For Colin Farrell, being a father to his 21-year-old son, James, has always been the most important role of his life. The Irish actor, now 48, has been remarkably devoted to his son, quietly embracing fatherhood with pride. But recently, Farrell revealed a deeply emotional choice that has struck a chord with people around the world—a decision involving his beloved son.
In an interview with the Irish Independent, Farrell opened up about the moment that forever changed his life. Back in 2003, while leading a group of athletes into the opening ceremony of the Special Olympics at Croke Park, he had no idea that just a year later, he would become the father of a child with special needs.
Farrell, who had always felt a deep connection to his role as a father, and his ex-partner, model Kim Bordenave, welcomed James into the world on September 12, 2003. At the time, Farrell spoke about the profound joy of fatherhood, calling it “the ultimate success” for him.
However, by 18 months of age, it became clear that James wasn’t hitting typical developmental milestones. Farrell initially thought his son was just a laid-back baby, but as time went on, they began to realize that something was amiss.
In 2007, Farrell shared that James had been diagnosed with Angelman syndrome, a rare neurological disorder characterized by developmental delays, speech and balance difficulties, and in some cases, seizures. Unlike many other conditions, there is no cure for Angelman syndrome.
Farrell recalled his reaction upon receiving the diagnosis, “I asked the first two questions: ‘How much pain is involved and what is the life expectancy?’ The doctor said, ‘As far as we can tell, you and I have the same life expectancy, and no, pain.’”
Now, at 21, James is growing into a young man—strong, confident, and with a personality that Farrell lovingly describes as “smart, bold, and cheeky.” James, who stands at six feet tall, now sports a prominent mustache, which Farrell humorously compares to actor Tom Selleck’s iconic look.
Despite the many challenges James has faced, Farrell is pleased to see him thriving and eager to begin taking more steps toward independence. To help his son transition, Farrell established the Colin Farrell Foundation, which aims to improve the lives of those with intellectual disabilities through education, advocacy, and innovative programs.
However, as James reaches adulthood, Farrell and Bordenave are faced with the daunting reality that many services and supports for individuals with special needs cease to exist once they turn 21. In an interview with People, Farrell emphasized his concerns for James’ future and expressed his hope that the world would treat him with kindness and respect.
Farrell’s commitment to his son has been unwavering. For over two decades, he has been hands-on with James’ care, from feeding and changing diapers to attending therapy sessions and managing medical emergencies. Farrell shared a particularly difficult experience, recalling how he once had to administer a sedative to James during a seizure that lasted longer than three minutes.
Recently, in an interview with Candis magazine, Farrell disclosed that he and Bordenave had made the painful decision to place James in long-term care. This choice was not made out of exhaustion, but out of foresight. Farrell explained, “I’m terrified of what might happen if I had a heart attack tomorrow, and James’ mother, Kim, were in a car accident. What happens then?”
He continued, “James would become a ward of the state, and we wouldn’t have a voice in his care.” With this in mind, Farrell and Bordenave are now searching for a facility where James can live, a place where he can feel connected and engaged.
Farrell emphasized that the decision to seek long-term care was not an abandonment of his son but rather a way to ensure he would receive the best care possible when Farrell and Bordenave are no longer around to care for him.
Ultimately, Farrell’s choice highlights a powerful truth: loving someone means ensuring they’re in the right hands, even if those hands aren’t your own. It’s a sacrifice made out of love, and one that ensures James will continue to live a full and meaningful life.
