Colin Farrell Puts Up a Foundation in Honor of His Son With Angelman Syndrome

Despite having his name out there in the form of various movies for over two decades, actor Colin Farrell has always seemed to prefer a more private life. Besides film promos, the Irish actor appears to keep away from the limelight. That is, until now. 

In an interview with People magazine, Farrell opens up about his 20-year-old son James’ Angelman syndrome diagnosis. The rare neuro-genetic disorder has symptoms that include gastrointestinal issues, walking disorders, seizures, and even speech issues. 

Was sharing his son’s story an easy decision? “I have to, or choose to believe,” Farrell told People, “that if James knew that doing this could help families and other children and young adults who live with special needs, James would say, ‘Dad, what are you talking about? Why are you even asking me? It’s a no-brainer.’” 

Given that Angelman syndrome shares many symptoms with cerebral palsy and autism, it’s common for it to be misdiagnosed. Colin Farrell recounted the experience of seeing various doctors when James was around a year old. It was only when they visited a pediatric neurologist a year later that they were able to accurately identify James’ condition. Neither Farrell nor James’ mother, model Kim Bordenave, had any clue about what Angelman syndrome was. 

He says that one of his first questions was about life expectancy, and whether or not it was painful. The life expectancy of a person with the condition is just like anyone else’s. There is no physical pain involved either. But the main struggles were the seizures, which Colin says James has thankfully not experienced in over ten or eleven years.

Ultimately, though, Farrell says that having a diagnosis is very significant for any parent of a special needs child. “If you get a diagnosis, you can zero in,” he says. “There are usually people you can find, whether it’s a community (just emotionally), to lean into.” He also says it’s the key to finding medical professionals and therapists who can help in a more specialized way. 

Determined to let more people know about Angelman Syndrome to make diagnoses easier, Farrell started his own foundation. Some of his initiatives include housing and day programs, workforce support for professionals, and even camps that build a network to help those with intellectual disabilities feel less alone. 

“It’s all in James’ honor,” Farrell says of the foundation. As a father, he hopes that his son will be taken care of even once Farrell himself isn’t around anymore. “He’ll be somewhere where he feels like he belongs, where he feels like he’s safe,” he says. “And just have a full, meaningful, and connected life. That’d be the dream.” 

Watch his full interview with People below:

Text by Tim Marasigan

Lead photos from @colinfarrellfoundation