Jake Lloyd, the former child actor known for his role as young Anakin Skywalker in the 1999 film “Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace,” has recently shared an encouraging update on his mental health journey. Now 35, Lloyd and his mother, Lisa, spoke about his progress following an 18-month stay at an inpatient mental health facility in Southern California.
In a conversation with Clayton Sandell, co-author of “Star Wars: Timelines,” Lloyd revealed that he had entered treatment after a severe psychotic episode in March 2023. He is currently residing in a new rehabilitation center where he continues his treatment with the flexibility to leave and return as he pleases. Lloyd expressed that he was feeling “pretty good” and was accepting of his ongoing treatment, therapy, and medication.
Lloyd’s mother, Lisa, had previously disclosed to Sandell that her son was also diagnosed with anosognosia, a neurological condition where the patient is unaware of their neurological deficit or psychiatric condition. This condition had initially made Lloyd resistant to medication as he did not believe he was ill. However, Lloyd now describes his medication as a “cushion” and acknowledges the benefits he has gained from his time in treatment.
Lloyd believes that reaching his lowest point was a necessary step to fully engage in his treatment, take his medication regularly, and accept his diagnosis. Lisa shared that Lloyd had been struggling with his mental health since high school but expressed optimism about the progress he has made since his diagnosis and the start of his treatment.
Lloyd, who rose to fame at the age of 8 when he was cast as Anakin in “The Phantom Menace,” had his acting debut alongside Arnold Schwarzenegger in the 1996 film “Jingle All the Way.” He retired from acting in 2001, with his last on-screen role in the sports drama “Madison,” opposite Jim Caviezel.
Lisa clarified that Lloyd’s mental health issues were not triggered by his early acting career or his role in “The Phantom Menace.” She stated that schizophrenia was present on his father’s side of the family and that his psychiatrist agreed that Lloyd was predisposed to the condition.
Despite the backlash the “Star Wars” film received after its 1999 release, Lisa ensured that her son was shielded from any negativity. Lloyd remains a fan of the “Star Wars” franchise and has fond memories of his time filming “The Phantom Menace.” He recently enjoyed playing classic “Star Wars” video games and plans to catch up on the franchise’s movies and TV shows on the fan-celebrated day, May the Fourth.
Although Lloyd no longer attends “Star Wars” conventions, he finds his interactions with fans to be therapeutic and expressed his gratitude for their continued support during his health struggles.