Talented child star Jake Lloyd hit the big time with a prominent role in "Star Wars: Episode I - The Phantom Menace" (1999), the highly anticipated prequel to the legendary "Star Wars" trilogy. As Anakin Skywalker, a boy with unmatched potential as a Jedi knight, the angelic-looking blond Lloyd played the young gifted innocent who would later become the evil Darth Vader. Acting in what was expected to be one of the highest box office draws in history, Lloyd would become the most visible working child star and his performance in "The Phantom Menace" would easily be among the most watched of 1999. Although "Star Wars: Episode I - The Phantom Menace" was Lloyd's most popular work to date, the threat of future typecasting seemed minor when taking into account his youth and his proven acting strength in previous performances. It was a safe bet that Lloyd would emerge from the Lucas film with a burgeoning film career, following a trajectory not unlike "Star Wars" trilogy veteran Harrison Ford.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.
Profession(s):
Actor
Sometimes Credited As:
2001 Co-starred in the sports-themed feature "Madison" (filmed in 1999); premiered at Sundance; released theatrically in 2002
1999 Cast as Anakin Skywalker, the young Darth Vader, in "Star Wars: Episode I - The Phantom Menace"
1998 - 1999 Guest starred on episodes of NBC's "The Pretender"
1998 Featured in the ABC movie thriller "Virtual Obsession"
1996 Feature acting debut opposite Gena Rowlands and Marisa Tomei in "Unhook the Stars"; played Tomei's young son
1996 Had supporting role as Arnold Schwarzenneger's son in "Jingle All the Way"
1996 Played recurring role of a child visiting his cancer-stricken mother on NBC's "ER"
1996 TV-movie debut, played Mark Armstrong (son of astronaut Buzz Armstrong) in The Family Channel's "Apollo 11"
1994 With family, moved to L.A. from Colorado
Began career working in commercials
