers
In the second entry of the franchise, American actressJoan Riversis credited as “Red Carpet Announcer”. You likely remember that character off the bat, if not by voice then by the description of her role. But this entry is notable for the franchise as a whole as this character fromShrek 2(2004) remains the only time a real person had been represented on screen by the animation team at hand.
Not the most significant of feats, but it’s without a doubt noteworthy for this list in particular. The Red Carpet Announcer of course introducedthe fairy tale creaturesas they arrived in Far Far Away. It was a scene of great comedic proportions, and the appearance from Joan Rivers remains well-voiced all these years later despite you perhaps forgetting that she was ever there.
11Regis Philbin
Perhaps the most indistinguishable voice role in the entire franchise,Regis Philbinshows up inShrek the Third(2007) by voicing Mabel, one of the three Ugly Stepsisters of Cinderella. Of course, the character is female, and the actor at hand is a male, with Mabel being known for her deep and scratchy voice that plays into her being deemed an “Ugly” Stepsister.
After nailing the appearance across the board, Philbin reprised the role of Mabel in the immediate sequel,Shrek Forever After(2010). The film as a whole markeda significant decline in qualityfor the franchise itself, with Mabel’s role being less noticeable that time around. Perhaps if that fourth entry featured Philbin to a more significant degree, it would have resonated more fondly with critics.
10Larry King
It’s of course a joke to surmise that Regis Philbin as one of the three Ugly Stepsisters of Cinderella could truly boast the quality of his respective film just by dint of a more prominent role. But these stepsisters are perfectly cast, further showcased here with the choice ofLarry Kingas Doris. He first played the character inShrek 2, and then like Philbin, he reprised the role in the immediate sequel.
Of course, this radio and television host is known for making appearances as himself in dozens of Hollywood productions throughout the years. But Doris the Ugly Stepsister remains by far the most prominent vocal effort of his career. King also played Doris inShrek Forever After, so, three movies in total. And he performs so well, you probably forgot he voiced the character at all.
Thanks to his famous role as Don Draper in the television seriesMad Men, American actorJon Hammtransitioned to the film industry with great name value in tow. He of course still makes guest appearances in popular shows. But since the turnof the 2010s, arguably starting with the film at hand, he’s hardly looked back on his newfound career as a movie star.
InShrek Forever After, he voiced an ogre named Brogan. He ends up escaping along with a few other characters (some who are still to follow on the list) as they stormed the castle to retaliate against Rumpelstiltskin, the film’s antagonist. It’s a prominent part in the plot, and through all the excitement, you may have forgotten that Brogan was voiced by Jon Hamm.
8Jane Lynch
From one ogre to another, you may have forgotten entirely that American actressJane Lynchvoiced one named Gretched. Same deal as before: her character was kept in captivity until being freed by Shrek’s wish. She then attacked the bad guys not just with the other ogres, but also with two of the franchise’s most prominent characters: Donkey, voiced by Eddie Murphy, and Puss, played by Antonio Banderas.
Again,Shrek Forever Aftermarked her first appearance of the franchise. But it wasn’t Lynch’s first voice role. She appeared in bothSpace Chimps(2008) andIce Age: Dawn of the Dinosaurs(2009) in the years leading up, albeit to less prominent degrees. And since, she’s becomea notable voice actresswith many animated outings under her belt. This one may have eluded your memory.
7Craig Robinson
The final ogre to debut inShrek Forever Afteris Cookie, voiced by hilarious Hollywood mainstayCraig Robinson. Of course, this actor frequently performs alongside Seth Rogen and James Franco, with the three even appearing in an animated outing calledSausage Party(2016). You’d also be likely to remember Robinson’s face from his role as Darryl onThe Office, or his intonations from his part as LaVar inThe Cleveland Show.
His voice is fairly distinguishable, and for that remains iconic even as yet another ogre inShrek Forever After. Cookie is just as relevant as the last two characters on the list, with Robinson’s character only coming out on top because, well, that’s the order of the cast. In all likelihood, you forgot that all three made appearances inShrek.
6Kathy Griffin
This American comedian also shows upShrek Forever After, with her character being called Taran. Of course,Kathy Griffinhas an extensive background in television, and asa stand-up comedian. But she’s perhaps the only performer on the list without a notable film role throughout her career. For the most part, they’re all supporting.
Shw plays here in Shrek Forever After a witch named Taran, if that rings any more bells, with one of her counterpart characters being voiced by Lake Bell. You may have forgotten both of those actresses were in the franchise, with Griffin specifically coming in at number six.
5Seth Rogen
It’s worth noting off the bat that the appearance fromSeth RogeninShrek the Thirdis of a rather minor variety. His role as the Ship Captain came first when the protagonists (Shrek, Donkey, and Puss) were attempting to take Arthur Pendragon into the land of Far, Far Away.
You might not have even recognized his voice in your first run through. But upon learning this piece of information and subsequently revisiting the film, you should be able to pinpoint his scratchy intonations off the bat. Rogen has several other prominent voice roles under his belt thanks to films likeKung Fu Panda(2008) and the aforementionedSausage Party. But if there’s one voice role of his you forgot, it’s the Ship Captain inShrek the Third.
4John Krasinski
Continuing theShrek the Thirdtrend isJohn Krasinski, who amidthe star-studded castplayed the character Lancelot. Of course, that’s a famous figure in Arthurian legend, with another soon to appear. Both of their inclusions in the franchise may have slipped your mind all these years later.
Like Craig Robinson that came before him on the list, perhaps the most famous role of Krasinski’s would be from the American television showThe Office. He plays Jim, one of the primary and most fan-favorite characters. Krasinski’s film appearances include the likes ofA Quiet Place(2018), while Lancelot marks his first ever voice role. For that, he lands at number four.
