Colin Farrell, the acclaimed actor known for his roles in The Banshees of Inisherin and The Penguin, recently shared the heart-wrenching decision to place his 21-year-old son, James, in long-term care due to his struggles with Angelman syndrome. This rare genetic disorder, which Farrell described in a candid interview with Candis Magazine, affects the nervous system and causes significant developmental delays, speech difficulties, and sometimes seizures.
Farrell, 48, and his ex-wife, Kim Bordenave, have been navigating the complexities of James's condition since he was diagnosed at the young age of four. As James approaches adulthood, the couple has made the challenging choice to find a suitable long-term care facility for him. "It’s tricky, some parents will say: 'I want to take care of my child myself.' And I respect that," Farrell explained. However, he expressed deep concerns about the future, stating, "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?"
This fear of leaving James without support has driven Farrell and Bordenave to seek a place where he can thrive in a community setting. They hope to find a facility that allows them to visit regularly and take James out for activities, ensuring he can enjoy a fulfilling life. "We want him to find somewhere where he can have a full and happy life, where he feels connected," Farrell said.
Before this decision, James had a live-in caregiver who assisted him with daily tasks. At 18, Farrell and Bordenave sought a conservatorship due to James's ongoing need for assistance with basic activities, such as dressing and meal preparation. The transition to a long-term care facility marks a significant step in their journey as parents.
Farrell has openly discussed the emotional milestones he has witnessed as James grows. Reflecting on a profound moment when James walked for the first time, he recalled, "I knew they [James’s carers] were working on walking. And I stood over there, and she let him go, and he just came to [me]. It was so profound. It was magic." The actor's pride in his son's achievements is palpable, as he noted, "He works harder than I've ever had to work on myself. If anything, he also gifts me with the ability to look at the human being and the human body and life as a marvel because I see how much he struggles with things that I would never have given a second's thought to – that I would just, like many of us, take for granted."
In honor of his son and to support others facing similar challenges, Farrell established the Colin Farrell Foundation last year. The foundation aims to provide resources, education, and advocacy for adults with intellectual disabilities, reflecting his commitment to improving the lives of those affected by similar conditions.
Farrell's journey as a father has been shaped by his experiences with James, and he has been vocal about the societal challenges faced by families with special needs. He noted that once children with disabilities turn 21, they often lose access to essential services and support systems. "Once your child turns 21, they’re kind of on their own," he told People. "All the safeguards that are put in place – special ed classes – that all goes 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."
Throughout his career, Farrell has been recognized not only for his acting talent but also for his advocacy on behalf of those with disabilities. His decision to speak publicly about James's condition and the challenges they face together has resonated with many, shedding light on the realities of parenting a child with special needs.
In addition to James, Farrell has another son, Henry, born in 2009 with his former partner, Alicja Bachleda-Curus. The actor's experiences as a father have enriched his life and shaped his perspective on love, responsibility, and the importance of community.
As Colin Farrell continues to navigate this emotional journey, he remains committed to ensuring that James has the best possible life. The decision to seek long-term care is not one made lightly, but it reflects a deep love and desire to provide for his son’s future. With the support of his foundation and the community, Farrell hopes to create a brighter path for James and others like him, advocating for kindness and understanding in a world that often overlooks those with disabilities.
