After starring in one of the most celebrated franchises, “Star Wars,” this former child actor’s life spiraled into a “living hell.” He exited Hollywood, facing difficult times marked by legal issues and even periods of institutionalization.
This actor skyrocketed to fame with his role in “Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace.” While he initially took pride in his work on the film, the release transformed his life in unexpected ways. Over time, his perspective shifted, and he grew to “hate” the very movie that once filled him with pride.
The actor was only ten years old when “Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace” came out. | Source: YouTube/StarWars
Chosen from over 3,000 actors, the young star landed the role of Anakin Skywalker, the podracing prodigy and future Jedi, in the 1999 film “Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace.”
Just ten years old at the time, he expressed excitement for the movie, calling it “a good film for the entire family” and noting how rare it was to find a PG-rated movie back then.
Reflecting on the fun of being a Jedi, he shared, “I get my own lightsaber,” though he admitted that the props were iron rods. The child star added that whenever he got his hands on one, someone would “go home with numb fingers” after a day of play.
He also described the movie as “amazing” and said he enjoyed it because “the film itself is entertaining.” “And it’s good when it’s entertaining. So, I think that’s what really matters,” he added.
Despite his promising start, this young actor’s time in Hollywood was brief. After “Star Wars,” he stepped away from the industry, leaving fans curious about his life beyond the spotlight.
The actor rose to fame after appearing in the successful film franchise which turned his life upside down. | Source: YouTube/StarWars
After filming the movie, the actor raved about how good it was and that he loved filming it. | Source: YouTube/StarWars
Stepping out of Hollywood was only part of his struggle. Playing Anakin Skywalker brought unexpected hardships into his school life, turning it into what he described as “a living hell.”
In a rare 2012 interview, the former actor opened up about the relentless bullying he faced, which followed him into university. “Other children were really mean to me,” he shared, recounting how classmates would mock him by mimicking lightsaber sounds whenever they saw him.
Looking back on the intense media attention at the time, he added, “I had to do up to 60 interviews a day.” The struggles he faced after “Star Wars” led him to develop a strong dislike for the film, prompting him to destroy all his memorabilia and limit his role as Anakin to just a few video games.
Struggling to fit in at school, he decided to step away from acting entirely. “I’ve learned to hate it when the cameras are pointed at me,” the star admitted. After his stint, he only appeared at fan conventions and steered clear of watching the movies, which he found “creepy.”
Despite his enthusiasm about the movie, the actor later expressed his hate for it. | Source: Getty Images
The actor was bullied at school because of the impact of the film. | Source: Getty Images
High school was even worse for the actor as he struggled with reality. | Source: Getty Images
Jake Lloyd’s challenges extended beyond school bullying, as his mother, Lisa Lloyd, noticed unsettling changes in high school. He became confused about reality, once telling her he wasn’t sure which “reality” he was in.
Concerned, she took him to a doctor who suspected bipolar disorder, but treatments offered little relief. Despite these obstacles, Jake graduated in 2007 and planned to attend Columbia College Chicago.
However, his time at Columbia College was brief and troubled. He began missing classes and grew increasingly paranoid, believing people were following him.
Jake also reported unsettling experiences, like seeing people with “black eyes” and conversing with TV personalities. Returning home in 2008, he was eventually diagnosed with paranoid schizophrenia after numerous therapy and psychiatric sessions.
Over time, Jake’s medication issues worsened, with some treatments losing effectiveness. He also had occasional instances of self-medication with illicit drugs.
Initially, the doctor believed that Jake Lloyd might have bipolar disorder. | Source: Getty Images
Despite these challenges, Jake Lloyd eventually graduated from high school. | Source: Getty Images
However, his struggles worsened from there as he started skipping classes in college. | Source: Getty Images
Jake Lloyd suffered from paranoia and often left his mother, Lisa Lloyd, baffled with his erratic behavior. | Source: Getty Images
His mother, Lisa, even hired a lawyer to help when he was jailed in 2015, but Jake wouldn’t respond to her calls. “I tried to call him and he wouldn’t talk to me. Just flat out refused,” she shared, frustrated that jail staff would not administer his medication despite her pleas.
Jake was arrested after a high-speed police chase in South Carolina, which ended when he lost control of his car and crashed into trees. He faced multiple charges, including reckless driving and failure to stop, as the pursuit spanned several counties.
In addition, his struggles deepened with the loss of his younger sister, Madison Lloyd, who had also appeared as an extra in “The Phantom Menace.” Known for her ability to keep Jake grounded and encourage him to stay on track, Madison unexpectedly passed away in her sleep in 2018 at just 26 years old.
The impact on Jake was profound. “He just couldn’t handle it. He didn’t know how to process it,” Lisa divulged. Occasionally, he would simply express how much he missed her, but conversations rarely went beyond that.
Jake’s mental health took a severe turn in March 2023, leading to what his mother, Lisa, described as a full-blown psychotic break.
While driving home after picking up food, he suddenly insisted on stopping the car in the middle of a three-lane road, causing a tense and chaotic scene.
“There was a lot of yelling and screaming,” Lisa recalled. Stranded drivers called 911, and when officers arrived, Jake’s responses were nonsensical, described by Lisa as a “word salad.”
Instead of being taken to jail, he was admitted to a hospital, eventually transferring to a mental health rehabilitation facility for an 18-month program.
About 10 months into treatment, Lisa was encouraged by his progress, sharing, “He’s doing much better than I expected. 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.”
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After enduring such difficult periods in his life, Jake’s passion for “Star Wars” remains strong. He’s been watching the latest series, “Ahsoka,” and received an Ahsoka Tano action figure from his mother for his birthday in March 2024.
In 2015, the issue escalated when Jake Lloyd had a full blown psychotic episode. | Source: Getty Images
Jake Lloyd was ultimately sent to a mental health facility and his mother shared that he’s doing much better now. . | Source: Getty Images
“People think Jake hates ‘Star Wars.’ He loves it,” she assured. Reflecting on their journey, Lisa has gained patience and understanding and feels hopeful about the future, saying, “We’re in a lot better place. […] I just want him to be happy.”
In October 2024, Jake made his first public appearance in over a year, prompting a range of reactions on social media. “What does Hollywood do to these kids?” one user asked.
Another user reflected, “What Hollywood did to young actors is a sad thing.” “He was such a cute little boy in his movies. I hope he is doing well,” added someone else, sharing a sentiment of empathy and hope for Jake’s well-being.
Jake Lloyd’s journey has been filled with challenges, but his recent progress and continued passion for “Star Wars” offer a glimpse of hope for his future. With support from loved ones, many are hopeful he can find peace and happiness ahead.
