Star Wars Child Star Jake Lloyd Shares Schizophrenia Health Update

Jake Lloydbest known for playing a young Anakin Skywalker in the 1999s Star Wars: Episode 1 – The Phantom Menacegave an update on his diagnosis of schizophrenia.

In interview no Clayton Sandell published on Substack on Wednesday, January 1, Lloyd, 35, shared that he was “very good, considering the 20 years that have passed.” He revealed in late 2024 that he was currently living in a rehab facility after spending 18 months at an inpatient mental health facility in Southern California.

Lloyd shared that, along with schizophrenia, he had been diagnosed with anosognosia. According to the Cleveland Clinic, anosognosia is a neurological condition that causes a person’s brain to be unaware of their own health conditions, often causing patients to avoid or resist treatment.

“I can now accept continuing treatment, and treatment, and my medication. Everyone has been very supportive,” said Lloyd, explaining how he feels when he takes his medication. “I don’t have time to feel flexible. It’s very cushiony. “

Lloyd was only 8 years old when he was cast as the young Anakin Skywalker Star Wars: Episode The Phantom Menace. According to the former actor, his experience with star Wars it was good overall.

“The experience I had with the fans heals quickly,” he said. “For now, it’s still a treatment. It is useful for people and healthy. It’s not something I can run away from.”

He added that he still has fond memories of doing the show The Phantom Menace. “I really appreciate the time it took for us,” said Jake. “Thank you very much.”

Jake’s mother, Lisa Lloydtold Sandell, “Jake’s actually getting a lot better than him. It is a great relief to me and his entire family. We’re all glad he’s doing as well as he is, and that he’s working so hard at it. We appreciate that.”

Jake was diagnosed with schizophrenia in 2016 after serving 10 months in prison. In early 2024, Lisa opened up about Jake’s mental health issues and revealed that he was admitted to a mental rehabilitation center in March 2023 after a psychiatric break.

“Jake started having trouble in high school,” Lisa explained in March 2024, recalling the first time she noticed a change in Jake’s personality. He started talking about ‘real things.’ He didn’t know if he was in this reality, or a different reality. I didn’t really know what to say to that.”

After he was admitted to the inpatient program, Lisa shared that Jake was “doing a lot better than this [she] expected.” He also said, “You connect with people better and you have connections with people, which is really good. It’s like the return of the old Jake, because he’s been incredibly relatable until he’s schizophrenic.”

Speaking to Sandell in 2024, Jake shared that he loves everything new star Wars media released in recent years, including youth Star Wars: Ahsoka series on Disney+.