Colin Farrell has opened up about the heartbreaking decision to place his non-verbal son James in long-term care, following a misdiagnosis that initially labeled the 21-year-old as having cerebral palsy. The actor, now 48, revealed his fears for James, who has since been confirmed to have Angelman syndrome, a rare neurogenetic disorder that primarily affects the nervous system and can lead to various disabilities.
In an interview with Candis magazine, Farrell discussed the emotional weight of his decision, stating, "It’s tricky, some parents will say, ‘I want to take care of my child myself.’ And I respect that.” However, he acknowledged that his priority is to ensure James has the stability and support he needs for a fulfilling life.
Farrell and his ex-partner, Kim Bordenave, have come to a consensus about finding a long-term care facility for their son. He expressed his desire for James to have a sense of community, where he can engage in activities like shopping, visiting the beach, and enjoying trips to museums and movies. “We want him to find somewhere where he can have a full and happy life, where he feels connected,” Farrell explained.
The actor's worries about the future are profound. He candidly shared his worst fears, saying, "But my horror would be... what if I have a heart attack tomorrow, and, God forbid, James’ mother, Kim, has a car crash and she’s taken too – and then James is on his own? Then he’s a ward of the state and he goes where? We’d have no say in it.” Such thoughts underline the urgency of finding a safe and stable environment for their son.
James's journey has not been easy. Initially, he was misdiagnosed with cerebral palsy, a common mistake due to overlapping symptoms. Farrell recalled, "I remember the first two questions I asked were, 'What’s the life expectancy and how much pain is involved?' The doctor said, 'Life expectancy, as far as we can tell, is the same for you and for me, and pain, no.'" This reassurance, however, was overshadowed by the challenges James faces due to Angelman syndrome, which affects mobility and cognitive functions.
In 2024, Colin credited James with saving his life during a tumultuous period marked by excessive drinking and substance abuse. The love and responsibility he feels for his son have inspired him to take action, leading to the establishment of the Colin Farrell Foundation in August 2024. This foundation aims to provide support for adults with intellectual disabilities, a cause that Farrell holds close to his heart.
Farrell's commitment to his son and the community of families dealing with similar challenges is evident. He expressed his hope that the world will be kind to James, emphasizing the need for society to integrate individuals with disabilities rather than leaving them behind. He stated, "Once your child turns 21, they’re kind of on their own. All the safeguards that are put in place, special ed classes, that all go away, so you’re left with a young adult who should be an integrated part of our modern society, and more often than not is left behind.”
As he navigates these difficult waters, Farrell remains focused on the present and the future for James. He and Bordenave are actively searching for a facility that can provide the care and community their son needs, one that allows them to visit and spend time together. This proactive approach reflects their commitment to ensuring that James has the best possible life, even as they confront the uncertainties of their own futures.
Colin Farrell’s journey as a father is a testament to the challenges faced by many parents of children with disabilities. His candid discussions about James’s care and the emotional weight of his decisions highlight the need for greater awareness and support for families in similar situations. As he continues to advocate for his son and others like him, Farrell’s story serves as a powerful reminder of the love, resilience, and hope that can emerge from even the most difficult circumstances.
In a world where individuals with disabilities often face significant barriers, Colin Farrell's efforts to create a supportive environment for James and others are both inspiring and necessary. His advocacy through the Colin Farrell Foundation and his openness about the challenges of parenting a child with special needs contribute to a broader dialogue about inclusion and kindness in society.
Colin’s commitment to his son is unwavering, and as he moves forward, he does so with the hope that James will find a place where he can thrive. The journey is far from easy, but with love and determination, Farrell is paving the way for a brighter future for his son.
