In 1996, Lloyd made his big screen debut in "Unhook the Stars", with a pivotal role as J.J., a young boy whose life-affirming friendship with the widowed Mildred (Gena Rowlands) helps her endeavor to explore new horizons. Although Lloyd was only six years old when he lensed this role, the young actor brought enviable charm and sensitivity to his portrayal. A big Arnold Schwarzenegger fan, Lloyd was excited when he next won the role of the action hero's son in the holiday comedy "Jingle All the Way" (also 1996).
On television, Lloyd was featured in a 1996 recurring role on the popular NBC medical drama "ER", playing a boy with a cancer stricken mother. He portrayed Mark Armstrong, son of astronaut Neil, in the Family Channel's "Apollo 11" (1996) and appeared in the ABC TV-movie "Virtual Obsession" (1998). Lloyd has additionally appeared in several episodes of NBC's "The Pretender" during the 1998-99 season.