Jake Lloyd, who rose to fame as younger Anakin Skywalker in 1999’s Star Wars: Episode 1 — The Phantom Menace, is opening up about his psychological well being struggles and the schizophrenia prognosis that contributed to his leaving Hollywood shortly after the movie’s launch.
In a new interview with Star Wars: Timelines co-author Clayton Sandell, Jake Lloyd mentioned he was feeling “pretty good” after finishing an 18-month keep at an inpatient psychological well being facility in Southern California. He is at present residing at a brand new rehabilitation heart, the place he’s nonetheless receiving remedy however is a free agent relating to leaving and coming again.
“[I feel] pretty good, considering these 20 years of time that have come to an end,” he mentioned. “I can now accept taking on continued treatment, and therapy, and my meds. Everyone’s been very supportive.”
As Jake Lloyd’s mom, Lisa Lloyd, shared earlier final 12 months, a part of the problem was overcoming anosognosia, a neurological situation that causes a affected person to be unconsciously in denial about their signs.
“I don’t have the time for feeling volatile,” Jake Lloyd mentioned of taking remedy. “It is very much a cushion.” The former actor mentioned “good things” have come from his time in remedy and that hitting “rock bottom” was essential so as to “honestly take part in treatment, honestly take your meds, and honestly live with your diagnosis.”
At simply 8 years previous, Jake Lloyd grew to become a recognizable face after having appeared in George Lucas’ first prequel movie. Lisa Lloyd beforehand mentioned the backlash to her son’s appearing was not among the many causes he stop the business, as she shielded him from on-line vitriol, attributing it to non-public and household points. She additionally added on the time that the adverse response didn’t result in the prognosis, which is genetic.
While Jake Lloyd has since stopped showing at conventions, he mentioned the franchise — and its loving followers — nonetheless holds a particular place in his coronary heart.
“The experience I’ve had with the fans is immediately therapeutic. Right now, it’s still therapeutic. It’s helpful for people and healthy. It isn’t something I’d shy away from.”
He added, “I really do appreciate the time that’s been taken on us. I’m very appreciative.”
As for any Star Wars reunions, Jake Lloyd mentioned he’s trying ahead to viewing the movies on the quintessential galactic vacation: “I’m holding out for May the Fourth with my mom,” he defined.
Before The Phantom Menace, Jake Lloyd was in movies like Jingle All the Way alongside Arnold Schwarzenegger and Apollo 11. On TV, Jake appeared in episodes of ER and The Pretender. His final movie credit score was in 2001’s Madison.