Actor , Star from “Legacies” and “Legally Blonde,” Announced as Krewe of Mardi Paws' Monarch for 25th Anniversary Parade

Mandeville, Louisiana (February 15, 2019) – The Krewe of Mardi Paws has found its leading man for the role of Monarch in this year's parade, which will roll at 2 p.m. on Sunday, March 10. Matthew Davis is currently starring in The CW series “Legacies,” a supernatural drama that’s the third show in “” universe. As one of only a handful of characters who has appeared on all three series – “The Vampire Diaries,” “” and “Legacies” – Davis has become one of the most recognizable faces of the franchise. The first season of “Legacies” premiered on October 25 and has already been renewed for a second season. The thrilling new drama tells the story of the next generation of supernatural beings at The Salvatore Boarding School for the Young and Gifted. Davis stars as Alaric Saltzman, the school’s headmaster. Fans love him for his signature snark ... and his enviable hairdo. Before Davis brought this character to life on “The Vampire Diaries,” he was most famously known for playing Warner, the ex-boyfriend everyone loved to hate in the 2001 classic “Legally Blonde.” He also appeared in the television shows “What About Brian” (ABC, 2006- 07) and “Cult” (The CW, 2014), and he had a recurring role on “CSI: Crime Scene Investigation” (CBS, 2013-14). The Krewe of Mardi Paws, which is a Mardi Gras parade for dogs and their people, was founded in 1994 and has been a fundraiser for non-profits helping canines and kids in the community since its inception. Proceeds from the parade benefit Scott’s Wish, which provides aid for patients with leukemia and life-threatening illnesses, and the Ian Somerhalder Foundation (ISF), the brainchild of actor Ian Somerhalder of the television shows and “Lost” and “The Vampire Diaries.” An ardent animal lover who grew up in neighboring Covington, Louisiana, Somerhalder has purchased 100 acres of land near Mandeville. He and Davis know each other from their days working together on “The Vampire Diaries.” Somerhalder’s latest project, a 10-episode series for Netflix called “V-Wars,” also features vampires. This time, though, Somerhalder plays a human, Dr. Luther Swann, who’s pitted against his best friend ... who happens to have become a powerful vampire leader. Unfortunately, Somerhalder’s commitments to that show will prevent him from being at this year’s parade. However, the theme of the 25th anniversary Mardi Paws parade, “SuperPaws,” is the perfect complement to the new series. On March 10 the lakefront of Mandeville, Louisiana, which is located across Lake Pontchartrain from New Orleans, will be transformed into “Bark a Con” that celebrates everything about comic book culture. Four-legged participants must be in costume that reflects this theme, and floats can be made of any non-motorized, wheeled object. Judges will award prizes in a variety of categories, and some lucky pups will take home the coveted Poop Trophies. As the parade’s Monarch, Davis will be at the front of the pack, throwing personalized Mardi Gras cups and frisbees (which drive the dog spectators wild). He and his new wife, actress Kiley Casciano of the Netflix series “Ozark,” have two dogs, Sophie and Cooper. Casciano will be at the parade, too ... but the dogs are staying at home this time. Past celebrity Monarchs for the parade have included Somerhalder and his wife Nikki Reed, actresses Kerry Cahill and Sabrina Gennarino, and local singer Jamie Lynn Spears. Parade participants can pre-register at www.MardiPaws.com, though they can also sign up on site on March 10. There’s a $25 registration fee per dog, and up to six humans can accompany each four-legged friend. Human escorts are encouraged to dress to suit the theme, too. Spectators of both the human and canine variety are welcome – as are “pup”-parazzi who want a glimpse of the celebrity Monarch.

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