Former child actor Jake Lloyd, who played young Anakin Skywalker in 1999’s “Star Wars: Episode I.” – The Phantom Menace,” gave an update on his mental health after being diagnosed with schizophrenia.
In an interview with Clayton Sandell, co-writer of “Star Wars: Timelines,” Lloyd, now 35, and his mother Lisa Lloyd discussed his progress after recently completing an 18-month stint in an inpatient mental health facility in Southern California.
In conversation with Sandell previously for an article in Scripps News, Lisa shared that Lloyd began treatment after experiencing a “full-blown psychotic break” in which he turned off his car on a three-lane road in March 2023.
According to Sandell, Lloyd is currently living in a new rehabilitation center where he continues to receive treatment but has the freedom to come and go as he pleases. During their conversation, Lloyd told Sandell he felt “pretty good.”
Former “Star Wars” child actor Jake Lloyd shared an update on his mental health amid his schizophrenia diagnosis. (PA Images via Getty Images)
“I can now agree to continue my treatment, therapy and medication,” he said. “Everyone was very supportive.”
‘STAR WARS’ CHILD ACTOR IN MENTAL HEALTH FACILITY AFTER ‘FULL-INTERVIEW PSYCHOTIC BREAK’
In addition to schizophrenia, Lisa previously told Sandell that Lloyd also suffered from a neurological condition known as anosognosia, which, according to the National Institute of Health, “is a neurological disease in which the patient does not “is not aware of his neurological deficit or his psychiatric condition”.
Lisa said Lloyd’s condition prevented him from taking medication because she didn’t believe he was sick.
In speaking with Sanell, Lloyd described his medications as “a real cushion.”
“I don’t have time to feel insecure,” he said.
Lloyd played young Anakin Skywalker in “The Phantom Menace.” (CHRIS PIZZELLO/AP POOL/AFP via Getty Images)
The former actor added that “good things” came from the time he spent in treatment.
Lloyd told Sandell that he believed it was necessary to hit “rock bottom” to “participate honestly in treatment, take your medications honestly, and live honestly with your diagnosis.”
Lisa previously shared that Lloyd had struggled with his mental health since he was in high school. She told Sandell she was optimistic about the progress he had made since being diagnosed and starting treatment.
“Jake is definitely doing a lot better than he was,” she said. “It’s a big relief to me and the rest of his family. We’re all thrilled that he’s doing so well and that he’s working very hard to get there. We appreciate that.”
Lloyd became famous around the world at the age of 8 when George Lucas cast him in the role of Anakin in “The Phantom Menace.” Before appearing in the “Star Wars” film, Jake made his acting debut alongside Arnold Schwarzenegger in the 1996 holiday film, “Jingle All the Way.”
Before retiring in 2001, Lloyd’s last on-screen role was in the sports drama “Madison,” in which he starred opposite Jim Caviezel.
Lloyd and his mother Lisa shared their optimism about his progress. (Getty Images)
During her interview with Scripps News, Lisa clarified that Lloyd starring in “The Phantom Menace” as a child did not cause him to stop acting or contribute to his mental health issues.
“It would have happened anyway,” Lisa said, sharing that there was a history of schizophrenia on her father’s side.
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She added: “I believe it was genetic. And his psychiatrist also agreed that Jake was going to become schizophrenic.”
Lisa also noted that when the “Star Wars” movie received backlash after its release in 1999, she hid any negativity from her son.
“I protected him from the negative reactions. He was just riding his bike outside, playing with his friends. He didn’t know. He didn’t care,” she said. “Everyone’s making a big deal out of it. And it’s kind of annoying to me because Jake was a little kid when this came out, and he didn’t really feel any of that because I didn’t let him know. connect.”
Lloyd was 8 years old when George Lucas cast him as Anakin Skywalker. (David Paul Morris/Getty Images)
Lloyd told Sandell that he was a fan of the “Star Wars” franchise and fondly remembered his time on “The Phantom Menace.”
He said he recently played the classic video games “Star Wars,” “Star Wars: The Old Republic” and “Star Wars: The Force Unleashed.”
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“I want to play The Force Unleashed II,” he told me. “I just beat the first one.
Lloyd said he hasn’t watched any “Star Wars” movies or TV shows recently, but added he plans to catch up on a special day marked by fans of the franchise’s whole world.
“I’m waiting for May 4 with my mother,” he said.
Lloyd said his experiences with fans are “immediately therapeutic.” (Michael Tullberg/Getty Images)
Although Lloyd no longer attends “Star Wars” conventions, he said his experiences with fans were “immediately therapeutic.”
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“At the moment, it’s still therapeutic,” he added. “It’s helpful for people and healthy. It’s not something I would be afraid of.”
Lloyd also expressed his gratitude for fans’ continued support despite his health issues.
“I really appreciate the time,” he said. “I am very grateful.”
Janelle Ash of Fox News Digital contributed to this report.
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