Ahmed Best: The Voice Behind Star Wars’ Jar Jar Binks
Introduction
Ahmed Best is an American actor, voice actor, and musician who is most well-known for his role as the voice of Jar Jar Binks in the Star Wars franchise. He has also appeared in other films and TV shows, as well as worked as a voice actor in various animated series. In this blog post, we will take a closer look at Ahmed Best’s life, career, and his iconic role as Jar Jar Binks.
Early Life and Career
Ahmed Best was born on August 19, 1973, in New York City. He grew up in the Bronx and attended the Fiorello H. LaGuardia High School of Music & Art and Performing Arts. After graduating, Best started his career as a dancer and choreographer, working on various music videos and stage productions. He also appeared in small roles in films and TV shows, including The Cosby Show and Law & Order.
In the mid-1990s, Best moved to Los Angeles to pursue his acting career. He landed his first major role in the TV series The Untouchables, playing the character of Agent Rhinehart. He also appeared in other TV shows such as The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air and Nash Bridges, as well as films like The Phantom Menace and The Force Awakens.
The Voice of Jar Jar Binks
Ahmed Best’s most famous role is undoubtedly that of Jar Jar Binks, the clumsy, bumbling Gungan from the Star Wars prequel trilogy. Best auditioned for the role after being discovered by Star Wars creator George Lucas while performing in the stage production of Stomp. Lucas was impressed by Best’s physicality and asked him to audition for the role of Jar Jar Binks.
Best provided the voice and motion capture for Jar Jar Binks in all three prequel films: The Phantom Menace, Attack of the Clones, and Revenge of the Sith. The character was initially met with mixed reactions from fans and critics, with some praising his comedic timing and others criticizing him for being too silly and childish. However, over time, Jar Jar Binks has become a beloved character in the Star Wars universe, and Best’s performance has been widely praised.
Other Work and Projects
Aside from his work in the Star Wars franchise, Ahmed Best has also appeared in other films and TV shows, including the TV series Robot Chicken, where he provided the voice for various characters. He has also worked as a voice actor in animated series such as Avatar: The Last Airbender and Star Wars: The Clone Wars.
Best is also a musician and has released several albums, including The Longest Yard soundtrack and his own solo album, The Afrofuturist. He has also worked as a producer and director, with his short film This Can’t Be My Life winning several awards at film festivals.
Conclusion
Ahmed Best is a multi-talented actor, voice actor, musician, and director who has made a significant impact in the entertainment industry. His portrayal of Jar Jar Binks in the Star Wars franchise has cemented his place in pop culture history, and his other work in film, TV, and music has showcased his versatility and range as an artist. We look forward to seeing what he has in store for us in the future.
FAQ
Who is Ahmed Best?
Ahmed Best is an American actor, voice actor, and musician. He is best known for his role as the voice of Jar Jar Binks in the Star Wars franchise.
What is Jar Jar Binks?
Jar Jar Binks is a fictional character in the Star Wars franchise. He is a Gungan from the planet Naboo and is known for his clumsy and comical behavior.
How did Ahmed Best become the voice of Jar Jar Binks?
Ahmed Best was cast as the voice of Jar Jar Binks after auditioning for the role. He was chosen for his unique voice and ability to bring the character to life.
What other roles has Ahmed Best played?
In addition to his role as Jar Jar Binks, Ahmed Best has appeared in a number of other movies and TV shows. He has also worked as a voice actor for other animated series, including The Clone Wars and Robot Chicken.
What has Ahmed Best said about his role as Jar Jar Binks?
Ahmed Best has spoken openly about the criticism he received for his portrayal of Jar Jar Binks. He has said that the negative reaction from fans was difficult to deal with, but that he is proud of the work he did on the character.
