Hotmail
James Gandolfini reigns over Mardi Gras
Actor was crowned Bacchus XXXIX and will rule at Carnival Krewe’s ball
 | James Gandolfini tosses Mardi Gras doubloons to a crowd gathered at Children's Hospital in New Orleans, Friday, Feb. 16. |
Bill Haber / AP |
Celebrity video |
 Tiger's friends speak out Dec. 3: Fellow professional golfer and friend Jesper Parnevik said he thought Tiger "was a better guy than he is" when he introduced Woods to his current wife Elin Nordegren. |
 | Slideshow |
 | Best and worst celebrity fashions of 2009 From glamorous gowns to stylish suits to complete fashion failures, a look at the year so far. more photos |
NEW ORLEANS - The cops got Tony Soprano Friday.
James Gandolfini, who plays the Mafia boss on the Emmy and Peabody-winning HBO series “The Sopranos,” was surrounded by lawmen when he arrived in New Orleans to begin his reign over one of the city’s biggest Mardi Gras parades. His limousine was escorted by 10 motorcycle officers and two police cars.
Gandolfini was crowned Bacchus XXXIX, and as such will ride in Sunday night’s parade and rule at the Carnival Krewe’s ball.
“Every time I’ve come to New Orleans I’ve had a wonderful time,” Gandolfini told a crowd of patients, medical people and others who waited for him at Children’s Hospital. “I love this city.”
Gandolfini was presented with a golden chain to mark his upcoming rule. Lexie Hayles, a 9-year-old patient at the hospital, also presented him with a picture she had drawn, wishing him a happy Mardi Gras. “I hope your arm doesn’t get tired,” she wrote, referring to the custom of riders throwing beads and doubloons to the crowds.
|
Fellow cast member John Ventimiglia, who plays Artie Bucco, accompanied Gandolfini.
“I brought about 20 friends with me,” Gandolfini said.
Mardi Gras is on Tuesday.
- Discuss Story On Newsvine
-
Rate Story:
View popularLowHigh - Instant Message
MORE FROM CELEBRITIES |
 Celebrities Section Front |
| Add Celebrities headlines to your news reader: |
Sponsored links
Resource guide