‘Star Wars’ actor Ahmed Best says he contemplated suicide following Jar Jar Binks backlash

Ahmed Best, who played Jar Jar Binks in Star Wars: Episode 1, opened up about considering suicide following his character’s severe backlash nearly 20 years ago.

Ahmed Best talks about being in dark place over Jar Jar

“20 years next year I faced a media backlash that still affects my career today. This was the place I almost ended my life,” tweeted Ahmed Best, who included a picture of himself and his son overlooking New York Harbor.

“It’s still hard to talk about. I survived and now this little guy is my gift for survival.”

Star Wars Character

The 44-year-old portrayed the character for the first time in the 1999 film, which bore the titled The Phantom Menace. Best also provided the voice and motion capture for Binks in the following Star Wars movies Attack of the Clones and Revenge of the Sith.

The character, however, is considered one the worst-received characters in the franchise’s history. Best told Wired last year that he was shocked by how much his character was loathed.

“There were a lot of tears, there was a lot of pain, there was a lot of s–t I had to deal with. Everybody else went on. Everybody else worked. Everybody else was accepted by the zeitgeist,” he said.

“To be honest, failing and being black is very scary, because we don’t get a lot of chances, you know? I didn’t get another chance after Jar Jar.”

20 years next year I faced a media backlash that still affects my career today. This was the place I almost ended my life. It’s still hard to talk about. I survived and now this little guy is my gift for survival. Would this be a good story for my solo show? Lemme know. pic.twitter.com/NvVnImoJ7N

— Ahmed BEst (@ahmedbest) July 3, 2018

Unheard Voices Magazine

Support independent storytelling that amplifies voices too often ignored. Your donation keeps our stories alive and accessible.

Donate Today

Every contribution helps fund reporting, editing, and platforms for underrepresented communities.