Local dentist cosplays Vader, Chewbacca for charity
John Henry, a member of the organization The 501st Legion: Vader’s Fist, dawns his handmade Chewbacca costume which he uses to visit children in hospitals or make guest appearances at charity events on Dec. 5, 2015 in his home.
Upon first glance, no one would guess that Darth Vader’s day job is a dentist.
Last May, Mount Pleasant native John Henry joined the 501st Legion: Vader’s Fist, a charity organization comprised of “Star Wars” fans who volunteer throughout their communities.
Henry, along with his wife Charlotte Grant, take trips to hospitals in Grand Rapids and spend time with children undergoing chemotherapy. Because the two of them manage their own dental practice, Henry said they are able to spend time doing the two things they love — meeting fellow “Star Wars” fans and brightening other people’s lives.
In between taking down the Rebel Alliance and fighting plaque, Central Michigan Life sat down with Henry and found out how it all began.
Is Darth Vader the only costume you do?
HENRY: No. I’m actually better known for my own Chewbacca costume.
What inspired you to join the 501st?
About three years ago, I took my family to the ComicCon in Detroit and we saw a Chewbacca there. I’ve always been into “Star Wars,” always been into costuming and Halloween, and thought that it looked like it would be fun to do. I
It’s actually not a costume you can just buy: you have to make it almost from scratch. It took me about a year and a half to finish (the costume) and get it approved.
What do you mean by “get it approved?”
Every costume in the 501st or Rebel Legion (the “good guy” group of cosplayers such as Han Solo or Obi-Wan Kenobi) has to be approved according to certain criteria.
Like for Chewbacca, you have to be (at least) seven feet tall. We have to get that way either by stilts or, in my case, I use boots that add five inches to my height.
Your costume has to be pretty close to screen accurate. It’s all spelled out online that your mask has to be a certain way or, in the case of Stormtroopers, your mask has to be a certain color and your gloves or boots have to be made a certain way.
So you’ve handmade both your own Darth Vader and Chewbacca costumes?
Yes. My mother-in-law is a seamstress so she helped out a lot. We’re going to actually be making a newer, more updated Chewbacca costume when (“The Force Awakens”) comes out.
Is there a reason why you do all of this?
I’m sure I do some of this for the attention, because whenever I’m in the Chewbacca suit, everyone always wants pictures. But ultimately, it’s for fun. I love to meet people and raise money for charity.
