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 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 12 months 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 stated in a latest interview with Clayton Sandell. Having just lately accomplished his 18-month rehab stint, the actor stated he’s been capable of acknowledge his schizophrenia prognosis. 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 participating in remedy, my meds, and residing with my prognosis.”

Previous to final 12 months, the overall assumption was the tough criticism Lloyd obtained after Phantom’s launch contributed to his breakdown, just 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 facet had a historical past of schizophrenia. For her and the remainder of his household, Lloyd’s enchancment is a “huge reduction. 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 laborious at it.”

General, Lloyd says he’s feeling “fairly good” these days, and stated he was drastically appreciative of the fan help he’s obtained over the previous 12 months. Public appearances are at present off the desk, nevertheless it appears like he nonetheless holds affection for Star Wars: he advised Sandell he’s just lately watched Ahsoka and put time into Star Wars: The Previous Republic and the unique Drive Unleashed, and is seeking to play the sequel. And whereas he hasn’t watched any of the latest films, he stated he’s “holding out for Could the Fourth with my mother.”

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

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