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Jake Lloyd, who played Anakin Skywalker in George Lucas’s filmStar Wars: Episode 1- The Phantom Menaceis spending his days in the mental health facility. The former child actor’s mother Lisa Lloyd is providing valuable updates about his condition.
Although the child actor earned considerable fame for being a part of this iconic film franchise, Lloyd stepped away from acting shortly afterwards. However, there is a tragic reason behind it.
Following the film’s release, he faced harsh criticism regarding his performance as the young Anakin Skywalker. Unfortunately, this led to intense backlash from fans. In 2008, Lloyd’s mom shared he was battling paranoid schizophrenia, experiencing a different reality. He claimed to see people with black eyes.
The real reason behindStar Warsactor Jake Lloyd’s disappearance
In an exclusive interview with Clayton Sandell forScripps News, Lloyd’s mother Lisa Lloyd sheds light on his prolonged battle with mental illness. There is a history of schizophrenia involved in it.
She first noticed changes in his personality during his high school days when he began expressing thoughts about different realities. Concerned for his well-being she sought help from various doctors who initially recognized it as bipolar disorder.
Jake Lloydcouldn’t complete his college as he experienced more distressing symptoms. He reported seeing people with “black eyes” and hearing different voices. After a series of appointments, the therapists and psychiatrists identified it as paranoid schizophrenia.
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Lloyd’s situation was further complicated by anosognosia, a rare neurological condition, that prevents individuals to recognize their symptoms. This led Lloyd to refuse medication and seek self-medication.
He didn’t think he needed to take medication because he wasn’t sick… He didn’t think he needed to go to the therapist because there was nothing wrong with him.
The tragedy deepened when his sister, Madison, who also appeared as an extra inThe Phantom Menace, passed away suddenly in her sleep. Things went downhill after that. His mother stated,“He didn’t know how to process it.”
The star’s mother clarified that Lloyd’s departure from acting wasn’t due to fan criticism. Instead, it was his family’s upheaval, including his parent’s divorce, which made him uncomfortable about auditioning.
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Jake Lloyd’s mother shared positive news about his health
TheStar Warsactor’s mother told Sandell that in 2023, Jake suffered a full-blown “psychotic break”, during which he turned off the car in the middle of the three lanes. The police intervened for enquiries but it was all “word salad”.
This incident prompted Lloyd’s admission to a mental health rehabilitation facility. He is currently undergoing a comprehensive 18-month stay in the inpatient program. She reported that Lloyd is making incredible progress. He now acknowledges his condition and is consistent in taking medicines. Lloyd is becoming more sociable and enthusiastic about meeting family and friends.
Lloyd’s mother also shared that he recently went to the movies and enjoyed watchingWonka. She dispelled the misconception of Lloyd not likingStar Warsstuff, considering he enjoyed the episodes ofAhsokaon Disney Plus.
Fans poured support forThe Phantom Menaceactor Jake Lloyd’s good health
In the wake of a heartfelt interview,Star Warsfans sympathised with his condition, pouring their hearts out in support of Lloyd’s health. The actor faced harsh criticism for his poor delivery inGeorge Lucas-directedEpisode I- The Phantom Menace.
Some believed it was the dialogue that contributed to his unsatisfactory performance, rather than his acting ability. A few people on Reddit condemned the toxic fans who criticized the child actor for portraying a fictional character.
One fan also pointed out it was not the fans but the bullying during his school years which exacerbated his condition of mental illness.
Lloyd’s mother insisted it was not the online hate that troubled Lloyd’s mental health. She claimed Schizophrenia runs in her family from his father’s side. It was genetic and bound to happen. As a responsible mother, she shielded her son from the “toxic vitriol” after the film’s release.
However, it’s vital to recognize that he was just a child at that time and did not deserve the vitriol directed at him. His story serves as a reminder of the importance of compassion and understanding. Fans sincerely hope he gets better soon and overcome his personal battle.
Kaberi Ray
Articles Published :533
Kaberi is an Entertainment Writer at FandomWire with over one year of experience specializing in pop culture and entertainment trends. She has written over 500 in-depth articles covering everything from fan theories to narrative dissection, focusing on platforms like Netflix, Prime Video, and Paramount Plus.Before joining FandomWire, Kaberi honed her storytelling skills through literary analysis and creative projects rooted in her academic background in English Literature. Her strengths lie in her ability to decode layered storytelling across genres whether it’s analyzing thrillers or exploring new trends. She continues to expand her creative horizon as she’s currently learning a new language.
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George LucasJake LloydStar WarsStar Wars: Episode I - The Phantom Menace
