Shrek is a fictional ogre character created by American author William Steig, who appears as the protagonist in the book of the same name, and in eponymous films by DreamWorks Animation. He is the protagonist of the book and the movies. The name "Shrek" is derived from the German word, , meaning "fright" or "terror". Shrek is voiced by Mike Myers, although it was planned for him to be voiced by Chris Farley before his death in December 1997, and played by Brian d'Arcy James in the musical.