Colin Farrell’s Emotional Decision to Safeguard His Son’s Future Moves Fans

While Colin Farrell has earned fame as one of Hollywood’s top actors, his most cherished role has always been that of a father to his 21-year-old son, James.

In a deeply personal 2024 interview, the 48-year-old actor opened up about a difficult decision that struck a chord worldwide. Despite his flourishing career, Farrell shared that he and his former partner, Kim Bordenave, had made the emotionally challenging yet forward-thinking decision to place their son in long-term care.

The Early Days: Love, Discovery, and Diagnosis
Farrell became a father on September 12, 2003, when James was born. In 2004, he told the Irish Examiner: “He’ll always know who his dad is. Fatherhood for me is the ultimate success.”

However, by the time James was 18 months old, his parents noticed developmental delays. Initially misdiagnosed with cerebral palsy, James was later diagnosed with Angelman syndrome, a rare neuro-genetic disorder that affects speech, balance, and movement.

“I thought he was just a chill baby. He wasn’t hitting benchmarks. We knew something was up,” Farrell reflected.

Living With Angelman Syndrome
In 2007, Farrell publicly shared James’ diagnosis. According to the Mayo Clinic, Angelman syndrome causes severe developmental delays, little to no speech, intellectual disability, and sometimes seizures. There is currently no cure.

Farrell recalled asking, “What’s the life expectancy, and is there pain?” The doctor reassured him, “Life expectancy is the same as yours and mine. And no, there’s no pain.”

Despite the hardships, Farrell remained deeply involved, describing himself as a “hands-on dad” who participated in everything from changing diapers to administering emergency seizure medication during critical moments.

James Turns 21: A Growing Young Man
In September 2024, James celebrated his 21st birthday. Farrell proudly described him as:

“Cheeky, bold, bright, and strong. He’s six foot tall now, with a mustache like Tom Selleck. He’s in a really good place.”

With James entering adulthood, Farrell established the Colin Farrell Foundation to support those with intellectual disabilities. Farrell emphasized how many children lose access to essential support systems once they turn 21, pledging to ensure James and others like him can lead connected, meaningful lives.

A Difficult Yet Loving Decision
In a heartfelt interview with Candis magazine, Farrell explained why he and Kim decided on long-term care for James. Their choice was not driven by exhaustion or frustration, but by foresight and love.

“What if I have a heart attack tomorrow, and Kim has a car crash? Then James becomes a ward of the state. And we’d have no say in where he goes.”

Instead, the couple is searching for a residential care facility that James can move into while they are still healthy and able to be a part of his life.

“We want him somewhere he can feel connected—going to the supermarket, the beach, the movies. Just living a normal, happy life with support and freedom.”

Planning for a Bright Future
Colin Farrell’s openness provides a touching reminder of the challenges faced by parents of children with special needs, even as they age. His decision to secure James’ future while remaining an active presence in his life has resonated with families worldwide.

Farrell summed it up perfectly:

“I just want the world to be kind to James. And for him to always feel that he belongs.”

With this decision, Colin Farrell exemplifies true love and strength—showing that the greatest gift we can give our children is not just what we provide today, but the future we build for them.

Stay tuned for updates on James’ transition and the extraordinary work of the Colin Farrell Foundation, helping families on similar paths.