2025 Honorary Muse Rutina Wesley
The Krewe of Muses announced that award-winning actress Rutina Wesley will serve as the 2025 Honorary Muse when the popular all-female Carnival parade rolls through the Uptown New Orleans route on February 27. Known for her dynamic performances across television, film, and theater including “Last of Us” and “Queen Sugar,” Wesley will join the Krewe as it celebrates its 25th anniversary this carnival season.
“I am so honored to be receiving this big hug from the Muses,” said Wesley. “My time in New Orleans meant so much to me, and I have fallen in love with the city in so many ways. To say it is my favorite city in America is an understatement. I am humbled by the great women who have come before me and grateful to be the Honorary Muse for 2025. Let’s ride!”
Wesley will lead the parade riding in the iconic 17-foot-tall fiber optic encrusted red high-heel shoe float, embracing the Krewe of Muses’ legacy of celebrating strong, inspiring women.
“We are absolutely thrilled to have Rutina Wesley as our 2025 Honorary Muse,” said the Krewe of Muses. “We are pleased to continue the Muses tradition of honoring women who embody the spirit of creativity, empowerment, and community. Rutina’s artistry and deep connection to New Orleans will absolutely radiate that spirit on the parade route.”
Wesley is widely recognized for her starring roles in several critically acclaimed television series, including her recent turn as ‘Maria’ in the HBO hit series “The Last of Us” and her portrayal of “Nova” in Ava DuVernay’s “Queen Sugar.” She previously captivated audiences as “Tara” in Alan Ball’s HBO sensation True Blood and starred in Bryan Fuller’s Hannibal.
Beyond television, Wesley has made an indelible mark in theater and film. She has taken on powerful roles such as “Viola” in Shakespeare’s Twelfth Night at The Old Globe and starred alongside Julianne Moore in David Hare’s The Vertical Hour on Broadway. Her film credits include 13 Sins, The Perfect Guy, Last Weekend, and her breakout role in the Sundance Film Festival favorite How She Move.
Originally from Las Vegas, Wesley honed her craft at the Las Vegas Academy before earning a BFA in Theater Performance from the University of Evansville. She later graduated from Juilliard’s prestigious drama program and further refined her skills at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art’s Summer Shakespeare Intensive.