'It’s still hard to talk about' - Jar Jar Binks actor, Ahmed Best, courageously discusses past suicide considerations

Star Wars alumnus Ahmed Best, who etched his name in pop culture with the controversial role of Jar Jar Binks, publicly acknowledged a haunting chapter of his life – a time when he contemplated suicide. It's a sobering reminder that even in a galaxy far, far away, the impact of media backlash can be devastatingly personal.

"20 years next year I faced a media backlash"

Reflecting on the decades-old pain, Best shared a poignant moment from his past on Twitter, revealing the location where he almost took his own life. The revelation comes nearly 20 years after the release of 'Star Wars: The Phantom Menace', where Best first brought the lovable yet divisive character of Jar Jar Binks to life. Despite its pop culture impact, the role triggered a barrage of criticism that Best asserts still affects his career today.

"It’s still hard to talk about. I survived and now this little guy is my gift for survival," Best wrote, accompanying the tweet with a photo of himself and his young son overlooking the ocean. He expressed his gratitude for the overwhelming support he received after opening up about his struggle.

"I LOVED Jar Jar Binks"

The actor found allies in unexpected corners, as industry veterans like Frank Oz, the voice of Yoda, stepped in to voice their support for Best and his portrayal of Jar Jar Binks. "I do character work. He is a GREAT character! Okay. Go ahead. Shoot. Gimme all ya got—but you’ll never make me change my mind,” Oz confidently proclaimed on Twitter.

Their support was welcomed by Best, who thanked them and acknowledged the kindness and generosity he had received. Writer-producer Anthony Sparks, too, expressed his solidarity, recognizing Best's courage in sharing his story.

The incident draws parallels with other Star Wars actors, such as Kelly Marie Tran and Daisy Ridley, who also faced online backlash for their roles, proving the actor suicide conversation continues to be a pertinent one.

Best's confessions allude to a one-man show he has been considering, a platform to possibly share his story, taking another brave step towards destigmatizing discussions around mental health and suicide in the acting community.

As reported by Deadline, Best's heartfelt Twitter posts continue to draw attention, turning a spotlight onto the darker side of fame, one that deserves our attention and understanding.

(Several parts of the text in this article, including the title, were generated with the help of an AI tool.)