The True Story Behind Shrek
We have all seen the famous Shrek movie, an ogre who lives alone
in his swamp. One day he is invaded by different fairy tale characters and in
order to save his home, he must rescue Princess Fiona. This movie was a
complete success at the beginning of 2001 and many of us still remember it for
the countless smiles it brought us. However, not everyone knows the true story
of our beloved Shrek.
Let's start with the real character, Maurice Tillet. This man was
born on October 23, 1903 in the Ural Mountains, Russia. He was a child who
went through various very difficult situations, such as the death of his
father during the Russian Revolution. After a few years, Tillet, who was
nicknamed "Angel", decided to study law when he entered university despite his
uncontrollable desire to be an actor, but unfortunately this last dream could
not be fulfilled because of the terrible disease he suffered. with only 20
years of age.
"Acromegaly" or "gigantism" is the disease that Ángel
suffered and that is characterized by the excessive production of growth
hormone that especially affects the extremities of the body and the head. Due
to this, he suffered many ridicules and cruel attacks on his physique and that
was when he decided to abandon that purpose, isolating himself from everything
and buying a donkey to keep him company.
From fighter to inspiration for Shrek
In 1937, he met Karl Pollero, a man who was impressed with his
appearance and who asked him to enter wrestling so many times until he was
convinced. "The French Angel" was his nickname during his time in the ring and
his success was incredible after being champion two years in a row. Despite
this, with the passing of days, his deformities were becoming more noticeable,
so they began to call him "ogre" and he decided to retire permanently.
Years later, Ángel died of cardiovascular disease, but that was
not a reason to forget. Dreamworks decided to be inspired by him to create the
charismatic character that we all know as Shrek.
Although the film is very funny, the real anecdote on which it was
based is very sad due to the different events that this man had to go through.
Now that you know the true story of Shrek, will you continue to watch the
movie the same way?
