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 pale 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 therapy, and remedy, and my meds,” he mentioned in a current interview with Clayton Sandell. Having just lately accomplished his 18-month rehab stint, the actor mentioned 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, similar to “actually collaborating in therapy, my meds, and dwelling with my prognosis.”

Previous to final 12 months, the final assumption was the tough criticism Lloyd acquired 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 “massive reduction. He’s getting so a lot 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 exhausting at it.”

Total, Lloyd says he’s feeling “fairly good” these days, and mentioned he was vastly appreciative of the fan assist he’s acquired over the previous 12 months. Public appearances are at present off the desk, but it surely seems 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 current motion pictures, he mentioned he’s “holding out for Might the Fourth with my mother.”

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

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