Ahmed Best

Ahmed Best is an acclaimed actor, musician, and director, recognized globally for his groundbreaking motion-capture performances and significant contributions to the Star Wars franchise and beyond. After becoming a principal member of the Obie Award-winning show Stomp in 1995, where he toured extensively across the US and Europe, Ahmed Best transitioned his distinct athletic performance style into groundbreaking motion-capture work. His unique movements from Stomp caught the attention of casting director Robin Gurland in 1997, leading to his seminal role as Jar Jar Binks in the Star Wars prequel trilogy. Best originated the character of Jar Jar, marking him as the first major CGI character actor in cinematic history with Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace (1999).

His multifaceted career, spanning pioneering motion-capture acting, award-winning voice work, directing, producing, and academia, underscores his versatile and influential presence in entertainment and beyond.