As fans of “Star Wars” gear up for the 25th-anniversary celebration of “The Phantom Menace,” the cast of the prequel trilogy has been sharing their memories of the movie. However, Jake Lloyd, who played the character of young Anakin Skywalker, has been absent from these festivities. Jake became famous after portraying the iconic role in “The Phantom Menace,” but his life took a tragic turn after his acting career.
Mental Health Struggles: In 2008, Jake was diagnosed with schizophrenia after a challenging first year of college. He eventually dropped out due to his mental health issues. His struggles continued, and in 2015, he was arrested in South Carolina after fleeing from police during a traffic stop. He served 10 months in jail before being transferred to a psychiatric facility.
In 2018, Jake faced another tragedy when his sister Madison passed away.
In March 2023, Jake experienced a full psychotic break, leading to an 18-month stay at an in-patient mental health rehabilitation facility. His mother, Lisa Riley, shared that he’s been doing better than he has in years. “He is relating to people better and becoming a little bit more social, which is really nice,” she said. “It’s kind of like having more of the old Jake back.”
Despite mixed reviews, Jake remains a big fan of the Star Wars franchise and has been keeping up with the recent streaming series on Disney+.
While Jake mentioned being bullied in school for his role in the movie, his mother, Lisa Riley, clarified that there’s no direct link between the harassment and his later mental health struggles. She believes that Jake’s schizophrenia is genetic and unrelated to the backlash he faced.
Despite facing numerous challenges throughout his life, Jake Lloyd’s journey has been nothing short of remarkable. The young actor, who famously portrayed Anakin Skywalker in Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace, has had his fair share of struggles, but his mother remains optimistic about his future. Despite the difficulties he has faced, his legacy in the Star Wars franchise remains secure, and his portrayal of the iconic character will not soon be forgotten. Despite the setbacks he has encountered, Jake remains a symbol of hope and perseverance for many, and his story serves as an inspiration to all those who face adversity in their lives.
