A few weeks ago, actor Henry Gibson passed away at the age of 73. Henry was well known for his appearances on Laugh-In and many other TV shows and movies in the 60s and 70s. I remember him best from his role in The Blues Brothers! As the years passed, Henry kept working in television, most notably as a judge on Boston Legal and a priest in the film Wedding Crashers. He was a great character actor who will be missed.
When I heard about Henrys death, I immediately started to wonder if there was a Star Wars connection to him. I did not know what it could be but it was nagging at me. Where was the connection between Henry Gibson and Star Wars? I knew it was something but I could not quite put my finger on it. At first, I thought he might have been a guest on the episode of Donny and Marie that featured some stars from Star Wars. But I quickly realized that he did not appear on that show. But that did not stop me from wondering where, when and why there was a relationship between the deceased actor and the Star Wars saga.
Then it hit me! I knew where the connection was! To confirm, I quickly grabbed my copy of Dark Horse Comics Star Wars Legacy issue number 5. Right on the front cover, there was a drawing of Moff Conrad Rus, a character from that series. But there was an odd familiarity to his facial features that were strangely consistent with that of Henry Gibson! To me, Conrad Rus clearly WAS Henry Gibson! Was this a coincidence? Or could this Star Wars character actually be a tribute to the late actor? I had to find out for myself! So I immediately contacted Legacy artist Jan Duursema via email to get the word straight from the (Dark) horses mouth!
Hi Jan
Jimmy Mac from The ForceCast checkin' in. I was saddened to learn about the passing of Henry Gibson this past monday. When I heard he died, I thought he had a Star Wars connection but it didn't occur to me right away what it was. Then I saw an old copy of Legacy #5 and it hit me! Konrad Rus bears a striking resemblance to the late, great Henry Gibson. Its been rumored the two have never been seen in the same room together! :)
So, is it true that you based the appearance of Konrad Rus on the looks of Henry Gibson? Or is this just circumstance? Inquiring minds want to know!
Thanks for all the great work you are doing on Legacy. I find your artwork to be very dynamic and amazing! The stories and characters are so fantastic. I love it!
Jimmy Mac
Co-Host / Producer
The ForceCast
A few days passed and I started to wonder if I was completely off my rocker. But I kept comparing the visage of Conrad Rus to that of Henry Gibson and I knew it had to be true. Then I finally saw what I was looking for one day while perusing my email. It was a response from Jan Duursema herself with confirmation!
Hi Jimmy!
When I'm designing characters, I often think about actors who I would like to play the role. When I designed Konrad Rus, Henry Gibson immediately came to mind as someone I would cast for Rus. Henry had such a great range as a actor and could really make you believe in the characters he played and Konrad Rus is a very complex character. He would have made the perfect Rus. Peaceful journey, Mr Gibson.
Thanks for the kind words about my art and Legacy--much appreciated. Always good to hear because I love drawing it too!
:D
Jan
THANKS JAN! I knew it! Moff Conrad Russ IS Henry Gibson! Brilliant!
So that puts the wraps on this ForceCast Investigative Report. Thanks a million to the great Jan Duursema. If you have not checked out Star Wars Legacy, I highly recommend it. You will find it very interesting to see whats going on in the Star Wars universe about 150 years after A New Hope. The more things change, the more the stay the same - Even in A Galaxy Far, Far Away!
For those of you who are not familiar with either Henry Gibson or Moff Conrad Rus, check out this sweet comparison courtesy of FCTVs Tallest Jawas.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/41151887@N05/sets/72157622407493273/
If you have a Star Wars mystery that has been bugging you, pass it along to us here at The ForceCast and maybe we can find the answers to the questions that have been driving you nuts! Email us at ForceCast@ForceCast.net and our investigative team may accept the challenge!
In the meantime - Rest in Peace Henry Gibson!
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