CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va. (CBS19 NEWS) -- Actress Emily Swallow, a UVA alum who portrays The Armorer on the popular television series The Mandalorian, came to UVA Health Children's Hospital on Friday to brighten the spirits of sick children.

"I mean, it's a gift to me to put this goofy-looking thing on and make someone's day," said Swallow, a veteran of other series including The Mentalist and Supernatural. "It gives them a break from the monotony of going through treatments or if they're just waiting to hear something. I mean, honestly, some of the parents are fans, too, so it brightens their day a little bit."

Swallow was accompanied by local members of the 501st Legion, a worldwide "Star Wars" costuming organization that's run by fans of the franchise.

Swallow is in Charlottesville performing with the Virginia Theatre Festival for its 50th anniversary.