Mike Myers, known for his legendary roles in the Shrek franchise, Austin Powers, Wayne’s World, and So I Married an Axe Murderer, has once again made it clear that he has no interest in a subtle tribute. According to the comedy icon, honoring Eddie Murphy at the 51st AFI Life Achievement Award gala required going all out, and showing up as anything other than the world’s most famous ogre would not feel right.
Mike Myers says Eddie Murphy’s performance as Donkey is a ‘masterpiece’
Speaking during the ceremony at the Dolby Theatre, Myers surprised the audience by arriving in full green makeup and signature ears to celebrate his longtime co-star. He explained that the global success of the Shrek movies was built entirely on Murphy’s energy.
“None of Shrek’s success could have happened without Eddie Murphy,” Myers explained. He added that playing against Murphy for twenty-five years made his own job as the title character much easier.
“Eddie’s character, Donkey, is a masterpiece, as is every character Eddie has created over the years. Lovable, hilarious, joyous, vulnerable, and loyal. Eddie combines all of those in a tour de force, and plainly put, Eddie is one of the greatest.”
For Myers, the legacy of the franchise is inseparable from the bond between the two characters.
He has repeatedly said he has no interest in taking credit for the series’ longevity without pointing to Murphy’s “joyous” contribution. In his view, any version of the Shrek story that didn’t have Murphy’s voice at the center would simply fall short.
The ceremony also became more outspoken about Murphy’s massive influence on the industry.
A star-studded group, including Dave Chappelle, Chris Rock, and Spike Lee, reportedly shared stories that highlighted how Murphy paved the way for generations of Black comedians.
Recently, Myers joked that his answer to whether he’d ever stop wearing the green makeup is tied to how much he loves working with his friend. Despite the humor, he said he truly believes that too many actors ruin their own experiences by not appreciating the legends they get to work with every day.
“It is my absolute honor… to tell my kids that I got to work with Eddie Murphy,” Myers said.
Instead, Myers believes that Murphy’s ability to define one of animation’s most beloved characters remains the perfect proof of his genius.
Although the tribute was a one-night event, the two have continued supporting each other’s work in other ways. They see their creative partnership as a companion to their solo careers rather than something separate.
The tribute special is also reportedly heading to Netflix, which is expected to be released on May 31, 2026, and look back at the making and legacy of the man who changed comedy forever.
