The actor behind the Star Wars’ most-hated character has revealed how the vicious backlash against his portrayal of Jar Jar Binks led him to contemplate suicide.

In an emotional tweet posted on Wednesday night (AEST), Ahmed Best opened up about the difficult times he faced nearly 20 years ago when he started his acting career.

He said those dark days still affect him today as he shared a photo of him with his son revisiting the place where he says considered taking his own life.

The actor did not name the Star Wars prequels, which began with 1999’s The Phantom Menace, explicitly but his first major role came when he provided the voice and motion capture for the gawky CGI alien.

He was 25 at the time.

“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.”

https://twitter.com/ahmedbest/status/1014222723764162561

Since The Phantom Menace was released, Best has been on the receiving end of the much-criticised character.

The furore around the cartoony Jar Jar Binks was slammed by Star Wars fans for adding a character many critics considered was simply inserted to sell plush toys.

Critics also branded Best’s portrayal as a dumbed-down exercise in child-pleasing, and has been the most talked about, or mocked, character in the Star Wars franchise.

In an interview last year, Best said he received death threats as a result of Jar Jar Binks.

“I had death threats through the internet,” he told Wired.

“I had people come to me and say, ‘you destroyed my childhood.’ That’s difficult for a 25-year-old to hear.”

Best’s heartfelt post provoked an outpouring of support, with tweets from Star Wars director Rian Johnson and the puppeteer who voiced the Jedi master, Yoda, Frank Oz.

“Lots of love to you Ahmed,” Johnson tweeted. “I think there are many of us who’d get quite a lot from hearing your story.”

Lots of love to you Ahmed. I think there are many of us who’d get quite alot from hearing your story.

— Rian Johnson (@rianjohnson) July 3, 2018

“I LOVED Jar Jar Binks. 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. I do character work. He is a GREAT character!” Oz added.

Readers seeking support and information about suicide prevention can contact Lifeline on 13 11 14.

Suicide Call Back Service 1300 659 467.