If you're one of the countless fans touched by Jake Lloyd's innocent portrayal of the young Anakin Skywalker in The Phantom Menace, then you've probably been worried about Lloyd, who's taken a break from the limelight.
Lloyd sat down for an interview with Clayton Sandell, who spoke to his mom last March. The interview received an overwhelmingly positive response, and Jake's mom, Lisa Lloyd, told Clayton that Jake would like to speak to him.
In the brand new conversation, we finally hear from Lloyd after he backed away from the spotlight in the last few years. Lloyd, who's been battling schizophrenia for years, just completed an 18-month-long stay at a mental health facility in Southern California. While his treatment is ongoing, and he's at a new rehab center, he's allowed to do what he wants.
Lloyd's mom revealed that he's struggled with a condition that kept him in denial about his schizophrenia symptoms. The denial was why he didn't take his symptoms seriously for years and couldn't stick to medication and rehab. He's finally overcome this issue, and it's why his life has finally begun to take a turn in the right direction. He says he hit rock bottom, which led to him finally accepting help. He admits everyone has been very supportive, something he seems very grateful for.
Lloyd acknowledges that his mental health still requires continued medication and therapy, but he sounds like he has a positive outlook on life. “I can now accept taking on continued treatment, and therapy, and my meds. Everyone's been very supportive," he admits. There has been much confusion and misinformation regarding Lloyd's issues. Many fans have had the misconception that the fan reaction to his performance as Anakin Skywalker sent Lloyd spiraling.
This couldn't be further from the truth, as Lloyd and his mother still bond over Star Wars. She says she shielded Jake from most of the criticism he received for his performance and explains that Lloyd's father's side of the family has a history of schizophrenia, which he inherited. However, he's on the mend, and with continued support from family and love from fans, Lloyd will only get better.
Jake admits, "The experience I've had with the fans is immediately therapeutic," and "It isn't something I'd shy away from.” He says he's "very appreciative" of the support he continues to receive. As a lifelong fan, he confesses that his passion for Star Wars remains strong, and he's been indulging in several Star Wars games, including Star Wars: The Old Republic and Star Wars: The Force Unleashed.
Although Jake Lloyd may not be up-to-date on the newest Star Wars shows and films, he's looking forward to a special May the Fourth celebration with his mom. His mother credits medication for improving his attention span, allowing him to sit through longer movies without losing focus. She's proud of Jake's progress and his efforts to get better.
Although his main focus should be his mental health and well-being, we hope one day Jake will feel strong enough to meet fans at Star Wars conventions.
Star Wars: Episode I - The Phantom Menace is streaming on Disney+.