Jar Jar Binks actor Ahmed Best opens up about the real effects of intense backlash

Sometimes people don't realise that hating on a fictional character can have repercussions, particularly on the real human being playing the part.

Reminding us of this is actor Ahmed Best, who played Jar Jar Binks in the Star Wars franchise, and who opened up about his experience with intense backlash on Tuesday.

Binks, the friendly Gungan, made his debut in 1999's Episode 1, The Phantom Menace, with a smaller role in Attack of the Clones, and a brief cameo in Revenge of the Sith.

But although some adored Jar Jar, the character was quickly swept up in wave of audience and media criticism, eventually becoming one of the most railed-on characters in Star Wars history.

Although it might seem offhand to hate on a fictional character from afar, it really took a toll on Best. On Tuesday, the actor took to Twitter to open up about his experience, posting a photo with his young son.

Best writes that he contemplated suicide following "media backlash" he suffered almost 20 years ago — Best first played Binks in 1999.

"20 years next year I faced a media backlash that still affects my career today," he wrote. "This was the place I almost ended my life. It's still hard to talk about. I survived and now this little guy is my gift for survival."

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The Last Jedi director Rian Johnson replied to Best, sending love and and writing, "I think there are many of us who'd get quite alot from hearing your story."

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Star Wars legend Frank Oz, who played Jedi master Yoda, also responded to Best saying he loved Jar Jar Binks — acknowledging the popular, harsh response to the character.

"I know I'll get raked over the coals for saying that but I just will never understand the harshness of people's dislike of him."

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And Johnson and Oz weren't the only ones, with many on Twitter offering their support to the actor, some praising Jar Jar as their favourite Star Wars character.

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Although people might not have realised, myself included, making fun of a character isn't as innocent as it seems, if there's a real person who's genuinely affected by it.

If you want to talk to someone or are experiencing suicidal thoughts, text the

Crisis Text Line at 741-741 or call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255. Here is a list of international resources.