Jake Lloyd Talks Psychological Well being, Reconnecting with Star Wars

Star Wars’ return to theaters in 1999 with Phantom Menace launched audiences to Jake Lloyd, who performed the younger Anakin Skywalker. Whereas Hayden Christensen would play the character in later appearnaces, Lloyd ultimately pale from the general public eye. That modified when last March, he and his mom Lisa revealed he’d been in rehab for practically a yr after struggling a psychotic break and was diagoned with paranoid schizophrenia.

Since then, Lloyd has “accepted taking up continued remedy, and remedy, and my meds,” he mentioned in a current interview with Clayton Sandell. Having not too long ago accomplished his 18-month rehab stint, the actor mentioned he’s been capable of acknowledge his schizophrenia analysis. For years, Lloyd had anosognosia, a neurological situation that made him unknowingly deny his signs. Hitting such a low level has allowed “good issues” to occur, he continued, reminiscent of “actually collaborating in remedy, my meds, and dwelling with my analysis.”

Previous to final yr, the overall assumption was the tough criticism Lloyd acquired after Phantom’s launch contributed to his breakdown, just like how backlash in opposition to Jar Jar Binks again then practically drove Ahmed Best to suicide. On the time, his mom refuted these claims, and revealed her son’s paternal aspect had a historical past of schizophrenia. For her and the remainder of his household, Lloyd’s enchancment is a “massive reduction. He’s getting so a lot better than he was,” added Lisa Lloyd. “We’re all simply thrilled that he’s doing in addition to he’s, and that he’s working actually onerous at it.”

General, Lloyd says he’s feeling “fairly good” these days, and mentioned he was enormously appreciative of the fan assist he’s acquired over the previous yr. Public appearances are presently off the desk, nevertheless it seems like he nonetheless holds affection for Star Wars: he advised Sandell he’s not too long ago watched Ahsoka and put time into Star Wars: The Outdated Republic and the unique Pressure Unleashed, and is trying to play the sequel. And whereas he hasn’t watched any of the current films, he mentioned he’s “holding out for Might the Fourth with my mother.”

Sandell’s full story with Jake Lloyd will be learn here.

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