Kudos to Jake and his mother Lisa for sharing about Jake's illness and to Clayton for writing about it. Schizophrenia is an absolutely devastating illness, and unless you've experienced it firsthand, or through a friend or family member, you have no idea the total destruction it can cause. And in some ways, that is the worst part: except perhaps for your doctor, no one really understands. My son is just two years older than Jake and has always been a huge fan of Star Wars. He will be deeply consoled to know that Jake has also battled this illness and that a fellow sufferer is winning the war.
Jake is a national treasure. Clayton, next time you interact with them, please share the following: Yoda’s instructions to Luke were to pass on what he had learned, not just the victories and the studies, but the struggles and lessons as well. Jake and his family are following in Jedi Master fashion for sure.
As a result of them sharing their story, more people will be exposed to the realities of schizophrenia, and more people will be able to compassionately receive the care and assistance to help them find peace. You never know who might read these articles and who they might talk to and how those conversations might positively affect real world decisions for someone involving care or understanding of someone suffering. Star Wars may be what gets attention to these articles, but ultimately love and compassion is what’s being shared (which I’d argue is what Star Wars is really all about), and we have Jake and his Mom (and you Clayton) to thank for that… ❤️🙏🏻🧘🏻♂️
Jake and I are about the same age, and when I saw Episode I as a kid, I wanted to be friends with him so we could talk about Star Wars together (being 10, that was rather all-consuming!). These days I would love to tell him that I'm very happy to know that he's in a much better place and that none of the hate influenced his mental health like I feared it had. You go, Jake!
I hope Jake knows how much he has contributed to so many people’s lives. I’m glad to hear that things are moving in a positive direction and hope for the best for him
We always loved Jake. I hate hate hate how the press blamed toxic fans when they were the ones who made fun of his acting. The same goes for Best. The media mocked the character. We still get blamed for that. Keep on fighting Jake
This is incredible. What an encouraging and well-written article. I wish all the best to Jake and am so glad he feels the love and support from us fans!
Hadn’t heard anything about him since his arrest years ago. I’m so glad that he’s getting the help he needs and is doing better. That’s a hard hand he was dealt on top of the pressures of childhood fame.
Great read and fantastic news, listening to The Phantom Menace score right now as I write and it's given me a big lift knowing that not only is Jake doing well, but he knows there are thousands of us out here pulling for him.
I’m so pleased Jake has found a greater sense of direction and stability in his life. I wish him nothing but continued progress and happiness.
Perhaps a bit for myself, but mostly for him, I hope he is eventually afforded the opportunity to return to Star Wars Celebration. I’d only want it to happen if he was truly interested and prepared for it, but the love that would inevitably be sent his way would be healing for all involved/invested.
Regardless, thank you so much for this follow-up piece.
Also, excellent use of Qui-Gon Jinn’s wise words/philosophy; that line resonates with me to this day and likely always will - one of many reasons why the character is my perhaps my favorite in all of Star Wars.
This is a lovely piece, such great news!
Thank you!
Thank you for sharing this. Very glad to see Jake is doing much better.
Kudos to Jake and his mother Lisa for sharing about Jake's illness and to Clayton for writing about it. Schizophrenia is an absolutely devastating illness, and unless you've experienced it firsthand, or through a friend or family member, you have no idea the total destruction it can cause. And in some ways, that is the worst part: except perhaps for your doctor, no one really understands. My son is just two years older than Jake and has always been a huge fan of Star Wars. He will be deeply consoled to know that Jake has also battled this illness and that a fellow sufferer is winning the war.
Jake is a national treasure. Clayton, next time you interact with them, please share the following: Yoda’s instructions to Luke were to pass on what he had learned, not just the victories and the studies, but the struggles and lessons as well. Jake and his family are following in Jedi Master fashion for sure.
As a result of them sharing their story, more people will be exposed to the realities of schizophrenia, and more people will be able to compassionately receive the care and assistance to help them find peace. You never know who might read these articles and who they might talk to and how those conversations might positively affect real world decisions for someone involving care or understanding of someone suffering. Star Wars may be what gets attention to these articles, but ultimately love and compassion is what’s being shared (which I’d argue is what Star Wars is really all about), and we have Jake and his Mom (and you Clayton) to thank for that… ❤️🙏🏻🧘🏻♂️
Jake and I are about the same age, and when I saw Episode I as a kid, I wanted to be friends with him so we could talk about Star Wars together (being 10, that was rather all-consuming!). These days I would love to tell him that I'm very happy to know that he's in a much better place and that none of the hate influenced his mental health like I feared it had. You go, Jake!
I hope Jake knows how much he has contributed to so many people’s lives. I’m glad to hear that things are moving in a positive direction and hope for the best for him
We always loved Jake. I hate hate hate how the press blamed toxic fans when they were the ones who made fun of his acting. The same goes for Best. The media mocked the character. We still get blamed for that. Keep on fighting Jake
This is incredible. What an encouraging and well-written article. I wish all the best to Jake and am so glad he feels the love and support from us fans!
So great to hear Jake is doing well! Lots of fans are cheering for him!
#ForceStrong Jake !!
The Force and the fans will be with you Mr Loyd-always. Wishing you much peace and good health in the New Year!
Thank you Clayton, that was a great read
Where can I read the first article, from his mother?
https://www.scrippsnews.com/health/mental-health/the-real-life-saga-of-star-wars-child-actor-jake-lloyd
Hadn’t heard anything about him since his arrest years ago. I’m so glad that he’s getting the help he needs and is doing better. That’s a hard hand he was dealt on top of the pressures of childhood fame.
Great read and fantastic news, listening to The Phantom Menace score right now as I write and it's given me a big lift knowing that not only is Jake doing well, but he knows there are thousands of us out here pulling for him.
Thank you Mark!
I’m so pleased Jake has found a greater sense of direction and stability in his life. I wish him nothing but continued progress and happiness.
Perhaps a bit for myself, but mostly for him, I hope he is eventually afforded the opportunity to return to Star Wars Celebration. I’d only want it to happen if he was truly interested and prepared for it, but the love that would inevitably be sent his way would be healing for all involved/invested.
Regardless, thank you so much for this follow-up piece.
Also, excellent use of Qui-Gon Jinn’s wise words/philosophy; that line resonates with me to this day and likely always will - one of many reasons why the character is my perhaps my favorite in all of Star Wars.
Thank you so much! I hope Jake can one day return to Celebration too!
Lovely piece Clayton, thanks for helping this happen. So glad to hear Jake has turned a corner.
Thank you Paul! Happy new year.