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 finally light from the general public eye. That modified when last March, he and his mom Lisa revealed he’d been in rehab for almost 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 latest 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, equivalent to “truthfully participating in remedy, my meds, and dwelling with my analysis.”

Previous to final yr, the final assumption was the cruel criticism Lloyd obtained after Phantom’s launch contributed to his breakdown, much like how backlash towards Jar Jar Binks again then almost 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 “large aid. He’s getting so significantly 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 arduous at it.”

General, Lloyd says he’s feeling “fairly good” these days, and mentioned he was significantly appreciative of the fan assist he’s obtained over the previous yr. Public appearances are at the moment off the desk, but it surely seems like he nonetheless holds affection for Star Wars: he instructed Sandell he’s not too long ago watched Ahsoka and put time into Star Wars: The Previous Republic and the unique Power Unleashed, and is seeking to play the sequel. And whereas he hasn’t watched any of the latest motion pictures, he mentioned he’s “holding out for Might the Fourth with my mother.”

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

Need extra io9 information? Take a look at when to count on the newest Marvel, Star Wars, and Star Trek releases, what’s subsequent for the DC Universe on film and TV, and all the pieces it is advisable to learn about the way forward for Doctor Who.