Former ‘Star Wars’ Child Actor Jake Lloyd Undergoes Mental Health Rehabilitation

The mother of child actor Jake Lloyd, known for his role as Anakin Skywalker in ‘Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace,’ has opened up about her son’s ongoing battle with mental illness.

Lloyd, now 35, rose to fame at the age of 10 in the iconic science fiction film alongside stars like Liam Neeson and Natalie Portman. However, his life took a tumultuous turn post the movie’s release.

According to Jake’s mother, Lisa, his struggles with mental health were not a direct result of his Hollywood career but rather stemmed from genetic factors on his father’s side. Lisa recounted how Jake began showing signs of trouble during high school, experiencing a disconnect from reality and exhibiting erratic behavior.

Prior to his Star Wars stint, Lloyd had already dipped his toes into acting, appearing in a few episodes of the medical drama series ER. Despite his early success, his mental health challenges surfaced later, leading to his diagnosis of bipolar disorder and eventual diagnosis of paranoid schizophrenia.

In 2007, Lloyd’s educational journey at Columbia College Chicago was cut short due to his escalating mental health issues, disrupting his pursuit of higher studies in arts. Subsequently, his condition worsened, and he grappled with episodes of self-medication and periods of non-compliance with his treatment plan.

One of the tragic events in Jake’s life was the passing of his sister, Madison, in 2018. The loss of his sibling added another layer of complexity to his already fragile mental state.

In 2015, Lloyd made headlines for a high-speed chase that led to his arrest, shedding light on the severity of his condition. Despite facing legal troubles, his mother emphasized that Jake’s love for the Star Wars franchise remained unwavering, debunking misconceptions that he harbored negative feelings towards the iconic series.

Now undergoing an 18-month mental health rehabilitation program, Jake has shown signs of improvement over the past few months, reconnecting with his social side and expressing a fondness for recent Star Wars content like the series ‘Ahsoka’ on Disney+.

As the 25th anniversary of ‘The Phantom Menace’ approaches, Jake Lloyd’s journey serves as a poignant reminder of the challenges faced by child actors and the importance of prioritizing mental well-being in the entertainment industry.