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Irish actor Colin Farrell has opened up about his non-verbal son James, who has a rare disorder called Angelman syndrome.
James, now 20, was diagnosed with the neurogenetic disorder when he was a child.
The syndrome causes delayed development and its symptoms include intellectual disability, little or no speech and difficulty walking, according to the Mayo Clinic.
Farrell, 48, became emotional in an August 7 interview with PEOPLE about his son, describing him as “magic”.
The Banshees of Inisherin star wiped away tears as he recalled seeing his son take his first steps just before his first birthday – after being told James may never walk.
‘I want the world to be kind to James’
“I want the world to be kind to James,” he said. “I want the world to treat him with kindness and respect.”
The Banshees of Inisherin star has launched The Colin Farrell Foundation, “committed to transforming the lives of individuals and families living with intellectual disability through education, awareness, advocacy and innovative programs,” its website states.
The Oscar-nominated actor, who shares James with former partner Kim Bordenave. will serve as the organisation’s president.
He said his son has a “good life” and is a “happy young man”.
“I’m proud of him every day,” Farrell told PEOPLE. “I just think he’s magic. 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 the things that I would never have given a second’s thought to – that I, like many of us, would just take for granted.”
He added that he was feeling nervous about his son turning 21.
“Once your child turns 21, they’re kind of on their own,” he said.
“All the safeguards that are put in place, special (education) classes, that all goes away, so you’re left with a young adult who should be an integrated part of our modern society (but) more often than not is left behind.”
‘It’s all in his honour’
Farrell’s interview with PEOPLE was a rare delve into his personal life, which the actor normally prefers to keep to himself.
But he wanted to talk about his son James to raise awareness of his new foundation and people living with intellectual disabilities.
The actor said if his son was able to communicate verbally, he’d tell his dad launching the foundation would be a “no-brainer”.
“So that’s why we’re doing it,” he said. “This is all because of James. It’s all in is honour.”
What is Angelman syndrome?
Angelman syndrome is a rare genetic disorder causing developmental disabilities and nerve-related symptoms, according to the Mayo Clinic.
It isn’t usually diagnosed until developmental delays become noticeable, usually at around the six to 12-month mark.
Symptoms include lack of crawling, lack of babbling or speech, inability to walk or balance well, and frequent smiling or laughter. Treatments can help, but Angelman syndrome cannot be cured.
How many children does Colin Farrell have?
Colin Farrell has two sons. James, 20, is his son with former partner Kim Bordenave. He also has a younger son, Henry, 14, with ex-girlfriend and Ondine co-star Alicja Bachleda-Curus.
Do both of Colin Farrell’s sons have Angelman syndrome?
No, only James has Angelman syndrome.
Is Colin Farrell married?
No. The Irish actor has a long dating history and children with two different women but he has never married.
In March 2023 he split from Kelly McNamara, his girlfriend of five years. A source told The Sun that Farrell’s busy work schedule had partially contributed to the split.
“Colin is the man of the moment in film thanks to his role in The Banshees of Inisherin,” the source said.
“He spent months working on that along with the latest Batman blockbuster, where he played Penguin. Colin’s schedule took its toll on his relationship and they quietly called it quits.”
Farrell’s dating history also includes flings with Britney Spears, Lindsay Lohan, Rihanna, and Amelia Warner, who went on to marry another Irishman, Fifty Shades of Grey star Jamie Dornan.
