With the Halloween season right around the corner, thoughts turn towards the spooky, eerie and just plain odd. Images of skulls, witches and ghosts loom about, as this time of year brings out the mischievous childlike fun of hiding behind a façade. What most people do not know is that there is an ever-growing group of individuals out there who dress in Halloween-like costumes day in and out, all year long. What kind of grown adults don leather and felt costumes like six-year-olds ready to run out and yell trick or treat? A very unique and special group of pirates who have used their renewed love of playing dress up combined with the Pirates of the Caribbean theme to bring about joy and childlike wonder to thousands throughout the country and even world. At first glance this past-time can be easily scorned or scoffed, but with a closer look the gold that hides inside the treasure chest is revealed.
Disney’s Pirates of the Caribbean film trilogy has been a huge hit throughout the world as Johnny Depp’s image as Captain Jack Sparrow is recognized readily in all of Europe, Asia and beyond. But unlike most films that remain on the DVD shelf, Captain Jack Sparrow has jumped from the screen into real life as Pirate conventions, Festivals and events continue to flourish, especially on the west coast where the pirate community is counted in the thousands. Furthermore, these are not two-bit pirate costumes purchased from the party outlet down the boulevard. These costumes are SA (screen accurate) and run into thousands of dollars and hundreds of hours in weathering and detailing to look as Penny Rose (costumer for the POTC films) herself sent them straight of the movie set. Not just playing dress up, Jack Sparrow look-alikes, or impersonators use their costumes to spread joy to people everywhere, from simple birthday parties to huge charity events, bringing funds to assist many children’s causes such as, Make a Wish Foundation, CHOC, CoDA, the Boys and Girls Club, Children’s Hospices and others. Pirates and charity work? The two now go hand-in-hand as young and old alike are drawn to this famous film pirate captain with an awe and joy that can not be described or compared.
One of the biggest names right now in the Jack Sparrow impersonator business is Brandon Hillock (featured), a beginning actor who finished film school to act on shows such as Veronica Mars and worked at Disneyland as one of the three original Jack Sparrows, approved by Mr. Depp himself. After jumping ship into his own film company, Pinto Pictures, Brandon has now begun a new reenactment group called MarkedMen. The goal of MarkedMen is to have an easily ready base for people all over the country to access a Jack Sparrow and crew for their own Charity event or function. Joining all of these pirates in one place could prove to be a vision that will help spread the pirate joy and giving to all areas and assist in the camaraderie that is already felt amongst this group of caring Captains.
Why Jack Sparrow and why now? A means to an end, Hillock is not naive to the film scene, a ten-year veteran of performing arts and entertainment, this pirate uses his talents and gifts to build a foundation that others can also benefit and flourish from. The magnetism that he inhibits combined with a love of the children and people he touches, can be seen shining in his eyes as he looks into the faces of the small ones that are placed in front of him. He states, “If I can use the gift that I have been given in even a small way to make people’s lives better or these children happy for only a moment, it’s worth more than treasure itself.” Brandon has been involved in charity work for CoDA (Coalition of Dwarf Advocacy) whose founder Marty Klebba actually portrays one of Barbossa’s crew in all three Pirates of the Caribbean movies. CoDA (featured above, right) provides assistance for Dwarf Orphans adoptions. Brought to the cause by chance, Hillock has found a great heart for this cause as he felt the dwarf children irresistible, “There was a young girl that sticks out in my mind. She enjoyed every second I was there. She called me Captain Jack the whole time and I put part of my outfit on her and she loved it. You could tell she was totally just immersed in the pretend world of Jack, that’s all that mattered to her right then.”
While he has been flattered by the actors from the film who admire his likeness and ability to portray Jack, his biggest memory of CoDA is of the little ones that would approach him with open minds and hearts. What does this Captain feel draws people to Jack? “Well, I would say he’s an anti-hero. Kids feel that misbehaving is somewhat normal and okay, he’s a good pirate and like Johnny said, Jack is an eighteenth century rock star whose legend would show up on shore before the actual image appeared.” Brandon is most excited about his new association with The City of Hope LA Hospital who throw a picnic for the cancer children that are patients there every year. He also works with Johnny’s Angels charity, a group that helps benefit the Children Hospice (CHPCC). “They are a group of wonderful ladies with huge hearts, who care about what’s important. Kids are my weak spot, being a father myself. When I see a kid that is basically told they won’t make it past a certain age, I think of how adorable and brave she/he is and that they probably don’t even realize it. If there’s a chance to fill in at least a little bit of what Johnny does for the kids as Jack, I will do it in a heartbeat. Especially after I had my daughter, who is now two. I couldn’t imagine if she came down with a disease such as cancer or if I lost her.”
Brandon crosses blades with other Jack Sparrow enthusiasts who possess knowledge in different creative realms, such as costumer Janty Chattaw, MarkedMen’s second Jack Sparrow. Janty’s experience in costuming and reputation as the foremost screen accurate pirate makes him a perfect candidate for the MarkedMen theme. Since he is fairly new to the pirate scene, it is quite an accomplishment for Janty (or Jants as his friends call him) to be known as one of the best costumers around. Raised in Orange County, he is no newcomer to the area and knows how to commit himself to his craft. “I never do anything half way. The moment I got into costuming I did it all the way possible. One thing led to another and I’ve been welcomed into the pirate community and I’m here to stay.” When asked why he decided to join the crew, Janty responds, “I just figured it was an honor to be asked and how could I refuse?” Jants brings with him the costume knowledge that he has gained over the years, gleaning the advice and guidance of experts like Bob Dallum and now is his own boss as a fulltime props and costume maker.
Chattaws first charity experience as Jack was with CHOC (Childrens Hospital of Orange County). He remembers the children’s reaction to seeing him for the first time as he explains, “All the kids went crazy when I came walking up. There were a bunch of kids who ran up and shook hands with me.” Jants opinion of why the kiddies are so drawn to Jack is simple, “kids can associate with Jack because of his mischievousness.” Even as a new comer to the scene, this Jack Sparrow can see the true benefits of the work as he explains, “I think the whole thing comes down to trying to give some fun and happiness to these children. It won’t make them better, but it will momentarily bring a smile to their faces and they will remember it forever.” These two Jack Sparrows are joined by the whole MarkedMen crew that now includes Davey Jones, Scarlett, Giselle, Will Turner, Mr. Gibbs and others, allowing Hillock’s vision to bring Sparrow’s entire crew to the masses, a reality.
MarkedMen also contain a list of Jack Sparrow Captains who reside all over the country so that they are accessible to all areas. One of the most seasoned performers is Dave Nichols (Northwest Jack - featured below) who is editor-in-chief of Easyriders and V-Twin magazines. Dave has a long history on both sides of the camera, writing over 1,500 TV commercials, movies and TV Specials for HBO, and among his unusual credits he supplied all the voices of the Killer Klowns from Outer Space film by the Chiodo Brothers. A natural mimic, Dave has been doing his excellent Captain Jack Sparrow impression since Pirates of the Caribbean: Curse of the Black Pearl appeared in theaters in 2003.
Dave’s involvement in charity work began when he used his influence in the biker community to enlist thousands of bikers in charity runs and events for different children’s charity causes. This led to his work with the Seattle Children’s Hospital whose Children’s Ride brings in money each June for unsupported care for children with life-threatening diseases. “I live in Seattle and knew of the Children’s Ride. “I got V-Twin magazine involved as a sponsor and we created a Core Rider Group of people who pay for the honor of going on special police escorted rides to unique experiences in the Northwest. We now bring in over $700,000 each year for Seattle Children’s Hospital to make sure that no child is ever turned away.”
One of the most memorable parts of this event each year is when bikers converge on the Seattle Children’s Hospital along with Dave as Captain Jack Sparrow. “I figure that these kids can’t leave the hospital, many can’t leave their rooms, so Jack comes to visit them and is a refreshing change from having a scary clown show up to make balloon animals,” Dave laughs. “All the kids love Jack and the most rewarding thing in the world is to make a sick child smile or laugh. You meet kids with cancer and other life-threatening diseases and you know they feel sick and awful from chemo treatments, Jack takes them away to Tortuga to be part of his crew and be free of their worries for a little while.”
When asked what inspired him to use the character of Jack Sparrow to help children, Dave says, “I asked myself, what would Johnny Depp do? I like to think that if he ever saw me visiting kids at a hospital as Jack he would be pleased with how I’m portraying his creation. It’s important for me to give back and Jack Sparrow helps me to do that.”
Dave also appears as Jack Sparrow as the greeter and host of the Portland Pirate Festival and in numerous parades in the Seattle area with the Pirates of Treasure Island; a pirate group that raises money for The Forgotten Children’s Fund. The Fund gives children in need a proper Christmas each year including warm coats, toys, even bicycles under the tree. “There’s nothing like seeing the smile on a child’s face when they see Jack,” Dave says. ““That’s the ultimate gift to me.”
It all comes back to the children who clamor around the Captain and reach their little arms out as he spits on his hand and explains, “Come to join me crew mate?” And who wouldn’t want to be a part of something so wonderful? Not plain scallywags, but true giving souls, Hillock, Chattaw Nicholas and many others across the country show the true meaning of charity to these small souls. As Johnny Depp has moved on to other roles, the love of Jack Sparrow still lingers on. This brings us to the question; what ingredients cause this awe for a character that was invented in the genius of an imaginative mind? It may never be explained, but I personally can testify to its reality. The benefits are beyond compare as these pirates have spread love and support to the lives of the little ones who treasure the moments with their captain sacred. Could Johnny have dreamed that Captain Jack Sparrow would become a beacon of light for young and old? Who knows, but this is one character who now moves and inspires thousands upon thousands as the little faces light up and a two year old that can barely speak calls out to Jack across the room.
Story by Guest Writer Lizzy Garcia
Photos by Markedmen and Dave Nichols
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(27 votes, average: 4.44 out of 5)
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40 responses so far ↓
1 James "MacGowan" // Sep 5, 2008 at 9:53 pm
Excellent article. I find it both amazing and completely understandable that men like Brandon and Jants can have such a positive impact on the lives of those children who have led a lives of hardship and pain. Who better than a good pirate to bring a child’s spirits up? Who better than good men to help raise money for children in need?
2 Scarlett Harlott // Sep 5, 2008 at 10:15 pm
Marked Men is just awesome! Great article! Cheers! XOXOXOX
3 Nicolas Caesar // Sep 5, 2008 at 10:30 pm
I recently had the honor in helping Coda with their art auction in August. Lizzy is a wonderful person and valuable asset. I’ve never met anyone as friendly or with a bigger heart.
4 Laurie // Sep 5, 2008 at 10:58 pm
I worked at a CoDA event with Brandon/Jack and he was WONDERFUL!!!! We had such a great time that day! Giselle was there that day too. She is beautiful and the kids loved her too. Good work to them all and hopefully I will be able to work with them again. They are a blast and it’s obvious that they absolutely love what they are doing. Lizzy, you have hit the nail on the head here. I too wonder if Johnny realizes what a world he started here. We are all the better for it. Thanks for letting others in on the fun!
5 Pierce aka Steph // Sep 5, 2008 at 11:49 pm
My heart goes out to these 3 AWEsome Men who give so unselfishly of their time and talent to bring cheer to those who need it so much! They are an inspiration to us all! I am deeply honored to know each of them and extremely proud to see that they are featured in LA Mag!
GOD bless you guys! UR fan and friend, Pierce aka Miss Lipz aka Step
6 sue // Sep 5, 2008 at 11:56 pm
great read!!
7 Deb C. (Iron Jenny) // Sep 6, 2008 at 4:36 am
What a wonderful piece about a wonderful group of people. Though I haven’t met Brandon personally, we have spoke multiple times. He tends to makes you feel like you are the only thing on his mind when he speaks to you, and that makes you feel incredibly special. If this is how he makes those children feel, he is one superb human being, and I for one am honored to be his friend.
Thank you for such an incredible insight into these unsung hero’s of our time. I don’t think anyone has any idea, just how much these talented individuals do for others, and on their own time as well. Grant it they do get compensated as you stated for parties and corporate events…but when it comes to the kids, as Brandon said,“If I can use the gift that I have been given in even a small way to make people’s lives better or these children happy for only a moment, it’s worth more than treasure itself.”
You have captured the true spirit of these fine entertainers and most especially, these beautiful souls, whose destiny and joy, is to make others happy. Maybe now, people will open up their eyes and see, that it’s not just a bunch of folks playing dress up. They are humanitarians as well, and they have you to thank for opening up hearts and minds so people can see what they are really doing.
Bravo for this awesome article.
8 Cy Dewhurst // Sep 6, 2008 at 5:43 am
This is great. Very fun, Lizzie made me feel like I was right there!
9 donna // Sep 6, 2008 at 6:43 am
Wonderful to see a tribute to the “other” Jack Sparrows — who bring so much happiness to the children and families they visit. Wishing them all the best — Donna
10 Jules (Johnny's Angels) // Sep 6, 2008 at 7:03 am
A wonderful article Lizzy. And thank you for including the work we do at Johnny’s Angels.
Your support is very important to us.
11 Jeffery Mad L // Sep 6, 2008 at 9:55 am
Aye! These pirates Take All They Can And Give EVERYTHING Back!!
Well done me hardies, Well done!!
12 Cyrenna Dewhurst // Sep 6, 2008 at 10:47 am
I read this again as I am out away from the kiddies and so on and I just want to say that this touches me. For these peoeple to donate their time and efforts to these children is just so commendable, each and every one of them. It was hard work and they saw it through and the pay off is the well being of precious children, Gods gift to us all. I am very proud of the human race today as I read this, very proud:)
13 Kimberly // Sep 6, 2008 at 1:09 pm
GREAT job on the article Lizzy!!! It’s nice to see good, positive news for once!!! Being a parent of a disabled child, I want people to know how much it means to our family that others would take the time to bring happiness and smiles to these kids!!!!
14 D.C. aka meowbooks // Sep 6, 2008 at 2:11 pm
I sometimes wish there was an all good news channel. I understand why the more negative ones get more time, but it can be a bit wearing.
People ask me why I like pirates when they were these horrible people. The truth is it’s the romantic notions of piracy: equality, freedom and adventure.
It’s great to see people sharing these things with the children when they need their dreams more than ever.
15 Jants // Sep 6, 2008 at 2:14 pm
Lizzy did a wonderful job on this article and am honored and humbled by it.
Cheers!
16 Dave Nichols // Sep 6, 2008 at 2:19 pm
Great article Lizzy. It makes me very humble to be a part of this great group.
17 Dave Nichols // Sep 6, 2008 at 2:20 pm
Great article Lizzy. I am very proud to be a part of Marked Men.
18 Suzi // Sep 6, 2008 at 3:15 pm
Well done and well met! I love that these fine ‘pirates’ have taken the art of cosplay and reenacting to a new and hire level. What a great mix, the fun of ‘being Jack’ with the joy of helping others. My hat is off to them all.
19 Suzi // Sep 6, 2008 at 3:16 pm
I guess reading one’s post before hitting ’submit’ is a good thing…that would be ‘HIGHER’ level…although I’d love to ‘hire’ these guys if given the chance!
heh.
20 Darc // Sep 6, 2008 at 8:42 pm
Great article about a great bunch of guys!
21 Heather Liis // Sep 7, 2008 at 1:15 am
Lizzy, after reading this, it made me realize how great these guys are. And I think Brandon is even more wonderful than I thought at first. These aren’t just men getting their kicks out of being Jack and wowing people. They are truly making a difference and helping others. They all have good hearts. I hope they continue to do what they do and realize how appreciated they are.
22 Ellen // Sep 7, 2008 at 7:02 am
Excellent and very informative article! I really enjoyed reading it, as I do most all of Lizzie’s writings!
23 Robert Bean aka Pirate Bob // Sep 7, 2008 at 7:34 am
Wonderful piece. Truly tells all who don’t know us just that there are other things besides the costume going on when we costume as pirates…
I have been doing a pirate for years now and find it a very good way to interact with people that would normally not be receptive. I have so much fun with it I look forward to getting back into character and costume more than any other costumed character I do…
Keep up the good work and publish more articles along this line of thought…
Pirate Bob
Robert E Bean
VaderPainter
http://www.vaderpainter.com
MySpace: VaderPainter
24 C.H. (SunriseSets) // Sep 7, 2008 at 7:38 am
Wonderful article! It’s truly amazing to see people bringing a character to life for a good cause.
25 Julie from NY // Sep 7, 2008 at 7:14 pm
It’s an pleasure to read about people doing good things in their lives to help others. Amazing how the pirate scene has taken so many talented people in positive directions.
I hope Johnny Depp understands how his “Jack” has been an inspiration to many.
Kudos to the talented men that continue the legend of Jack Sparrow in the communities. The look on children’s faces is what it’s all about!
Good luck to Brandon,Dave and Jants on their future adventures!
Fantastic article Lizzy. You go girl!
26 Faisca // Sep 8, 2008 at 7:25 am
Great article! Great causes! Great pirates!
Drinks all around!
The work that all of these great Jack impersonators do is amazing.
27 TJ // Sep 8, 2008 at 11:46 am
As a fellow Jack, I know what these guys go through…and why they do it. Nothing like seeing a child light up at the sight of Captain Jack. It’s like you’ve taken all of their pain away for a moment in time, and they are just a kid having fun. You can’t buy that feeling with all the money in the world!
Here’s to the crewe of MarkedMen! Raise yer glass high! HUZZAH! HUZZAH! HUZZAH!
Oh, great article too!
28 D.G. // Sep 8, 2008 at 12:46 pm
Just wanted to say that it is great to finally see Lizzys articles being recognized by some publications and sites outside our community. She is a very gifted and talented writer who I feel spreads more talent than many so called writers do in their great “Novels.” The emotions that are portrayed in her words are moving and motivational. Jants, Dave and Brandon are men that whould be proud of the way she has shown their careers here.
Credit goes to LA city mag. for choosing to highlight her gift, hope to see much more of her product here.
29 Jonty // Sep 8, 2008 at 3:20 pm
Lizzy,
Great work. I am proud to know you, Brandon, Jants and Dave - allbeit over the medium of the web because there’s a large expanse of Atlantic between us!
I’ll try and keep the Sparrow light burning over in UK and one day we’ll all meet - I know it.
Look forward to reading more of your work.
Jonts
30 sjc // Sep 8, 2008 at 5:24 pm
I’ve witnessed first hand the joy that an appearance by Jack Sparrow brings to kids of all ages. Who can look at Jack Sparrow and not smile? How wonderful that this special group of people are bringing this joy to so many children who need it. Excellent, well written article.
31 Linda Christie // Sep 9, 2008 at 12:45 am
Great article Lizzy - it’s great what these guys do. Thank you for the JA mention too. I hope to see many more articles from you - very interesting.
32 Jon K (Neon) // Sep 9, 2008 at 7:47 am
Great read! Great bunch of pirates, and good men.
33 Eliza M. from UT // Sep 9, 2008 at 11:21 am
This is a great heartwarming piece. Miss. Lizzy Garcia has a wonderful way out her words. How fortunate to find such a group of people that care for children. I have a young daughter who met Brandon at the Utah CoDA event. He nor anyone knew this, but when we heard of the event over the radio that morning she begged to go. We just ofund out she has Acute lymphoblastic leukemia. For the first time since the news I saw her face light up from his cheer.
Much thanks to him for that moment in time I will never forget. He is a saint
Lizzy, you should be proud of this piece. Thanks
34 Eliza M. from UT // Sep 9, 2008 at 11:26 am
Thanks to lizzy Garcia for this piece. We actually met brandon in utah at the coda event. my young daughter had recently been diagnosed with Acute lymphoblastic leukemia. I told the woman in charge there ( a beautiful girl with dark hair) that my daughter wanted to only see jack.. She took us right over and he spent a few minutes with her. I asked the woman not to say anything to Brandon, since she just wanted a regular day. she put her arm around me and whispered. “It alright , believe me, hes a saint to them all,even us big kids even me!” and he was. thanks to Brandon for this moment in time we will never forget.
35 suz Johnnys Angels Friend // Sep 9, 2008 at 11:51 am
Brandon sent my sons (one’s an Autistic child ) two giant Jack Sparrows as gifts ,we had been through a very hard summer having to move into a new home due to storm damage from a Tornado ,thank you Brandon for being a super guy.Luv suz
36 Capt Robby Z // Sep 9, 2008 at 12:26 pm
This is a great article about some great guys that help for the cause. Kudos to Lizzy, Brandon, Jants, Dave and all the Captain Jacks that bring smiles to children and adults alike. “Now, bring on that Horizon”.
37 Merlot // Sep 9, 2008 at 1:43 pm
Great article Lizzie!
Johnny truly has started something extraordinary, when he created “Jack”.
And these guys walk in his footsteps … being just as generous and giving to sick and disabled children, and supporting charity, like Johnny does.
38 Irene S // Sep 9, 2008 at 2:24 pm
This is awesome, I’m even more upset that I was not able to attend but reading the article made me very happy to hear that there really are wonderful people in this world!
39 JulesT // Sep 9, 2008 at 2:31 pm
Excellent article! It warms the heart to know that there are people out there in the world who still care, and that, not only do they care, but they act on it.
Thank you so much, Brandon, Jants, Dave and all the other Captain Jacks for all that you do, and thank you, Lizzy, for a wonderful uplifting article!
40 Pookie // Sep 9, 2008 at 5:19 pm
thats awesome lizzy! The guys are awesome. People like Brandon and the Jants are a blesing in “disguse” this disguse being jack sparrow
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