Ahmed Best’s biography tells the compelling success story of a multifaceted artist whose impact stretches beyond his iconic role in the Star Wars universe. Born on August 19, 1973, in New York City, Best’s career in entertainment began with his passion for music, leading him to significant contributions in acting and music. His portrayal of Jar Jar Binks and Jedi Master Kelleran Beq showcases his extensive range and creativity, making him a notable figure in cinematic history.
Biography Summary
Ahmed Best, born August 19, 1973, is an American actor, comedian, and musician. He is widely recognized for his role as the voice and motion capture artist behind Jar Jar Binks in the Star Wars franchise. His collaboration with director George Lucas spans three films and seven episodes of the animated series Star Wars: The Clone Wars.
His portrayal of Jar Jar Binks also earned him the Annie Award for Voice Acting in an Animated Television Production, a recognition he received for his work in Robot Chicken: Star Wars Episode II. Best’s contributions to the Star Wars universe have solidified his reputation in film and animation, making him a notable figure in the entertainment industry.
Early Life
Ahmed Best, born on August 19, 1973, in New York City, spent his early years in the Soundview section of the Bronx before relocating to Maplewood, New Jersey, in 1984. A graduate of Columbia High School in 1991, he pursued his passion for music by studying percussion at the Manhattan School of Music.
Ahmed is the younger brother of Dunia Best Sinnreich, a prominent figure in the music scene. Dunia is known for her roles as the lead singer and co-founder of bands like Brave New Girl, Dubistry, and Agent 99, and she was also a former member of The Slackers.
Career
Ahmed Best started his career in the arts in 1994 by joining the acid jazz group The Jazzhole. Over two years, he played a pivotal role in the group’s development, contributing as a co-writer and co-producer for their albums The Jazzhole, And the Feeling Goes Around, and The Beat is the Bomb. In 1995, he also collaborated with Bill Evans on the album Escape.
The same year, Best became part of the Obie Award-winning performance cast of Stomp, touring extensively across the United States and Europe. His dynamic and athletic performance caught the attention of Star Wars casting director Robin Gurland, leading to his iconic casting as Jar Jar Binks in the Star Wars prequel trilogy, which spanned from 1999 to 2005. Best also voiced the character in various Star Wars-related media, including an episode of Robot Chicken, Star Wars: The Clone Wars, and The Colbert Report.
Despite his significant contributions, the character of Jar Jar Binks faced widespread criticism, impacting Best personally to the extent of considering severe actions. He later shared the screen with other Star Wars alumni in an episode of the TV show Big Time Rush.1
We like to think of film and music as art, but actually, art is something that is not restricted.
Ahmed Best
In 2008, Best expanded his creative horizons by writing, directing, and producing the pilot for the television show This Can’t Be My Life. More recently, in 2020, he was announced to star as Jedi Master Kelleran Beq in the game show Star Wars: Jedi Temple Challenge, which premiered on June 10 after a brief delay due to societal unrest. He reprised this role in the third season of The Mandalorian.2
Beyond his acting career, Best has also been an adjunct professor at Stanford University, where his courses have explored art and Afrofuturism.3 Additionally, he holds a black belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, showcasing his diverse talents and interests.
Final Reflections
Ahmed Best’s biography highlights his resilience and versatility as an artist. Best’s career showcases his unwavering dedication to his craft, from his early contributions to The Jazzhole to his iconic role in Star Wars. Ahmed Best’s success story continues to impact the entertainment industry as he continues to innovate.
Filmography
- 1989: Lean on Me – Extra
- 1999: Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace – Jar Jar Binks (voice and motion capture)
- 2002:
- Star Wars: Episode II – Attack of the Clones – Jar Jar Binks (voice) and Achk Med-Beq
- Armitage: Dual Matrix – Mouse (voice) (English version)
- 2004: Kangaroo Jack: G’Day U.S.A.! – Louis Booker (voice)
- 2005: Star Wars: Episode III – Revenge of the Sith – Jar Jar Binks (voice)
- 2006: Open Window – Rufus
- 2009: Mother and Child – Julian
- 2010:
- The Pink House – Actor Judge
- 2001 Maniacs: Field of Screams – Crow
- 2011:
- Poolboy: Drowning Out The Fury – Sidney Moncrief
- Some Guy Who Kills People – Mayor Maxwell
- 2012: FDR: American Badass! – Curtis
- 2013:
- DJ – Mouse (Armitage segments)
- W.M.D. – News Reporter
Reference List for Ahmed Best’s Biography
- Parker, Ryan. “Jar Jar Binks Actor Says He Considered Suicide After ‘Star Wars’ Backlash.” The Hollywood Reporter, 3 July 2018. ↩︎
- Ross, Dalton. “Meesa Back! Jar Jar Binks Actor Ahmed Best Returns to Star Wars as a Mandalorian Jedi.” Entertainment Weekly, 22 Mar. 2023. ↩︎
- “Ahmed Best on His Surprise Return as Kelleran Beq in The Mandalorian.” StarWars.com, Lucasfilm, 24 Mar. 2023. ↩︎
Similar Posts:
- Anthony Daniels: Biography, C-3PO, Star Wars
- Temuera Morrison: Biography, Success Story, Star Wars
- Peter Mayhew: Biography, Chewbacca, Star Wars
- Ian McDiarmid: Biography, Star Wars, Emperor Palpatine
- Daisy Ridley: Biography, Success Story, Star Wars