New update on young Anakin Skywalker actor after his mum revealed heartbreaking diagnosis

A new update has been issued on actor Jake Lloyd some 27 years after he appeared as young Anakin Skywalker in Star Wars.

The child star hit screens and became a huge name in showbiz following his role in 'The Phantom Menace,' Episode One in the chronology of the global film franchise.

Aged just 10 at the time, Lloyd went on to star in Die with Me and Madison, before retiring from acting.

In 2012, he revealed this was due to bullying at school and harassment by the press. Now 37-years-old, Lloyd has repeatedly appeared over the years at sci-fi and comic book festivals.

He was previously diagnosed with paranoid schizophrenia and has largely stayed out of the spotlight since he was catapulted into global fame.

"When they finally told him, it totally threw him off into an even worse depression," his mum told Scripp News previously. "It was really hard."

Jake also landed himself in trouble with the law as he struggled to come to terms with his diagnosis. He suffered too from a neurological condition called anosognosia, which causes people to be unaware of, or unconsciously in denial about, their medical condition.

"He didn't think he needed to take medication because he wasn’t sick," Lisa added. "He didn't think he needed to go to the therapist because there's nothing wrong with him."

Jake then suffered a 'full-blown psychotic break' in March 2023, which was compounded by the death of his sister Madison, 26, who passed away in 2018.

Last year, following a stay at a mental health rehabilitation facility, Jake spoke out about his wellbeing, telling Variety: "[I’m feeling] pretty good, considering these 20 years of time that have come to an end.

"I can now accept taking on continued treatment, and therapy, and my meds. Everyone’s been very supportive."

Jake 'doing better than ever'

In a new update, a post by writer and Star Wars superfan Clayton Sandell confirmed that Jake is 'doing better than ever' and has completed a long-term programme that has 'done wonders' for the former actor.

Sharing a recent picture of him alongside Jake and his mother Lisa, he penned: "I spent part of my weekend catching up with Jake Lloyd and his mom Lisa.

"I’ve been honored to help share their story over the last few years. As you may know, they’ve faced a lot of ups and downs managing Jake’s schizophrenia diagnosis.

"I’m really happy to share, however, that today Jake is doing better than I’ve ever seen him. He’s engaging, curious, and funny."

He continued: "We had a great conversation about video games and editing programs—two of his big interests.

"In June, he completed a long-term program that has done wonders for him—helping him stay on track with medication, therapy, and other life skills.

"Progress is measured in days sometimes, but along with his mom, who continues providing extraordinary and unwavering support, there are many reasons to be optimistic about Jake’s future."