Former little one actor Jake Lloyd, who performed younger Anakin Skywalker in 1999’s “Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace,” shared a optimistic psychological well being replace after being recognized with schizophrenia.
During an interview with “Star Wars: Timelines” co-author Clayton Sandell, Lloyd, now 35, and his mom Lisa Lloyd mentioned his progress after he not too long ago accomplished an 18-month keep at an inpatient psychological well being facility in Southern California.
While talking with Sandell beforehand for an article in Scripps News, Lisa shared that Lloyd entered remedy after experiencing a “full-blown psychotic break” throughout which he turned his automobile off on a three-lane street in March 2023.
According to Sandell, Lloyd is at present residing in a brand new rehabilitation heart the place he’s persevering with to obtain remedy however has the liberty to return and go at will. During their dialog, Lloyd informed Sandell that he was feeling “fairly good.”
Former “Star Wars” little one actor Jake Lloyd shared a psychological well being replace amid his schizophrenia prognosis. ( PA Images through Getty Images)
“I can now settle for taking up continued remedy, and remedy, and my meds,” he stated. “Everyone’s been very supportive.”
‘STAR WARS’ CHILD ACTOR IN MENTAL HEALTH FACILITY AFTER ‘FULL-BLOWN PSYCHOTIC BREAK’
In addition to schizophrenia, Lisa beforehand informed Sandell that Lloyd additionally has a neurological situation often known as anosognosia, which, in response to the National Institute of Health, “is a neurological situation wherein the affected person is unaware of their neurological deficit or psychiatric situation.”
Lisa stated Lloyd’s situation stopped him from desirous to take remedy as a result of he did not consider he was sick.
While talking with Sanell, Lloyd described his remedy as “very a lot a cushion.”
“I don’t have the time for feeling unstable,” he stated.
Lloyd performed younger Anakin Skywalker in “The Phantom Menace.” (CHRIS PIZZELLO/AP POOL/AFP through Getty Images)
The former actor went on to say that “good issues” have come from the time he has spent in remedy.
Lloyd informed Sandell that he believed hitting “all-time low” was crucial to be able to “truthfully participate in remedy, truthfully take your meds, and truthfully stay together with your prognosis.”
Lisa beforehand shared that LLoyd had struggled along with his psychological well being since he was in highschool. She informed Sandell that she was optimistic in regards to the progress that he had made since receiving his prognosis and starting remedy.
“Jake’s truly getting so a lot better than he was,” she stated. “It’s a giant reduction for me and the remainder of his household. We’re all simply thrilled that he is doing in addition to he’s, and that he is working actually arduous at it. We respect that.”
Lloyd rose to worldwide fame on the age of 8 when George Lucas solid him as Anakin in “The Phantom Menace.” Prior to showing within the “Star Wars” film, Jake made his appearing debut alongside Arnold Schwarzenegger within the 1996 vacation movie, “Jingle All the Way.”
Before retiring from appearing in 2001, Lloyd’s final on-screen function was within the sports activities drama “Madison,” wherein he starred reverse Jim Caviezel.
Lloyd and his mom Lisa shared their optimism about his progress. (Getty Images)
During her interview for Scripps News, Lisa clarified that Lloyd starring in “The Phantom Menace” as a toddler didn’t immediate him to stroll away from appearing or contribute to his psychological well being points.
“It would have occurred anyway,” Lisa stated, sharing that there was a historical past of schizophrenia on his father’s aspect of the household.
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She added, “I consider that it was genetic. And his psychiatrist additionally agrees that Jake was going to turn out to be schizophrenic.”
Lisa additionally famous that when the “Star Wars” movie received backlash after its launch in 1999, she shielded any negativity from her son.
“I protected him from the backlash. He was simply driving his bike outdoors, taking part in along with his mates. He did not know. He did not care,” she stated. “Everybody makes such a giant deal about that. And it is moderately annoying to me as a result of Jake was a bit child when that got here out, and he did not actually really feel all that stuff as a result of I did not let him on-line.”
Lloyd was 8 when George Lucas solid him as Anakin Skywalker. (David Paul Morris/Getty Images)
Lloyd informed Sandell that he’s a fan of the “Star Wars” franchise and fondly remembers his time making “The Phantom Menace.”
He stated that he has not too long ago performed the traditional “Star Wars” video video games “Star Wars: The Old Republic” and “Star Wars: The Force Unleashed.”
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“I need to play The Force Unleashed II,” he tells me. “I simply beat the primary one.
Lloyd stated that he hasn’t watched any “Star Wars” motion pictures or TV reveals currently however added that he plans to compensate for a special occasion marked by followers of the franchise worldwide.
“I’m holding out for May the Fourth with my mother,” he stated.
Lloyd stated his experiences with followers are “instantly therapeutic.” ( Michael Tullberg/Getty Images)
Though Lloyd now not attends “Star Wars” conventions, he stated that his experiences with followers are “instantly therapeutic.”
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“Right now, it is nonetheless therapeutic,” he added. “It’s useful for folks and wholesome. It is not one thing I’d shrink back from.”
Lloyd additionally expressed his gratitude for followers’ continued assist amid his health struggles.
“I actually do respect the time that is been taken on us,” he stated. “I’m very appreciative.”
Fox News Digital’s Janelle Ash contributed to this report.
