Colin Farrell Emotionally Reflects on Son's Rare Genetic Disorder

Colin Farrell became tearful while sharing his experiences with his son's rare genetic condition, Angelman syndrome. Known for his roles in The Banshees of Inisherin and In Bruges, Farrell's 20-year-old son, James, whom he shares with model Kim Bordenave, was diagnosed with the disorder when he was about two and a half years old.

During an interview, Farrell recalled the poignant moment James, just shy of his fourth birthday, took his first steps. "It was a moment I’ll always cherish," Farrell said, describing the profound impact of witnessing James’s determination as he walked towards him, leading to an emotional response from the actor.

Angelman syndrome is marked by developmental delays, speech impairment, seizures, and balance issues. Farrell noted that while some children with the syndrome are wheelchair-bound, James is in between, making his first steps a particularly significant milestone given the initial prognosis.

James has faced numerous seizures over the years, but he hasn't had one in over a decade. As James approaches 21, Farrell has launched the Colin Farrell Foundation to support families of adults with intellectual disabilities through advocacy and innovative programs.

"This is the first time I’m discussing this publicly, driven by my understanding of James’s spirit and the goodness in his heart," Farrell shared.