This article contains spoilers for The Mandalorian season 3, episode 4.Star Wars veteran Ahmed Best has returned to the franchise once again, but the actor has had many other notable roles since playing Jar Jar Binks in the prequel trilogy. Best appeared as Kelleran Beq in The Mandalorian season 3, episode 4 "The Foundling," the Jedi Master who saved Grogu during Order 66, and this isn't the first time Best has played the character. Kelleran Beq previously appeared on Star Wars: Jedi Temple Challenge, a children's game show where Ahmed Best served as the host. Best also stated that Kelleran Beq was related to Achk Med-Beq, the character he briefly portrayed in Star Wars: Episode II - Attack of the Clones.
Of course, Ahmed Best's role as Jar Jar Binks will always be considered the actor's starring role, despite how it was initially received. Best later opened up about how the overwhelming dislike towards the character nearly led to his taking his own life, and fans rallied to him after this revelation. Because of the online shift in reception to the Star Wars prequels, Best's performance as Jar Jar has been reevaluated as well, and his role as Kelleran Beq cemented his place in the franchise. His work outside of Star Wars deserves recognition, too. Here are all of Ahmed Best's most notable roles since playing Jar Jar Binks.
Ahmed Best After Star Wars Prequels: Biggest Movies, Shows & More Jar Jar
Ahmed Best is well known for playing Jar Jar Binks in Star Wars, but the actor has appeared in several other films since then. His first role following Star Wars: Episode III - Revenge of the Sith was Rufus in Open Window, and his next movie appearance was in Mother and Child, which also featured Star Wars actors Samuel L. Jackson and Jimmy Smits. Best has also made numerous TV appearances, including roles on Law & Order: LA, Easy to Assemble, Sidetracked, and most recently Alabama Jackson. He's also appeared in several TV movies and shorts, which include This Is Why You're Single and Party Time.
Best also has an impressive list of video game credits, providing voices for titles such as The Last of Us: Part II, Fallout 76, Marvel: Ultimate Alliance 2, and Reservoir Dogs. Best has returned to play Jar Jar Binks in other Star Wars projects, most notably Star Wars: The Clone Wars, where he provided additional voices as well. He voiced the character in the Robot Chicken: Star Wars trilogy, a few Lego Star Wars Specials, and the unreleased Star Wars: Detours TV series. Finally, Best hosted Star Wars: Jedi Temple Challenge as Kelleran Beq, leading to his eventual cameo appearance in The Mandalorian season 3, episode 4.
Ahmed Best In The Mandalorian Season 3 Completes His Redemption
Star Wars viewers have gradually warmed up to Ahmed Best over time, and his appearance in The Mandalorian season 3 completes this redemption. Best went from playing the most hated Star Wars character to playing a Jedi in a game show, and now he's appeared in an epic flashback on the most popular Star Wars Disney+ TV series. Kelleran Beq's battle with the clones was handled exceptionally, and Best's character has now become an important part of Grogu's Star Wars backstory. Best could appear in another flashback on The Mandalorian, one of its spinoff shows, or even receive his own spinoff given his character's fate is unknown.
The Mandalorian is often seen as the show that unites the Star Wars fanbase, pulling from all corners of the franchise, and Ahmed Best is a prime example. He deserved this chance to return to Star Wars in epic fashion, and this appearance represents how he's been fully embraced as part of the franchise. Other Star Wars actors have also had similar opportunities, so there's no telling which characters will be given another chance in future stories. For now, Star Wars fans can treat themselves to Kelleran Beq's appearance in The Mandalorian, as well as Ahmed Best's other movie and TV roles since playing Jar Jar Binks.
Episodes of The Mandalorian release Wednesdays on Disney+.
