‘Star Wars’ Child Star Jake Lloyd Shares Schizophrenia Health Update

Jake Lloyd, widely recognized for his role as young Anakin Skywalker in "Star Wars: Episode I — The Phantom Menace," has shared an update on his ongoing journey with schizophrenia and anosognosia.

His struggles became evident during high school when he experienced delusions, leading to an initial diagnosis of bipolar disorder. However, in 2008, he was accurately diagnosed with paranoid schizophrenia, a condition that impairs one's ability to distinguish reality from delusion. Tragedy struck again in 2018 with the unexpected passing of his younger sister, Madison, which further impacted his mental health.

After spending 18 months in an inpatient mental health facility in Southern California, the now 35-year-old recently reflected on his progress.

Currently residing in a rehabilitation center, Jake Lloyd expressed optimism about his future and gratitude for the support he’s received.

In an interview with Clayton Sandell, Jake, said “I can now accept taking on continued treatment, and therapy, and my meds. Everyone’s been very supportive." He described his experience with medication as stabilizing, sharing, “I don’t have the time for feeling volatile. It is very much a cushion.”

Jake also spoke fondly of the "Star Wars" fanbase, describing their support as therapeutic. “The experience I’ve had with the fans is immediately therapeutic. Right now, it’s still therapeutic. It’s helpful for people and healthy. It isn’t something I’d shy away from.”

Despite the challenges, Jake maintains positive memories from filming "The Phantom Menace." “I really do appreciate the time that’s been taken on us. I’m very appreciative.”

After his stay in the inpatient program, Jake’s mother, Lisa Lloyd, noticed significant improvements. “He is relating to people better and becoming a little bit more social, which is really nice. It’s kind of like having more of the old Jake back, because he has always been incredibly social until he became schizophrenic.”

Lisa also shared her insights during the interview. “Jake’s actually getting so much better than he was. It’s a big relief for me and the rest of his family. We’re all just thrilled that he’s doing as well as he is, and that he’s working really hard at it.”

Lisa recalled the early signs of Jake’s struggles during his high school years. “He started talking about ‘realities.’ He didn’t know if he was in this reality or a different reality. I didn’t really know exactly what to say to that.”

He was taken to a doctor who suspected Jake had bipolar disorder and prescribed various medications. However, he faced difficulties after leaving home to attend Columbia College Chicago and ultimately withdrew in 2008, returning to Indiana to live with his mother.

In March of last year, Lisa addressed speculation that her son quit acting due to the negative reception of "The Phantom Menace." She clarified that his 2008 schizophrenia diagnosis played a significant role in his decision to step away from the spotlight.

“It would have happened anyway,” Lisa said. “I believe that it was genetic. And his psychiatrist also agrees that Jake was going to become schizophrenic.”

“I protected him from the [‘The Phantom Menace’] backlash,” she continued. “He was just riding his bike outside, playing with his friends. He didn’t know. He didn’t care. Everybody makes such a big deal about that. And it’s rather annoying to me because Jake was a little kid when that came out, and he didn’t really feel all that stuff because I didn’t let him online.”

Jake was diagnosed with schizophrenia in 2016 following a 10-month jail stint. In early 2024, Lisa revealed that Jake had been admitted to a mental health rehabilitation facility in March 2023 after experiencing a psychotic break.

Alongside schizophrenia, Jake was diagnosed with anosognosia, a neurological condition that affects a person’s ability to recognize their illness. According to the Cleveland Clinic, this often leads patients to avoid or resist treatment.

Now, Jake finds solace in "Star Wars" once again, expressing his love for newer installments in the franchise, including "Star Wars: Ahsoka" on Disney+.

While the road has been long and challenging, Jake Lloyd’s openness about his mental health journey offers hope and sheds light on the importance of treatment, therapy, and the unwavering support of loved ones.