Ahmed Best Suicide Story: What Happened on July 17, 2018? The Jar Jar Binks Actor’s Mental Health Journey
Published: July 17, 2026
Summary: Ahmed Best, the actor best known for portraying Jar Jar Binks in the Star Wars prequel trilogy, did not die by suicide. Instead, on July 17, 2018, Best publicly revealed that he had experienced suicidal thoughts approximately 20 years earlier after facing intense public backlash over his portrayal of Jar Jar Binks. His decision to share his story has since become an important example of mental health awareness, resilience, and recovery.
Ahmed Best’s 2018 Social Media Post
On July 17, 2018, Ahmed Best shared a deeply personal post on social media while standing near the Brooklyn Bridge in New York City. In the post, he revealed that roughly two decades earlier he had contemplated ending his life at that location after enduring years of harassment, criticism, and ridicule following the release of Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace.
Best explained that the emotional toll of the backlash had left him struggling with depression and hopelessness. However, he also emphasized that he ultimately chose to continue living and described the experience as one of survival rather than tragedy.
His message was intended to encourage honest conversations about mental health and demonstrate that recovery is possible.
The Backlash Following Jar Jar Binks
Ahmed Best portrayed Jar Jar Binks using groundbreaking motion-capture and performance techniques in the Star Wars prequel films. While the character became commercially recognizable and popular with many younger viewers, Jar Jar Binks also became one of the most heavily criticized characters in modern film history.
Following the release of The Phantom Menace in 1999, Best became the target of persistent online abuse, public criticism, and personal attacks. In later interviews, he explained that the hostility affected nearly every aspect of his personal and professional life.
The criticism directed at the character often became directed toward Best himself, contributing to years of emotional distress.
A Story of Survival, Not Death
Contrary to misleading online searches and rumors, Ahmed Best did not die by suicide, nor did he make a public announcement of a suicide attempt on July 17, 2018.
Instead, that date marks the day he publicly disclosed that he had once experienced suicidal thoughts during one of the darkest periods of his life many years earlier. His openness received widespread support from fans, fellow actors, and mental health advocates.
Since then, Best has continued his acting career, appeared at Star Wars events, and remained active in film and television.
Career After Sharing His Experience
In the years following his public disclosure, Ahmed Best continued contributing to the Star Wars franchise and other creative projects. Many fans praised his courage in speaking openly about depression and the long-term effects of online harassment.
His later appearances in the franchise were widely viewed as a meaningful acknowledgment of his contributions to Star Wars. Support from fans also grew as many reconsidered the treatment he had received during the early years of the prequel trilogy.
Why His Story Matters
Ahmed Best’s experience illustrates the real impact that prolonged public criticism and online harassment can have on mental health. His willingness to discuss his darkest moments has helped reduce stigma surrounding depression and encouraged others to seek support when facing similar struggles.
His story is ultimately one of resilience, recovery, and hope rather than loss.
Conclusion
The events associated with July 17, 2018, do not involve Ahmed Best’s death. Instead, they mark the day he publicly reflected on a painful chapter in his life and shared how close he once came to suicide before ultimately choosing to live.
Today, Ahmed Best’s story continues to be cited as an example of perseverance in the face of overwhelming adversity. His experience underscores the importance of compassion, responsible public discourse, and accessible mental health support for those experiencing emotional distress.