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Jake Lloyd, known to millions as young Anakin Skywalker in Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace, has opened up about his ongoing battle with schizophrenia. At 35, the former actor recently concluded an 18-month stay at a mental health facility and is now continuing his recovery journey at a rehabilitation center. Speaking with Clayton Sandell, co-author of Star Wars: Timelines, Lloyd reflected on his progress and challenges over the years.
"Pretty good, considering these 20 years of time that have come to an end," Lloyd shared, highlighting his acceptance of ongoing therapy and medication. His mother, Lisa, emphasized the importance of addressing anosognosia—a condition that leaves individuals unaware of their mental health issues—on his road to recovery. According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), anosognosia often leads patients to avoid treatment. For Lloyd, overcoming this hurdle was key to his recent progress. "I don't have the time for feeling volatile," he noted, describing medication as a stabilizing force in his life.
Lloyd's struggles began long before his diagnosis in 2008. Despite speculation, Lisa Lloyd dismissed claims that backlash to The Phantom Menace played a role in her son's mental health decline, pointing instead to a family history of schizophrenia. "It would have happened anyway," she stated in 2024. However, Lloyd's personal challenges intensified following his sister's death in 2018 and a subsequent psychotic break in 2023.
Legal issues further compounded his struggles. In 2015, Lloyd was arrested in South Carolina for reckless driving and resisting arrest during a high-speed chase. His mother later revealed that he had not been taking his prescribed medication at the time. The incident led to a 10-month jail sentence, followed by his transfer to a psychiatric facility.
Despite these difficulties, Lloyd remains optimistic and finds solace in the unwavering support of Star Wars fans. "The experience I've had with the fans is immediately therapeutic," he said. He expressed gratitude for their encouragement, calling it "helpful and healthy."
Looking ahead, Lloyd plans to immerse himself in Star Wars media, saying he's saving the experience for "May the Fourth" with his mother. Lisa Lloyd expressed hope for her son's future, celebrating his resilience. "We're all just thrilled that he's doing as well as he is," she said.
