Colin Farrell gives fans a rare look into his life with his 20-year-old son James, who has Angelman syndrome, a genetic disorder that affects the nervous system.
The Golden Globe winner says his son James, who resembles “Tom Selleck” with a “lovely big” mustache, inspired him to start the Colin Farrell Foundation. This foundation supports and celebrates people with special needs and their families.
Keep reading to find out more about Farrell and why he started the foundation!
In June 2003, Colin Farrell led a team of athletes into the stadium at Croke Park for the opening ceremony of the 2003 Special Olympics, an event he still supports.
“We were at our best,” Farrell, 48, tells the Irish Independent. “…they were the stars of the story. I’ve never experienced anything like it anywhere else in the world.”
At that time, the Oscar-nominated star didn’t know he would soon become the father of a child with special needs.
Chill baby
On September 12, 2003, the star of The Gentlemen became a dad for the first time to James, whom he shares with his ex, model Kim Bordenave.
“He’ll always know who his dad is. For me, being a father is the greatest success,” Farrell told the Irish Examiner in 2004.
When James was around 18 months old, his parents noticed he wasn’t meeting typical milestones.
“I thought he was just a relaxed baby,” the In Bruges actor told People in an August 2024 interview. “He wasn’t sitting up or crawling. We knew something was off with his development.”
Angelman syndrome
In 2007, Farrell shared that his son, who had been wrongly diagnosed with cerebral palsy, was actually diagnosed with Angelman syndrome.
Angelman syndrome is a rare condition that causes delayed development, issues with speech and balance, mental disabilities, and sometimes seizures. Symptoms include intellectual disability, very little or no speech, and difficulty walking. There is no cure for it.
First steps
Just two weeks before his fourth birthday, Farrell talks about the “profound” and magical moment when James had a big breakthrough.
With tears in his eyes, Farrell remembers the emotional moment when James took his first steps. In a clip shared with People, he says, “I’ll never forget the look of determination on his face as he walked toward me. I cried. It was amazing. After being told he might never walk, seeing those first steps was unforgettable. It was incredibly beautiful.”
The actor also mentioned that his nonverbal son, who is a big brother to Henry (born in 2009 with ex Alicja Bachleda-Curús), has a “good life” and is a “happy young man.”
He adds, “I’m proud of him every day. I think he’s magic.”
Looks like Tom Selleck
In September, James turns 21.
“When your child turns 21, they’re kind of left on their own. All the special support and education they had goes away, so you end up with a young adult who should be part of society but often gets left behind,” the Miami Vice star tells People. He wants the “world to be kind to James” and treat him with respect.
Describing James as a “cheeky,” “bold,” and “bright” young man who’s ready to “spread his wings,” the Batman actor tells the Irish Independent, “He’s strong now, six feet tall. He was always skinny, but he’s filled out a bit and has a big mustache like Tom Selleck. He’s brilliant – just a wonderful young man.”
Farrell says he’s confident in his son, adding, “He’s in a really good place, and I’m thrilled that he’s ready to go out into the world now, start spreading his wings, and join different programs.”
Supporting special needs
To help his son become more independent, Farrell recently started the Colin Farrell Foundation. The foundation’s goal is to improve the lives of people and families with intellectual disabilities through education, awareness, advocacy, and new programs.
Talking about the foundation’s launch, Farrell tells People that this is “the first time” he’s shared details about his new project.
Farrell says he’s speaking up because he can’t ask James if he wants to do this. He believes that if his son knew this could help other families and young adults with special needs, he’d say, “Dad, why are you even asking? Of course, we should do it.”
He adds, “That’s why we’re doing this. It’s all for James and in his honor.”
What do you think of Colin Farrell’s wonderful relationship with his son James? Please share your thoughts and then share this story to help raise awareness about Angelman syndrome.
