Among the many colourful characters in Shrek 2 (2004), few are as unexpectedly iconic as the Ugly Stepsister. She runs the Poison Apple tavern, sports heavy makeup, and delivers her lines with a husky authority that caught many viewers off guard — and for good reason. The character is famously voiced by none other than Larry King, the legendary American broadcaster.
Fans often ask why the Ugly Stepsister’s voice sounds so different from the typical fairytale portrayal. The answer is simple: DreamWorks intentionally cast King to create an amusing contrast between the character’s exaggerated glamour and a distinctly gruff, unmistakably masculine voice. This clever choice fit perfectly into Shrek’s tradition of twisting classic fairy tale archetypes for comic effect.
In Shrek 2, Larry King provides the English voice of the Ugly Stepsister, while in the UK release, Jonathan Ross, another famous TV personality, takes over the role. Though she only has a few scenes, the character became an instant fan favourite for her unexpected charm and deadpan wit.
So if you’ve ever wondered who's the guy behind the Ugly Stepsister? — it’s broadcasting royalty, both sides of the Atlantic. Yet another example of how Shrek turned fairy tales upside down, one brilliantly oddball detail at a time.
