Disney
Ahmed Best, the actor who played Jar Jar Binks in the "Star Wars" prequel trilogy, announced Tuesday that he considered ending his life after the backlash he received from the role.
"20 years next year I faced a media backlash that still affects my career today," Best wrote on his Twitter Tuesday along with a photo of him and his son. "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."
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
@ahmedbest
Although he did not name the franchise directly, "Star Wars: Episode 1 -- The Phantom Menace" was released in 1999, which would make the film 19 years old.
Jar Jar Binks was a fan-favorite among children, but was often made derided and criticized by "Star Wars" fans, as they believed the character didn't belong in their beloved universe. Fans weren't just unhappy with the character, they were downright mean to Best.
"I had death threats through the internet," Best told Wired in 2017. "I had people come to me and say, 'You destroyed my childhood.' That's difficult for a 25-year-old to hear."
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View StoryFan disapproval aside, "Star Wars" creator George Lucas liked Jar Jar Binks and Best went on to reprise the role in "Attack of the Clones" in 2002 and "Revenge of the Sith" in 2005.
Twitter users were quick to respond to Best's tweet and said how happy they were that he is still here. Some even used this opportunity to apologize for bashing the character many years ago.
I'm impossibly glad you're still here.
@swankmotron
I never knew it got so bad for you. I'm so sorry. For what it's worth, I was 17 when the movie premiered and I was psyched for your portrayal because I saw your photo in a magazine where you were out in the desert being a creative badass. I've always loved Jar Jar.
@TessFowler
As a person who bashed Jar-Jar left and right, its time I said I'm so sorry for contributing to that backlash. You didn't deserve it, (still don't deserve it) the hate and derision. I'm glad you're still around.
@OctopusOwl
I am as big of a George Lucas fan boy as they come. That said, he was the head coach and you were the running back. You were just running the plays he called. He should have defended you and the rest of the cast more.
@torrespe1
The Phantom Menace was the first SW I saw on the big screen when I was 12, it still has a special place in my heart. Know that we stand with you, no matter how hard that vocal minority screams. #ForceOutHate
@Whiphid
Horrible to think the jerks and bullies did so much damage. Many of us would love to see more of you, and hear your stories.
@SWKidscast
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