Former child actor Jake Lloyd played young Anakin Skywalker in 1999's Star Wars: Episode I. – The Phantom Menace,” where he shared a positive update on his mental health after being diagnosed with schizophrenia.
meanwhile interview Lloyd, 35, recently completed an 18-month stay at a mental health facility in Southern California, along with “Star Wars: Timeline” co-author Clayton Sandell and his mother, Lisa Lloyd. We talked about our progress after we finished.
Previously speaking with Sandel for a Scripps News article, Lisa said Lloyd was in treatment after turning off his car on a three-lane road in March 2023 and experiencing a “full-blown psychotic episode.” He revealed that he had entered.
Sandel said Lloyd is now living at a new rehabilitation center where he continues his treatment but is able to come and go as he pleases. During the conversation, Ms. Lloyd told Ms. Sandel that she was “feeling pretty good.”
Former Star Wars child actor Jake Lloyd has shared an update on his mental health while being diagnosed with schizophrenia. (Image from PA via Getty Images)
“I am now able to accept continued treatment, therapy and medication,” he said. “Everyone has been very supportive.”
'Star Wars' child actor admitted to mental health facility due to 'full-blown mental breakdown'
Lisa previously told Sandel that in addition to schizophrenia, Lloyd also had a neurological condition known as anosognosia. According to the National Institutes of Health, it is a “neurological disorder in which patients are unaware that they have a neurological or psychiatric disorder.”
Lisa said Lloyd's symptoms made it hard for her to believe she was sick and made her no longer want to take medication.
While speaking with Sanel, Lloyd said his medication was “very cushioning.”
“There's no time for insecurity,” he said.
Lloyd played a young Anakin Skywalker in The Phantom Menace. (Chris Pizzello/AP Pool/AFP via Getty Images)
The former actor continued that “good things” came from the time he spent in treatment.
Lloyd told Sandel that she believed it was necessary to hit “rock bottom” in order to “honestly participate in treatment, honestly take medicine, and live honestly with a diagnosis.”
Lisa previously revealed that Lloyd had struggled with his mental health since high school. She told Sandel she is optimistic about his progress since receiving his diagnosis and starting treatment.
“Jake is actually doing a lot better than he was before,” she said. “It's such a relief for me and his family. We're all just thrilled that he's as healthy and working as hard as he is. We're grateful for that. Masu.”
Lloyd gained worldwide fame when George Lucas cast him as Anakin in The Phantom Menace at the age of eight. Before starring in the “Star Wars'' films, Jake made his acting debut co-starring Arnold Schwarzenegger in the 1996 holiday film “Jingle All the Way.''
Before retiring from acting in 2001, Lloyd last appeared on screen in the sports drama Madison, co-starring Jim Caviezel.
Lloyd and his mother Lisa shared optimism about his progress. (Getty Images)
In an interview with Scripps News, Lisa clarified that Lloyd's appearance in The Phantom Menace as a child did not lead to him stepping away from acting or causing any mental health issues. .
“It would have happened anyway,” Lisa said, noting that there was a history of schizophrenia on her father's side of the family.
Like what you’re reading? Click here for more entertainment news
She added: “We believe it's genetic, and psychiatrists agree that Jake will develop schizophrenia.”
Lisa also said that when the movie “Star Wars” received backlash after its release in 1999, she hid any negative feedback from her son.
“I protected him from the backlash. He was just outside riding his bike and playing with his friends. He didn't know. He didn't care,” she said. “People make such a fuss about it, and it's so annoying to me because Jake was a kid when this came out and I didn't let him go online. He didn't really feel that way.”
Lloyd was eight years old when George Lucas cast him in the role of Anakin Skywalker. (David Paul Morris/Getty Images)
Lloyd told Sandel that he was a fan of the “Star Wars'' series and fondly remembered his time making “The Phantom Menace.''
He said he recently played the classic “Star Wars” video games “Star Wars: The Old Republic” and “Star Wars: The Force Unleashed.”
Click here to sign up for our entertainment newsletter
“I want to play The Force Unleashed II,” he told me. “I just beat my first match.
Lloyd said he hasn't watched any “Star Wars” movies or TV shows lately, but added that he plans to get closer to the special day, which will be watched closely by fans of the series around the world.
“My mom and I are looking forward to May 4th,” he said.
Lloyd said her experience with fans was “instantly therapeutic.” (Michael Thalberg/Getty Images)
Although Lloyd no longer attends “Star Wars” conventions, he said the experience with fans is “instantly healing.”
CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP
“It's still therapeutic at this point,” he added. “It's helpful to people and good for their health. It's not something to shy away from.”
Lloyd also thanked his fans for their continued support amidst his health issues.
“I really appreciate your time,” he said. “Thank you very much.”
Fox News Digital's Janelle Ash contributed to this report.
