Fans in tears as Perry, the real-life donkey behind Shrek's ‘Donkey’, dies at 30; say ‘2025 is starting off badly’

In an unexpected twist of fate, Perry, the miniature donkey who inspired the beloved Donkey in the Shrek films, has passed away at the age of 30. Shrek's iconic Donkey and Perry the donkey Perry’s playful and talkative nature made him the perfect reference for Donkey, voiced by Eddie Murphy. Over the years, Donkey became a cultural icon, with the character’s humour and heart providing comic relief in all four Shrek films, including the last one, Shrek Forever After. Another wrote, “The beloved donkey who served as the model for Donkey in Shrek, Rest well.” Sentimentality ran deep as another fan added, “I’ll miss you so much, thanks for giving me such an amazing childhood.” And perhaps the most touching tribute came from one fan who said, “Perry gave us one of the most memorable characters of all time. In the words of Donkey, “I’m a believer,” and Perry will forever be remembered as the heart and soul behind one of the most cherished characters in animation history.