Star Wars icon Jake Lloyd has shared a heartbreaking diagnosis with fans.
The 35-year-old former actor is perhaps best known for his role as young Anakin Skywalker in Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace. However, Lloyd also appeared in hit movies such as Jingle All The Way and Apollo 11.
Lloyd retired from acting in 2000, and later admitted that he was bullied throughout his school life over his role as Anakin Skywalker in the popular franchise. "Other children were really mean to me. They would make the sound of the lightsaber every time they saw me. It was totally mad. My entire school life was really a living hell," he said back in 2012.
In recent years, the star's mom, Lisa Lloyd, has revealed that her son had been battling a mental health issues, telling Scripps News: "Jake started having some trouble in high school.
"He started talking about ‘realities.’ He didn't know if he was in this reality, or a different reality. I didn't really know exactly what to say to that."
Following a number of appointments with therapists and psychiatrists, Lloyd was diagnosed with paranoid schizophrenia, which - in turn - led to the actor falling into a deep depression.
And in a new interview with Star Wars: Timelines co-author Clayton Sandell, the actor and his mom have opened up about Jake's most recent diagnosis: Anosognosia.
Anosognosia is a neurological condition that prevents individuals from recognizing their illness. “Jake’s condition stopped him from wanting to take medication because he didn’t believe he was sick,” his mom shared.
However, despite the multiple struggles, the family revealed that Jake had recently completed an 18-month stay in an inpatient mental health facility in Southern California.
Lisa previously revealed that Jake entered treatment following a severe psychotic episode in March 2023, during which he stopped his car on a three-lane road.
Now living in a rehabilitation center that allows him greater independence, Lloyd described his current state as "pretty good". He told Sandell: “I can now accept taking on continued treatment, and therapy, and my meds. Everyone’s been very supportive.”
Lloyd acknowledged the importance of his medication in stabilizing his mental health. “It’s very much a cushion,” he said. “I don’t have the time for feeling volatile.”
The former actor, who rose to fame at just eight years old, expressed optimism about the transformative impact of his treatment. “Good things have come from the time I’ve spent in treatment,” Lloyd noted. Reflecting on his journey, he shared: “Hitting rock bottom was necessary in order to honestly take part in treatment, honestly take your meds, and honestly live with your diagnosis.”
Lisa echoed her son’s positive outlook, expressing relief and gratitude for his progress. “Jake’s actually getting so much better than he was,” she said. “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.”
Lloyd’s mental health challenges have persisted since his teenage years. Despite speculation that the pressures of his childhood fame contributed to his struggles, Lisa clarified that his diagnosis of schizophrenia was not linked to his time on The Phantom Menace. “It would have happened anyway,” she said, citing a family history of the condition on Jake’s father’s side.
Lisa also addressed the backlash the Star Wars prequel faced upon its release in 1999, explaining that she shielded her son from negativity. “I protected him from the backlash. He was just riding his bike outside, playing with his friends. He didn’t know. He didn’t care,” she said.
Despite stepping away from acting in 2001, Lloyd remains a fan of the Star Wars franchise. He recently played Star Wars: The Old Republic and The Force Unleashed, and he’s planning to catch up on more content with his mother on 'May the Fourth', the franchise’s unofficial holiday.
Lloyd also spoke about the therapeutic value of his interactions with fans, saying, “It’s helpful for people and healthy. It isn’t something I’d shy away from.”
Expressing gratitude for the ongoing support from fans, Lloyd added, “I really do appreciate the time that’s been taken on us. I’m very appreciative.”
We wish Lloyd the very best with his continued treatment.