Fat Tuesday brings out the wild side - even in celebrities. Over the years, big names have hit the streets of New Orleans to celebrate Mardi Gras with beads, parades, and full-on party mode.
From singers to athletes, these stars stole the show:
Shaquille O’Neal Rules as King
Shaq didn’t just show up for Fat Tuesday. He wore the crown! The basketball great rolled through the Krewe of Bacchus parade as the Celebrity Monarch. Dressed in royal gear, complete with a golden crown, the NBA legend waved to crowds and tossed beads like a pro.
Fans cheered as he embraced the Mardi Gras spirit with full energy. Shaq didn’t hold back. He danced, posed, and even threw some signature Shaq-style humor into the mix.
Katy Perry Beads Up
Singer Katy Perry knows how to make an entrance. At the Endymion Mardi Gras Extravaganza, she hit the stage in a dress made entirely of colorful beads. That same night, New Orleans declared March 1 as Katy Perry Day.
Fat Tuesday got a pop-star-level glow-up with her there. She belted out hits, smiled big, and partied like a local.
Nicole Richie Gets Wild
Nicole Richie joined the Mardi Gras madness in 2025 and fully leaned in. She took a trip with friends, shared behind-the-scenes moments, and got into the festive chaos. She joked on Instagram about losing her glasses but finding beads, crawfish, and a few bruises.
Nicole / IG / Richie was not trying to stay polished at all. The “Chuk” star embraced the mess and fun that comes with Fat Tuesday.
Her photos showed a carefree, party-loving side that fans loved.
Livvy Dunne Shines in Green
LSU gymnast Livvy Dunne led the Krewe of Endymion parade as Grand Marshal this year. She showed up dressed in head-to-toe green and smiled wide from her float.
It was a big moment for the rising star, and she soaked up every second.
Harry Connick Jr. Returns Home
Just weeks after his father passed away, Harry Connick Jr. made a quiet but strong return to Mardi Gras in 2024. At the Krewe of Orpheus parade, he surrounded himself with his hometown crowd and let the music and tradition carry him.
There was no big speech. Just presence. People saw him soaking in the moment.
Kevin Dillon Goes All Gold
During the 2024 Krewe of Bacchus parade, Kevin Dillon—best known for “Entourage” - showed up as King. Wearing gold and blue, he stood out as he tossed beads into the crowd with a huge grin.
Fans loved it. He brought the bold, flashy energy Mardi Gras thrives on.
Darren Criss Keeps It Classic
Darren Criss knows New Orleans. He married his wife Mia Swier there in 2019, so it’s no surprise he returned to ride in the 2023 Krewe of Orpheus parade. He flashed beads, waved nonstop, and stayed high-energy the whole time.
He fit in like a local. For Fat Tuesday, Darren brought charm, music, and joy.
YT / Fat Tuesday hits differently when it is your hometown, and Mackie showed what that pride looks like.
Anthony Mackie Joins the Party
In 2023, New Orleans native Anthony Mackie joined the Krewe of Bacchus parade. Holding beads and smiling wide, the Marvel actor kept things real and local.
Crowds cheered as he rolled by, repping the city and showing love back.
Neil Patrick Harris & David Burtka Bring the Charm
At the 2024 Krewe of Orpheus parade, Neil Patrick Harris and David Burtka didn’t just wave from the sidelines. They ruled as celebrity monarchs.
The couple leaned into their roles, throwing beads and laughing the whole ride. Their float lit up the night, and they looked like they were having the time of their lives.
Adam DeVine Goes Big as Bacchus LV
In 2023, Adam DeVine stepped into a major Mardi Gras role as Bacchus LV. That meant a big float, a bigger crown, and even bigger energy.
He cracked jokes, threw beads, and kept the vibe light and hilarious. People were laughing along with him.
