Mandalorian actress, UVA alum comes to UVA Health Children’s Hospital in costume

CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va. (WRIC) — Emily Swallow, a University of Virginia (UVA) alum and the actress behind “The Armorer” from the popular Star Wars series “The Mandalorian,” paid a visit to children receiving treatment at the UVA Health Children’s Hospital on Friday.

According to a report by CBS19 , during the June 28 visit to the Charlottesville hospital, Swallow donned her character’s memorable armor and spent time chatting and taking pictures with children while they enjoyed Star Wars-themed coloring books.

She brought along local members of the 501st Legion, a fan-run, worldwide Star Wars costuming organization. They also dressed the part and entertained the kids alongside Swallow.

Swallow told CBS19 that this was the first time she’d ever done something like this in costume — but now that she’s done it, she said she’s very likely to do it again.

“I mean, it’s a gift to me to put this goofy-looking thing on and make someone’s day,” Swallow told CBS19. “It gives them a break from the monotony of going through treatments, or if they’re just waiting to hear something.”

Swallow added that a lot of the children’s parents were fans, too — so that added a little extra joy to her visit.

According to CBS19, Swallow was in town because she’s performing with the Virginia Theatre Festival, which is celebrating its 50th anniversary.

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