Names and faces

Comedian Ellen DeGeneres wants to be in Bridesmaids 2. The returning Oscar host said she’s working with Bridesmaids director Paul Feig to promote the Academy Awards because she’s angling for a part in the sequel, even though no such film has been announced. Feig has demurred about a Bridemaids sequel since the movie’s success in 2011. The director’s most recent film, The Heat with Sandra Bullock and Melissa McCarthy, also blasted box office expectations and inspired rumors of a sequel.

The music of Rock ‘n’ Roll Hall of Fame performer Fats Domino will float through the streets of New Orleans this Carnival season. Domino has been named honorary grand marshal of the Krewe of Orpheus, the star-studded Carnival club that traditionally parades the night before Mardi Gras. Although he won’t be riding in the March 3 parade, his eldest son, Antoine Domino III, is expected to ride on a float equipped with a piano and speakers to perform his father’s greatest hits, such as “Blue Monday,” “The Fat Man,” “Blueberry Hill” and “Walking to New Orleans.” Other family members are expected to ride and throw coaster-size, gold-record doubloons and other Fats Domino-themed trinkets from the float. Domino, 85, smiled for friends, relatives and a handful of news media representatives who gathered recently in his suburban New Orleans living room as he was honored by the Krewe of Orpheus with a medallion proclaiming him honorary grand marshal. “I’m happy to do it,” he said, but added that he hasn’t changed his mind about riding on a float. “No way,” he said. Referring to the fact that his son would fill in for him, he said, with a smile, “He should be all right.” Domino, born in New Orleans in February 1928, sold more than 65 million records between 1950 and 1963, making Billboard’s pop chart 77 times and its rhythm and blues chart 61 times. The pianist, singer and songwriter is regarded as one of the forerunners of rock music, beloved by musicians including The Beatles, Elvis Presley and Billy Joel. Domino has been asked to participate in Mardi Gras for years, but this is the first time in recent history that he’s agreed to. New Orleans artist Michael Hunt has designed a poster to commemorate the occasion. The posters will be autographed by Domino and available for purchase.