Jake Lloyd, the actor known for playing young Anakin Skywalker in Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace, has recently opened up about his struggles with schizophrenia in an interview with Star Wars: Timelines co-author Clayton Sandell. After the film’s success in 1999, Lloyd’s acting career quickly faded, and he faced a long battle with mental health issues.
Lloyd’s mother, Lisa, revealed that his struggles began in high school, when he started questioning whether he was in the “real” reality. Initially, doctors thought he might have bipolar disorder, but after various treatments and medications failed, Lloyd eventually attended Columbia College in Chicago to study film and psychology. However, he dropped out after one semester, citing paranoia about being followed and missing classes.
As his condition worsened, Lisa described a “downward spiral” where Lloyd began having conversations with TV hosts through the screen, and he was later diagnosed with schizophrenia, a disorder that can cause delusions, hallucinations, and disorganized thoughts. Schizophrenia affects around 24 million people globally, and for Lloyd, it led to several arrests, including a high-speed chase in South Carolina, and eventually a “psychotic break” in March 2024, after which he entered a rehabilitation facility.
After months of treatment, Lloyd is now feeling better. He recently left an in-patient mental health facility in Southern California and continues to undergo therapy and take medication. He expressed gratitude for the support he’s received, noting that he’s now able to manage his diagnosis and treatment. His family, especially his mother, is relieved and thrilled by his progress.
Lloyd’s fame began at just 8 years old when he starred in The Phantom Menace, which became a cultural phenomenon. He also appeared in Jingle All the Way in 1996 and retired from acting in 2001 after his last role in the film Madison. Despite stepping away from Hollywood, Lloyd is now focused on his mental health and recovery, marking a new chapter in his life.
