Ahmed Best, known as a futurist, educator, martial artist, writer-director, and the actor behind Jar Jar Binks, the infamous character from the “Star Wars” universe, reflects on his journey and legacy.
Jar Jar Binks, with his long ears, amphibian-like appearance, and quirky demeanor, made his debut in George Lucas’s prequel trilogy, “Star Wars: Episode I — The Phantom Menace,” instantly sparking widespread criticism. For Best, embodying this groundbreaking, computer-generated character took a significant toll, leading to mental health struggles amidst the backlash.
Despite the challenges, Best, now 50, exudes confidence and style, a far cry from the turmoil he faced in 1999. Raised in the South Bronx, his childhood fascination with “Star Wars” and “Star Trek” fueled his passion for both science and the arts. Little did he know that twenty years later, he would become the embodiment of Jar Jar Binks.
Best’s journey to becoming Jar Jar began when casting director Robin Gurland discovered him during a performance of “Stomp” in San Francisco. His natural and innovative performance caught her attention, ultimately leading to his selection for the role. Best’s ability to bring Jar Jar to life through motion capture technology was groundbreaking, setting a new standard for digital character creation in filmmaking.
However, Jar Jar’s reception was mixed, with critics accusing the character of perpetuating racial stereotypes. Best, who is of West Indian descent, faced intense scrutiny and online harassment, driving him to contemplate suicide. Despite the pain, Best acknowledges Jar Jar’s status as a pop culture icon and the role’s impact on CGI character development.
Beyond Jar Jar, Best has diversified his career, teaching filmmaking and Afrofuturism at universities and rejoining the “Star Wars” universe in other roles. Despite the challenges, he remains proud of his contribution to cinematic history and cherishes the positive impact Jar Jar has had on marginalized fans.
As Best reflects on his journey, he finds solace in knowing that his work as Jar Jar paved the way for future CGI characters and left an indelible mark on the art form. Through it all, he embraces Jar Jar’s legacy with pride and gratitude for the opportunities it has afforded him.
