Why This ‘Star Wars’ Child Actor Disappeared from Hollywood for over 20 Years

• Jake Lloyd, renowned for his portrayal of Anakin Skywalker, vanished from the entertainment industry, sparking questions and concerns among fans and the media.
• Beyond the spotlight, Jake faced personal battles with mental health, culminating in a diagnosis of schizophrenia that reshaped his life.
• Today, Jake’s journey toward recovery is met with the support of his family and fans, reflecting on his enduring legacy as part of the “Star Wars” phenomenon.

In the vast expanse of Hollywood, few stories are as compelling and puzzling as that of Jake Lloyd. Born Jake Matthew Lloyd Broadbent on March 5, 1989, in Fort Collins, Colorado, his journey into the heart of the film industry began at an incredibly young age.

Garnering fame for his portrayal of Anakin Skywalker in “Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace,” Jake’s career trajectory seemed set for the stars. Directed by George Lucas, the film ascended to become the second-highest-grossing movie globally at the box office at the time, trailing only behind the monumental “Titanic” (1997).

Selected from a pool of approximately 3,000 child actors, Jake was chosen to embody the nine-year-old Anakin, a role that would etch his name into cinematic history. Despite the fame and acclaim that came with being a part of the “Star Wars” saga, Jake’s presence in Hollywood began to fade shortly after.

While Jake did experience bullying in high school related to his role in “Star Wars,” as he had mentioned in past interviews, Lisa emphasizes that this was not the reason he stepped away from the silver screen.

His last role was filmed in 2000. Cast in “The Phantom Menace” at eight years old, Jake’s departure from the public eye has been a subject of speculation and intrigue for years.

In 1996, a young Jake was captured on the set of the film “Jingle All the Way,” directed by Brian Levant. Standing next to Arnold Schwarzenegger, Lloyd was the epitome of childhood innocence and enthusiasm. Dressed in a warm yellow jacket, he shined with the gleeful smile of a boy living his dream, unaware of how his life was about to change.

Fast forward to 1998, Jake attended Nickelodeon’s “Big Help” in Los Angeles, a significant event focused on community service and helping others. His appearance at this event, just a year before the release of “The Phantom Menace,” showed him slightly older yet still carrying the same youthful presence that would soon make him a household name.

In 1999, the world of “Star Wars” fans was abuzz with the release of “The Phantom Menace,” but for Jake, the child at the center of the storm, life was surprisingly ordinary, thanks to his mother’s efforts.

Lisa Lloyd, Jake’s mom, was his shield against the torrent of criticism and backlash that the film received. She made it a point to keep her son grounded, ensuring he was more concerned with the joys of childhood — riding his bike and playing with friends — rather than the complexities of internet fame.

“He didn’t know. He didn’t care,” Lisa remarked, frustrated by the emphasis many placed on the negative aspects of fame that Jake, as a young boy, was blissfully unaware of.

While Jake did experience bullying in high school related to his role in “Star Wars,” as he had mentioned in past interviews, Lisa emphasizes that this was not the reason he stepped away from the silver screen.

The reality, as she pointed out, was rooted much closer to home. The Lloyd family was navigating the choppy waters of divorce, an ordeal that often casts a shadow far more significant than any cinematic enterprise could.

“Things were unsettled and kind of rough,” Lisa recalled. It was a period of uncertainty that saw Jake lose his appetite for auditions and the acting career that had thrown him into the limelight.

By 2001, at the Sundance Nike ACG Snowboard Clinic in Park City, Utah, Jake displayed a different side, more relaxed and engaged in the joys of adolescence. Clad in a snowboarding outfit, with the backdrop of a wintry landscape, he appeared to be just any other teenager enjoying the snow.

That same year, a family portrait, which featured Jake’s mother Lisa, and his sister Madison Lloyd, captured a rare moment of togetherness and familial spirit.

In 2004, Jake appeared at the San Diego Convention Center, older, with the faint traces of his younger self still present in his features. It was an appearance that seemed to hint at his gradual retreat from acting, as he sought a semblance of normalcy away from the relentless attention.

The San Francisco World Premiere of “Star Wars: Episode III Revenge of the Sith” in 2005 saw Jake once again step into the “Star Wars” universe. Attending the premiere, he was now a young adult, his features matured, his demeanor more reserved as he faced the world that once knew him as a young Anakin.

In 2007, at the “Star Wars” Celebration IV – Day 3, Jake’s appearance carried a sense of nostalgia, a reflection of a path once walked, a life forever changed by the saga that had brought him fame.

By 2008, Jake’s life had taken a turn that no script could predict. During his high school years, Lisa noticed changes in Jake’s personality, which marked the beginning of a harrowing journey. He started questioning reality itself, leaving his mother at a loss for words and solutions.

This shift in his behavior signaled underlying issues that went beyond teenage angst. “He didn’t know if he was in this reality, or a different reality,” Lisa recounted with a tone of concern that only a mother could have. Her attempts to maintain normalcy, like insisting on homework completion, masked a deeper struggle that was just beginning to surface.

The complexity of Jake’s condition became apparent when a doctor suggested the possibility of bipolar disorder. Despite trials of various medications, no remedy seemed to alleviate his symptoms. Jake’s aspirations continued, as he looked forward to furthering his education at Columbia College Chicago.

However, his academic pursuits were marred by absences and a haunting sensation that he was being followed, which his mother later recognized as early signs of a downward spiral. The disturbing experiences of seeing people with “black eyes” and believing he was communicating with television personalities indicated that Jake was grappling with much more than the pressures of college life.

By March of 2008, Jake had left college to return to Indiana, seeking solace and understanding at home. What followed was a series of therapeutic sessions and medical consultations that led to a diagnosis of paranoid schizophrenia. The revelation plunged Jake into a deeper state of despair, with Lisa recalling how the diagnosis “totally threw him off into an even worse depression.”

In 2011, the American Psychiatric Association’s terminology of “schizophrenia” encompassed the variety of symptoms Jake was experiencing. With the disorder affecting a significant portion of the global population, Jake’s struggles were not unique, but his battle was personal and challenging, exacerbated by anosognosia, which made self-awareness of his condition an additional hurdle.

Lisa described the heart-wrenching difficulty of convincing Jake to adhere to treatment since he didn’t recognize his illness.

The year 2015 revealed the extent of Jake’s troubles through multiple incidents reported by media outlets. An altercation with his mother, an arrest in South Carolina, and a ten-month incarceration highlighted the severity of his condition when left untreated.

Despite these overwhelming challenges, Lisa’s unwavering commitment to her son’s well-being shone through. She fought tirelessly for his release and proper medical attention, facing the all-too-common scenario of limited healthcare resources and facilities.

Lisa’s determination eventually led to Jake receiving treatment and relocating to California. Yet, the struggle was far from over. Ensuring Jake kept his medical appointments and took his medication was a constant battle, complicated by episodes of severe hallucinations that continued to disrupt their lives.

In 2018, the Lloyd family faced a devastating loss when Jake’s sister Madison, who had a small role in “The Phantom Menace,” passed away in her sleep at the age of 26. Her death deeply affected Jake, who struggled to process the grief.

Madison had been a positive influence on Jake, often encouraging him to maintain his health and adhere to his treatment. Her passing left a void that Jake found difficult to articulate, managing only to express how much he missed her.

Fast forward to 2023, and Jake experienced what Lisa described as a “full-blown psychotic break,” an alarming incident that played out in public. On a seemingly ordinary day, a simple trip to McDonald’s took a turn for the worse, culminating in Jake stopping the car in the middle of traffic, leading to an intervention by the police.

Fortunately, this time, instead of the punitive response of incarceration, Jake received the medical attention he needed, being admitted to a hospital.

The subsequent months saw Jake transferred to an inpatient program at a mental health rehabilitation facility, marking a new chapter in his recovery. Approximately 10 months into his 18-month program, Jake has made significant strides.

The treatments and therapy have begun to restore his sociability and engagement with the world — a stark contrast to the isolation that schizophrenia had imposed on him. Watching “Wonka” and enjoying the simple pleasure of movies, something that was previously unmanageable, now represents a return to some of the joys that once defined him.

Lisa remains steadfast in correcting misconceptions about Jake’s relationship with “Star Wars.” Despite popular belief, Jake’s love for the franchise remains strong; he enjoys the latest installments, including the “Ahsoka” series.

The notion that criticism of “The Phantom Menace” was a catalyst for his departure from acting and his mental health issues is something Lisa firmly refutes. She attributes the onset of Jake’s schizophrenia to genetics, noting the history of the illness in his biological father’s family.

While Jake’s return to acting, particularly in a “Star Wars” project, is uncertain, the door to the future remains open. Lisa reminisces about Jake’s enjoyment of filming “The Phantom Menace” and harbors hope that his continued improvement might one day allow for new opportunities. However, for Lisa, her son’s well-being and happiness remain a top priority.

As Jake navigates the complexities of his health, the support and good wishes from fans have been a heartening force. The sentiment from those who grew up alongside his movies reflects a shared journey of admiration and concern.

“I’m just very happy he’s been improving and alive with us,” one fan expressed, touching upon the tragic reality that many child stars face immense challenges as they transition into adulthood.

The empathy and understanding from the public is palpable, with another fan stating, “He deserves better. Glad he’s doing alright.” It’s a simple yet powerful acknowledgment of the difficult path Jake has walked, and a recognition of his current progress towards better health.

Perhaps most moving are the personal stories fans share about how Jake’s work influenced their own lives. One fan reminisced, “His work inspired me a lot when I was his age at the premiere and seen the movie, I who was already passionate about planes and fast things and also other Star Wars movies, when I seen his work I was truly amazed.”

The encouragement and positive messages from fans worldwide serve not only as a testament to Jake’s impact through his portrayal of young Anakin but also as a reminder of the collective hope for his well-being. They bear witness to his struggles and stand as a unified voice of support for his journey ahead.