Ahmed Best’s Mental Health Story: Revisiting the Jar Jar Binks Actor’s July 17, 2018 Revelation
Published: July 17, 2026
Ahmed Best, widely recognized for portraying Jar Jar Binks in the Star Wars prequel trilogy, did not die by suicide. Instead, July 17, 2018, marks the day he publicly shared a deeply personal account about experiencing suicidal thoughts nearly two decades earlier after enduring years of intense public criticism for his role. His candid disclosure has since become a widely cited example of resilience, recovery, and the importance of mental health awareness.
Ahmed Best’s Personal Revelation
On July 17, 2018, Best posted a photograph of himself near New York City’s Brooklyn Bridge alongside a heartfelt message reflecting on one of the most difficult periods of his life. He explained that, approximately 20 years earlier, he had contemplated ending his life at that very location after facing relentless backlash following the release of Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace.
In his message, Best described how the widespread criticism and personal attacks left him struggling with depression and feelings of hopelessness. However, he emphasized that he ultimately chose to move forward, framing his experience as a story of survival and healing rather than tragedy. By sharing his journey, he hoped to encourage honest discussions about mental health and remind others that recovery is possible.
The Impact of the Jar Jar Binks Backlash
As the performer behind Jar Jar Binks, Ahmed Best helped pioneer motion-capture acting in major films. Although the character became popular with many younger audiences, Jar Jar Binks also attracted significant criticism from portions of the Star Wars fan base.
Following the film’s 1999 release, Best became the target of sustained online harassment, harsh public commentary, and personal criticism. In later interviews, he explained that the negative attention extended beyond the fictional character and was often directed at him personally, taking a serious toll on his emotional well-being over the years.
A Story of Hope, Not Loss
Despite persistent online rumors and misleading search results, Ahmed Best did not die by suicide, nor did he publicly announce a suicide attempt on July 17, 2018. Instead, that date represents the moment he chose to openly discuss the suicidal thoughts he had experienced years earlier during an especially difficult chapter of his life.
His honesty was met with widespread encouragement from fans, fellow actors, and mental health advocates, many of whom praised his courage in speaking openly about depression and the effects of prolonged public harassment.
Continuing His Career
Following his public disclosure, Best continued working in the entertainment industry and remained involved with the Star Wars franchise. His later appearances were welcomed by fans, many of whom came to recognize his groundbreaking contributions to performance capture and acknowledged the unfair treatment he had received during the early years of the prequel trilogy.
Why His Story Continues to Matter
Ahmed Best’s experience highlights the profound impact that sustained public criticism and online abuse can have on a person’s mental health. By sharing his struggles, he helped reduce stigma surrounding depression and encouraged people facing similar challenges to seek support.
Rather than being remembered as a story of death, July 17, 2018, stands as an important milestone in Best’s journey of resilience. His willingness to discuss his darkest moments continues to inspire conversations about compassion, responsible online behavior, and the importance of accessible mental health care, demonstrating that hope and recovery are possible even after profound emotional hardship.