Young Anakin Skywalker actor now unrecognisable as he reveals career change in rare public appearance

Back in 1996, Jake Lloyd began his acting career with appearances in ER and Unhook the Stars before getting his big break as Jamie Langston in Jingle All the Way.

And in 1999, he shot to global fame as he became well known as the young Anakin Skywalker in Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace.

But in 2001, the now 37-year-old retired from acting, later cited as due to bullying at school and harassment by the press.

In 2008, Lloyd was diagnosed with paranoid schizophrenia and has largely stayed out of the spotlight. His mum, Lisa Lloyd, previously shared an update on his life and he’s now looking towards a very different career change related to gaming.

The former actor did a rare interview to chat with Star Wars pro Clayton Sandell as he appeared on a video call.

Marking Star Wars day last month (4 May, duh), Sandell shared a video to Instagram as he said Lloyd will ‘graduate’ from an inpatient treatment program this summer.

“And he’s excited about moving forward,” the superfan expert said.

“He’s excited about moving forward with his life, which he says includes trying to get into Esports.”

Sandell says Lloyd is a ‘very big gamer’ as he had a chat with Lloyd who he described as looking ‘terrific’.

Preparing to finish up with his treatment programme, the former Star Wars star said he’s in the ‘right place about things’.

“They make sure that you walk away with some tools in your belt,” Lloyd explained. “Healing above all is a coping mechanism, so that’s great.

“And I’m able to take the treatment, therapy and socialising in a healthy, productive manner.”

Sandell went on to ask the ex-actor about his desire to get into Esports.

“That’s what was most applicable considering my history and having a future at all,” Lloyd said. “So, I’m really excited about that.”

He claimed he was in the ‘top 500’ of Call of Duty: Modern Warfare when it first came out.

“I'm not really able to play as much as I should in treatment, but I'm in the top four of eliminations for Call of Duty now, and I use that as a resume,” he added.

Lloyd says he also plays some of the Star Wars games but doesn’t ‘really have the time’ to watch the films or shows.

And addressing fans who have ‘stood by’ him over the years, he added: “I’d love to say thank you to everybody who’s able to be supportive.”

For him, the next five years look like: “Medicine, therapy and not messing with somebody’s time.”