Actor AHMED BEST is convinced the backlash surrounding the performance of former child star JAKE LLOYD in the first STAR WARS prequel left a negative affect on the kid as he struggled to grow up in the spotlight.
Lloyd was just eight when he was cast as a young Anakin Skywalker in 1999’s Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace, but his performance, in addition to aspects of the film’s storyline, irked some franchise devotees and critics, who made it clear they weren’t fans.
Ahmed Best, who voiced the poorly-received space alien Jar Jar Binks, admits the heavy criticism came as a shock to him, and he believes it left a lasting impact on Lloyd, who recently hit headlines for all the wrong reasons.
Best tells Vice.com he wanted to protect the child from the backlash, but he thinks the damage was already done.
The 41 year old, who was born in New York’s tough Bronx neighbourhood, says, “Say what you want to say, but leave the kid alone, let him grow up. The amount of vitriol he took as an eight-year-old was just wrong, and it affected him.
“I think people are smart enough when they meet me to not go too far because I am who I am and I come from where I come from. At the end of the day, acting is fun but I will knock you the f**k out if you step out of line. That’s just where I come from. Respect is a big deal.”
Lloyd was taken into custody in Charleston, South Carolina last month (Jun15) following a high speed chase with police, which ended when the actor crashed his car into trees. He was booked for reckless driving, failure to stop and driving without a licence.
His mother, Lisa, subsequently revealed the now-26 year old was diagnosed with schizophrenia at the age of 19.

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