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Former Star Wars Star Jake Lloyd Talks Mental Health and Reconnecting With the Galaxy Far, Far Away
Star Warsreturn to theaters in 1999 withPhantom Menaceintroduced audiences to Jake Lloyd, who played the young Anakin Skywalker. While Hayden Christensen would play the character in later appearnaces, Lloyd eventually faded from the public eye. That changed when last March, he and his mother Lisa revealed hed been in rehab for nearly a year after suffering a psychotic break and was diagoned with paranoid schizophrenia.Since then, Lloyd has accepted taking on continued treatment, and therapy, and my meds, he said in a recent interview with Clayton Sandell. Having recently completed his 18-month rehab stint, the actor said hes been able to recognize his schizophrenia diagnosis. For years, Lloyd had anosognosia, a neurological condition that made him unknowingly deny his symptoms. Hitting such a low point has allowed good things to happen, he continued, such as honestly taking part in treatment, my meds, and living with my diagnosis. Prior to last year, the general assumption was the harsh criticism Lloyd received after Phantomsrelease contributed to his breakdown, similar to how backlash against Jar Jar Binks back then nearly drove Ahmed Best to suicide. At the time, his mother refuted those claims, and revealed her sons paternal side had a history of schizophrenia. For her and the rest of his family, Lloyds improvement is a big relief. Hes getting so much better than he was, added Lisa Lloyd. Were all just thrilled that hes doing as well as he is, and that hes working really hard at it.Overall, Lloyd says hes feeling pretty good nowadays, and said he was greatly appreciative of the fan support hes received over the past year. Public appearances are currently off the table, but it sounds like he still holds affection forStar Wars: he told Sandell hes recently watchedAhsokaand put time intoStar Wars: The Old Republicand the originalForce Unleashed,and is looking to play the sequel. And while he hasnt watched any of the recent movies, he said hes holding out for May the Fourth with my mom. Sandells full story with Jake Lloyd can be read here. Want more io9 news? Check out when to expect the latest Marvel, Star Wars, and Star Trek releases, whats next for the DC Universe on film and TV, and everything you need to know about the future of Doctor Who.
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