The death of actor Charlton Heston Saturday brings back memories of one of his starring roles in New Orleans.  Carnival parade-goers will remember when Heston ruled as Bacchus XV in 1983.  The Academy Award-winning star of such movies as "Ben-Hur" and "The Ten Commandments" definitely looked the part of celebrity monarch, earning rave reviews for his performance as the god of wine.

Photo by Ralph Romaguera

Charlton Heston as Bacchus XV in 1983

A published history of the Krewe of Bacchus, by authors Buddy Stall and Myron Tassin, features a royal portrait of Heston on the cover.  The book quotes some krewe members as saying Heston was their favorite monarch because "he was regal," with a "kingly manner" and "gracious image."  Krewe photographer Ralph Romaguera added "Nobody has ever been more kingly."  In the book "Mardi Gras and Bacchus: Something Old, Something New," Romaguera recalls that Heston willingly gave his time to admirers during his visit, including a visit to Children's Hospital.

On that February evening in 1983, the authors wrote, Heston, the star of "The Greatest Show on Earth," saw to it that Carnival really was the greatest show on Earth.  The theme of the parade that year was "Jewels of the Zodiac," with a procession led by a true star.