Colin Farrell has always been a bit of a wild card in Hollywood. From the early "bad boy" days in Dublin to his recent, unrecognizable turn as Oz Cobb in The Penguin, we’ve watched him transform. But the realest version of Colin isn’t on a film set. It’s at home. Specifically, it’s with his two boys.
Most people recognize his younger son, Henry, who recently started towering over his dad on red carpets. He’s the one who famously roasts Colin for wearing short shorts. Then there’s James.
James is the reason Colin is still here.
Honestly, if you want to understand the man, you have to look at the dad. It’s a story about a rare genetic condition called Angelman syndrome, a massive lifestyle shift, and a recent, heart-wrenching decision that most parents hope they never have to make.
James Farrell and the Reality of Angelman Syndrome
James Padraig Farrell was born in 2003. His mom is Kim Bordenave, a model Colin dated back in the early 2000s. For the first year or so, things seemed "chill." That’s how Colin described him—a quiet, relaxed baby.
But benchmarks started slipping. James wasn't sitting up. He wasn't crawling.
At first, doctors thought it was cerebral palsy. It’s a common mistake because the symptoms—mobility issues, jerky movements—look similar on the surface. It wasn't until James was about two and a half that they got the real answer: Angelman syndrome.
This is a rare neuro-genetic disorder. It affects about 1 in 15,000 births. Basically, a specific gene on the 15th chromosome is missing or malfunctioning. The result is severe developmental delays, balance issues, and a lack of speech. Most people with "AS" are non-verbal for life.
But there’s a hallmark of the condition that’s actually quite beautiful. People with Angelman syndrome often have a very happy demeanor. They smile and laugh frequently. Colin calls James "magic."
The "Jackson Pollock" of Breakfast
Raising a child with these needs is relentless. James didn't take his first steps until he was nearly four years old. Colin remembers that moment vividly—standing in their home, watching his son struggle with pure determination, and eventually bursting into tears.
Hard work is the only way forward with AS.
Everything we take for granted, James has to fight for. Colin once joked that when James first learned to feed himself, his face looked like a Jackson Pollock painting by the time he finished. But he did it. He fed himself. That’s a massive win in their world.
🔗 Read more: Kody Brown Sister Wives: What Really Happened to the Brown Family
Why the Colin Farrell Foundation Changed Everything
In August 2024, everything shifted. Colin decided to go public in a way he never had before. He did a massive interview with People magazine, even letting them film James in their backyard.
Why now? Because James turned 21.
There is a terrifying cliff in the world of special needs. When a child is in school, there are "safeguards." There are special ed classes, government-funded programs, and structured support.
Then they hit 21.
Suddenly, the support evaporates. You're left with an adult who needs 24/7 care but has nowhere to go. Colin realized that if he—a multi-millionaire movie star—was struggling to find the right path for James, then other families were absolutely drowning.
So, he launched the Colin Farrell Foundation.
It’s not just a vanity project. It’s about advocacy. The foundation focuses on:
- Housing: Creating community-based living where adults with intellectual disabilities can actually thrive, not just exist.
- Day Programs: Ensuring these adults aren't just sitting in a room, but are out in the world, going to movies, the beach, or the grocery store.
- Advocacy: Pushing for better Medicaid funding and higher wages for Direct Support Professionals (the people who actually do the hard work of caregiving).
The Heart-Wrenching Choice in 2025
By early 2025, Colin shared a decision that felt raw and deeply personal. He and Kim decided to move James into a long-term care facility.
That sounds harsh to some. To a parent, it’s an act of survival for their child.
Colin admitted his biggest "horror" was the "what if." What if he had a heart attack tomorrow? What if Kim was in a car accident? If both parents were gone, James would become a "ward of the state." He’d be tossed into whatever system had a bed, with no one to advocate for his specific spirit.
By finding a facility now, while they are healthy, they can ensure James is settled. They can visit every week. They can take him on outings. They can build a community around him so that when the day comes that they aren't here, James isn't alone.
He wants James to have a "bigger life." A life with friends and a sense of belonging that two aging parents eventually can't provide on their own.
Henry Farrell: The "Normal" Contrast
Then there’s Henry Tadeusz Farrell. Born in 2009, Colin shares him with his Ondine co-star, Alicja Bachleda-Curús.
If James is the soul of Colin’s world, Henry is the reality check.
Henry is 16 now. He’s tall—taller than his dad—and has that classic Farrell "look." He’s been Colin’s "plus one" for major events like the Oscars and the Emmys. But don't let the tuxedos fool you. At home, they are what Colin calls a "Rotten Tomatoes committee of two."
They don't care that he’s an Oscar nominee. In fact, Henry is famously "mortified" by Colin’s fashion choices. Specifically, those tiny running shorts Colin likes to wear. Henry has literally begged him not to wear them.
Colin’s response? "They feel good, Henry."
It’s a remarkably grounded dynamic. Despite the fame, Colin’s life revolves around the differing needs of these two boys. One who needs the world to be kinder and more accessible, and another who just wants his dad to stop embarrassing him in public.
What This Means for Other Families
Colin’s openness about James isn't just celebrity gossip. It’s a blueprint for how we talk about disability and aging.
Most people don't think about what happens to a child with special needs when they become a man with special needs. We see the "cute kid" phase, but we ignore the adult phase. Colin is using his platform to force that conversation into the mainstream.
If you’re a parent or caregiver in a similar boat, there are real things you can do right now to prepare for that "21-year-old cliff."
- Look into Conservatorship early: Colin and Kim filed for this before James turned 18. It allows them to continue making medical and financial decisions for him as an adult.
- Start the housing search years in advance: Waitlists for quality residential care are often years long.
- Advocate for HCBS: Home and Community Based Services (HCBS) are the lifeblood of the disability community. Support organizations that are fighting to make these services mandatory and well-funded in every state.
Colin Farrell’s son James might not ever speak a word, but his impact on his father—and now on the world through this foundation—is louder than any blockbuster movie. It’s a reminder that the hardest work often happens behind closed doors, and the biggest victories are the six steps taken across a living room floor.
To get involved or learn more about the resources available for adults with intellectual disabilities, you can visit the Colin Farrell Foundation website directly. They provide specific guidance on navigating the transition to adulthood and finding community-based support systems.