With her gruff voice and demeanor, Doris is a hilarious standout in Shrek 2 — which is quite the accomplishment since the second film also introduced the wide-eyed Puss in Boots (Antonio Banderas). When she's first introduced, Doris is tending the bar at The Poisoned Apple when Fiona's father comes looking for someone to assassinate his soon-to-be son-in-law Shrek. This leads Doris to point him in the direction of Puss after warning him that the cat assassin "doesn't like to be disturbed."
It's a short scene, but King returns later in the film to sing "Girls Just Wanna Have Fun," and he also went on to appear in Shrek the Third. In the third film, Doris' story is expanded to include a reunion with her estranged sister Mabel (Regis Philbin).
King's role in the Shrek franchise serves as a reminder that he was always game to try new things — especially if it meant entertaining kids. In addition to Shrek, he also appeared in Sesame Street, Arthur, and Jerry Seinfeld's Bee Movie, among other projects. Ultimately, the famed host became just as well-known for his memorable appearances in children's movies and shows to a generation of kids who grew up in the '00s as he was for his numerous interviews with politicians and celebrities.
Let Doris be a reminder that King's talents went well beyond his long career as a radio and television host — and that no one could ever accuse him of taking himself too seriously.
