NEW ORLEANS - Actor/comedian John C. Reilly will reign as Bacchus 2015, the krewe announced Monday.
Bacchus captain Clark Brennan announced the news Monday night.
Reilly has appeared in more than 50 films, including three separate films in 2002 that were nominated for the Academy Award for Best Picture: Chicago, Gangs of New York and The Hours.
He starred in two comedies with former Bacchus Will Ferrell: Talladega Nights and Step Brothers.
"John C. Reilly is a consummate storyteller and entertainer," said Clark Brennan. "Reilly will delight parade goers with his outgoing style and love for children. He will be a memorable monarch indeed." Brennan took over as Bacchus captain earlier in 2014. His father "Pip" Brennan served in that capacity for more than 40 years.
Reilly also received an Oscar nomination for Best Supporting Actor for his role in Chicago and a Grammy Award for the song "Walk Hard," from the movie Walk Hard: The Dewey Cox Story.
Among Reilly's other most memorable performances are his roles as Noah Dietrich in The Aviator, Lefty in A Prairie Home Companion, and Reed Rothchild in Boogie Nights. In 2014 Reilly has appeared in movies Guardians of the Galaxy and Life after Beth, and in one episode of Tim and Eric's Bedtime Stories.
Next year, audiences will enjoy Reilly as Lisping Man in the movie The Lobster, currently in post production.
The theme of the 2015 parade is "Children's Stories That Live Forever." Thirty-one signature floats are under construction including Polar Express, Pinocchio, Winnie the Pooh and The Jungle Book.
The parade will feature 30 marching bands including the Southern University Marching Band, the United States Marine Corps Band, and the Talladega College Marching Band, in honor of Reilly's starring role.
Reilly continues a tradition of Bacchus welcoming celebrities as its monarch. Last year's was actor Hugh Laurie. Previous monarchs have included Drew Brees, Harry Connick Jr., Bob Hope, Kirk Douglas, Jackie Gleason and Danny Kaye.
