The actor who voiced Jar Jar Binks makes an appearance as a special guest at 'Star Wars' Celebration Chicago for a 20th anniversary commemoration of 'Star Wars: Episode I - The Phantom Menace'.
- Apr 16, 2019
AceShowbiz - There was nothing but love for Ahmed Best on Monday, April 15 as he returned to the "Star Wars" universe to talk about the role that ruined his career.
Best was a special guest at "Star Wars" Celebration Chicago for a 20th anniversary celebration of "Star Wars: Episode I - The Phantom Menace", in which he portrayed the much-maligned Jar Jar Binks.
The actor has often said the role was so disliked by "Star Wars" fans it cost him work and even led to him contemplating suicide, but he was glad to be back among the devotees at the convention on Monday morning.
"You guys are going to make me tear up, and I'm an unattractive crier," he said.
"Twenty years next year I faced a media backlash that still affects my career today," Best wrote on social media last summer (July 2018). "This was the place I almost ended my life. It's still hard to talk about."
Following his appearance on Monday, Best tweeted: "I'm overwhelmed with the love and support I got at today's @SW_Celebration #phantommenace panel. It was very difficult not (to) break down in a puddle of gratitude tears. Thank you each and everyone. Your love is felt so greatly."
During the "Phantom Menace" panel, "Star Wars" creator George Lucas appeared on video and heaped praise on Best and his performance.
"It's one of my favourite movies and, of course, Jar Jar is my favourite character," the moviemaker said. "Ahmed, he did a fantastic job. It was very, very hard."
I’m overwhelmed with the love and support I got at today’s @SW_Celebration#phantommenace panel. It was very difficult not break down in a puddle of gratitude tears. Thank you each and everyone. Your love is felt so greatly. #jarjarbinks#starwars#theprequels#muchlove
— Ahmed BEst (@ahmedbest) April 15, 2019
Best was joined on the panel by castmates Ray Park and Anthony Daniels, and Ian McDiarmid, who surprised the audience at the "Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker" panel on Friday after it was revealed in the trailer that his villainous Emperor Palpatine will return after being thrown over a ledge and presumably killed in "Star Wars: Episode VI - Return of the Jedi".
"I just happened to be in the area, so I thought I should just drop in for a laugh," said McDiarmid, whose famous movie cackle could be heard at the end of the trailer for "The Rise of Skywalker" when it debuted on Friday.
