Jake Lloyd, best known for his role as young Anakin Skywalker in *Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace*, has shared details about his ongoing battle with schizophrenia, a condition that significantly impacted his acting career after the film’s 1999 release. Following an 18-month inpatient stay at a Southern California mental health facility, Lloyd reports feeling “pretty good.” While he continues receiving care at a different facility, he now enjoys greater freedom in his treatment.
“I’m feeling pretty good, considering these 20 years that have come to an end,” Lloyd stated. He attributes his improved well-being to his commitment to ongoing treatment, therapy, and medication, adding, “Everyone’s been very supportive.” Lloyd emphasized the positive impact of his rehabilitation, acknowledging a difficult period of hitting “rock bottom” but highlighting the necessity of honestly engaging with his treatment, medication, and diagnosis. “I don’t have the time for feeling volatile,” he explained regarding his medication regimen, describing it as “a very much a cushion.”
Lloyd’s mother, Lisa, previously clarified misconceptions surrounding her son’s departure from acting. Dismissing speculation that negative reactions to *The Phantom Menace* were the cause, she attributed his exit to his 2008 schizophrenia diagnosis, emphasizing a likely genetic predisposition. “It would have happened anyway,” she explained. “I believe that it was genetic. And his psychiatrist also agrees that Jake was going to become schizophrenic.” Lisa further revealed that she shielded her son from the online criticism surrounding the film, ensuring a relatively carefree childhood despite the film’s release. “He was just riding his bike outside, playing with his friends,” she said. “He didn’t know. He didn’t care.”