As reported recently on the website CBR, Perry, the real-life donkey who served as the stand-in for the character Donkey in the movie Shrek, recently passed away at the age of 30.

Perry lived a much loved life. In addition to his  “stand-in work,” Perry was the mascot for Palo Alto, CA, and an Instagram post commemorated his life:

https://www.instagram.com/p/DEX3_Q9ScqW/
The article gives some detail about Perry’s time as a “stand-in.” The article states:

Perry, who was donated to the pasture in 1997, served as the stand-in for Donkey from Shrek, which came from Pacific Data Images (PDI) visiting the Barron Park Donkey Project. Many pictures were taken of Perry for research on what donkeys look like and how they move, and this was used to bring the animated version of Donkey to life in the movie. Shrek spawned a franchise and has since been established as one of hte most beloved animated films in cinema history, earning over $492 million worldwide and winning the first-ever Academy Award for Best Animated Feature. However, Perry was not listed in the credits for the film, and the company reportedly donated only $75 to the pasture.

Although technically not a “stand-in” in the traditional meaning of the term (which usually involves working on a set for camera setups), Perry’s recognition for his contributions to this film is not unlike the recognition other stand-ins receive for their work on major motion pictures — which is to say, little to none.

Many stand-ins work many if not all production days on a motion picture, then to receive no mention in the credits of the film. In contrast, production assistants who work a handful of days as additional workers regularly receive credit for their limited gig work.

Perry was unlikely a member of the Screen Actors Guild at the time, so he was unlikely to bring in guaranteed minimum compensation for his arguably union “work.” The pasture where Perry lived reportedly received $75 as a donation, rather than Perry receiving daily wages.

Although we make mention of this low compensation and his union membership status with tongue firmly in cheek, the value of stand-ins to a production especially one as large and successful as this one tends to imply that stand-ins, even asinine ones like Perry, often are exploited rather than paid a fair wage for their contributions.

Donations by the production company or any other stand-in or donkey lover can be made to Perry’s former home, the Barren Park Donkey Project, by clicking here.

Do you know of other animal stand-ins? Share your insights in the comments box below!