Summary
- Jake Lloyd, young Anakin Skywalker, faced mental health struggles post-Star Wars debut.
- After an 18-month mental health rehabilitation stay, Lloyd is positive about his progress.
- Lloyd enjoys Star Wars content and gaming, but still works on mental health. His family is supportive and proud of the work he’s done.
While most of the cast of Star Wars: The Phantom Menace was busy celebrating the film’s 25th anniversary last year, there was one star of the show that wasn’t among the group. Jake Lloyd, who was seemingly bound for stardom when he portrayed the young Anakin Skywalker (the man who became Darth Vader), never really saw his career take off after the Star Wars prequel trilogy. In part, that was because he suffered from severe mental illness.
After several decades of dealing with mental issues, Jake Lloyd’s mother, Lisa, later revealed that her son had been diagnosed with schizophrenia before suffering a full-blown psychotic break, which saw him admitted to a mental health rehabilitation facility. After an 18-month stay at a psychiatric facility, the former actor spoke about his journey and gave an update that’s rather positive about where he feels like he’s standing now.
Related
Why The Phantom Menace Is The Most Ambitious Star Wars Movie
The Phantom Menace is an ambitious film where George Lucas deviated greatly from what many expected.
Star Wars Star Gives Positive Mental Health Update
Lloyd spoke to a reporter by the name of Clayton Sandell who also spoke to the actors’ mother a few months ago when she talked about the fact that her son had suffered a full-blown psychotic break. Lloyd has now completed an 18-month stay and while the Star Wars: Phantom Menace actor said he is still receiving treatment, he’s able to “come and go” as he pleases. During the interview, the reporter let Lloyd know that there are quite a few Star Wars fans out there who hold a special place in their heart for the actor. They love the idea of a young Anakin Skywalker finding redemption several decades after the movie first hit theaters.
“The experience I’ve had with the fans is immediately therapeutic,” Lloyd reportedly responded. “Right now, it’s still therapeutic. It’s helpful for people and healthy. It isn’t something I’d shy away from. I really do appreciate the time that’s been taken on us,” the Star Wars star continued. “I’m very appreciative…[I’m] pretty good, considering these 20 years of time that have come to an end. I can now accept taking on continued treatment, and therapy, and my meds. Everyone’s been very supportive.”
“I’m very appreciative…[I’m] pretty good, considering these 20 years of time that have come to an end. I can now accept taking on continued treatment, and therapy, and my meds. Everyone’s been very supportive.”
Lloyd said that he’s still not in a place where he can make appearances at public conventions, but he’s a fan of Star Wars content. During the interview, the former actor said that he specifically enjoyed watching Ahsoka on Disney+ and he’s played Star Wars video games. He said that he just finished Star Wars: The Old Republic and Star Wars: The Force Unleashed. He added that he’d like to start playing Star Wars: The Force Unleashed II.
“Jake’s actually getting so much better than he was,” his mother added to the interview. “It’s a big relief for me and the rest of his family. We’re all just thrilled that he’s doing as well as he is, and that he’s working really hard at it. We appreciate that.” It would appear the former Star Wars actor is making real progress in getting treatment for his mental health issues after years of struggles.
Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace
More
Ahsoka Season 2 Finally Gets an Official Update From Dave Filoni
Ahsoka Season 2 hasn’t received a significant update from official sources in nearly a year, but Dave Filoni finally has information for fans.