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 practically 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 stated in a latest interview with Clayton Sandell. Having not too long ago accomplished his 18-month rehab stint, the actor stated he’s been in a position to 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, comparable to “actually collaborating in therapy, my meds, and residing with my prognosis.”

Previous to final 12 months, the overall assumption was the tough criticism Lloyd acquired after Phantom’s launch contributed to his breakdown, just like how backlash towards Jar Jar Binks again then practically 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 “large aid. 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 arduous at it.”

General, Lloyd says he’s feeling “fairly good” these days, and stated he was tremendously appreciative of the fan help he’s acquired over the previous 12 months. Public appearances are presently off the desk, nevertheless it appears like he nonetheless holds affection for Star Wars: he informed Sandell he’s not too long ago watched Ahsoka and put time into Star Wars: The Previous Republic and the unique Pressure Unleashed, and is seeking to play the sequel. And whereas he hasn’t watched any of the latest films, he stated he’s “holding out for Might the Fourth with my mother.”

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

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