Last year, it was revealed that ‘The Phantom Menace’ star Jake Lloyd has been dealing with serious psychological issues. The actor recently made a statement addressing both his health and his experiences with ‘Star Wars.’
Jake Lloyd, now 35, played a young Anakin Skywalker in the 1999 film. His mother shared last March that he has been struggling with severe psychological problems for decades.
She clarified that the harsh feedback and negative attention from his ‘Star Wars’ days were not the cause of his mental health challenges. Instead, she explained that schizophrenia, a condition that runs in his biological father’s family, was the primary factor. Lloyd was diagnosed with schizophrenia before experiencing a psychotic break, which led to his admission to a mental health rehabilitation center.
Having now completed an 18-month stay there, Jake recently spoke to Clayton Sandell from a new rehabilitation centre “where he’s still receiving treatment but is basically free to come and go as he pleases.”
Sandell informed Lloyd of the love and support he now receives from ‘Star Wars’ fans, to which Jake responded: “The experience I’ve had with the fans is immediately therapeutic. Right now, it’s still therapeutic. It’s helpful for people and healthy. It isn’t something I’d shy away from.”
He added, “I really do appreciate the time that’s been taken on us,” he continued. “I’m very appreciative…[I’m] pretty good, considering these 20 years of time that have come to an end. I can now accept taking on continued treatment, and therapy, and my meds. Everyone’s been very supportive.”
Although Jake no longer makes public appearances at fan gatherings, he shared that he enjoys Disney+’s ‘Star Wars’ content, including Ahsoka. He also spends time playing classic ‘Star Wars’ video games, such as 2Star Wars: The Old Republic’ and ‘Star Wars: The Force Unleashed.’
