In a heartfelt interview, the mother of child actor Jake Lloyd, known for his portrayal of Anakin Skywalker in Star Wars Episode I: The Phantom Menace, has opened up about her son's ongoing struggle with mental illness. Lisa, Lloyd's mother, shed light on his journey and emphasized that his involvement in the Star Wars franchise had no influence on his condition.

Lloyd, who is now 35 years old, was only 10 years old when he starred alongside Hollywood stars Liam Neeson and Ewan McGregor in the iconic film released in 1999. Since then, he has largely withdrawn from the public eye, grappling with paranoid schizophrenia as a result of his mental health struggles.

Lisa revealed that Lloyd's battle with mental illness was not linked to his Star Wars fame but rather had a genetic component. She explained that her son's father's side of the family has a history of the condition, stating, "It would have happened anyway."

The first signs of Lloyd's mental health challenges appeared during high school, where he started talking about different realities and questioning his own existence. Lisa admitted that she didn't know how to respond at the time. Despite his early success in acting, Lloyd remained grounded, enjoying a typical childhood playing with friends and riding his bike outdoors, shielded from excessive screen time.

After high school, Lloyd's aspirations to attend Columbia College Chicago were thwarted by his worsening mental state. He began experiencing bipolar disorder symptoms before ultimately being diagnosed with paranoid schizophrenia. Lisa recalled the distressing moments when her son reported seeing people with "black eyes" observing him on the street and engaging in late-night conversations with Jon Stewart through his television.

Lloyd's struggles escalated, culminating in a 2015 arrest after a solo trip from Florida to Canada. Following a high-speed car chase, he crashed his vehicle. Despite Lisa's efforts to ensure he received proper medical care, there were no available beds, and Lloyd spent ten months incarcerated.

Tragedy further struck the family when Lloyd's sister Madison, also an extra in The Phantom Menace, passed away at the age of 26 in 2018. The loss deeply affected the Star Wars actor, adding to his already challenging mental health journey.

Reflecting on recent events, Lisa shared that Lloyd suffered a "full-blown psychotic break" last year while attempting to turn off their car in the middle of a motorway. Other drivers called emergency services, leading to his hospitalization and subsequent admission to a mental health rehabilitation facility where he currently resides. Lisa expressed hope, stating that her son is showing positive progress, regaining social skills and showing glimpses of his old self.

Despite his personal struggles, Lloyd's love for Star Wars remains intact. According to his mother, he continues to be a fan and even follows the recent Disney+ series, Asohka, expressing genuine affection for the new Star Wars content. Addressing misconceptions, Lisa reiterated, "People think Jake hates Star Wars. He loves it."

Jake Lloyd's journey serves as a reminder of the importance of mental health awareness and support for individuals facing such challenges. His family's unwavering support and his own strength and resilience are integral to his continuing recovery as he fights to regain control of his life.