Colin Farrell Starts Foundation for Adults With Developmental Disabilities

Best actor honoree Colin Farrell attends the National Board of Review Awards Gala at Cipriani 42nd Street in New York on Jan. 8, 2023. (Evan Agostini/Invision/AP) Elma Aksalic

Actor Colin Farrell launched a foundation close to his heart in hopes of bridging the gap between modern society and families with special needs children.

In an interview with People magazine published on Aug. 7, the 48-year-old gave a rare glimpse into his private life with his 20-year-old son, James, who has Angelman syndrome, a rare genetic disorder.

According to the Mayo Clinic, the condition is caused by a change in a gene and leads to delayed development, problems with speech and balance, mental disability, and sometimes seizures.

The National Institutes of Health estimates that one in 12,000 to 20,000 people are affected by the disorder and life expectancy “appears to be nearly normal.”

“I want the world to be kind to James. I want the world to treat him with kindness and respect,” said Farrell.

James, who was first diagnosed at about age 2, is nonverbal and receives live-in care. His upcoming 21st birthday is what inspired his father to not only speak out but bring awareness to his cause.

“Once your child turns 21, they’re kind of on their own. All the safeguards that are put in place, all the inclusive programs, special ed classes, that all kind of goes away once your child is 21, and so you’re left with a young adult who should be an integrated part of our modern society here and very much, more often than not, is left behind.”

Helping Others

The Irish actor explained that he created the Colin Farrell Foundation in hopes of providing families in similar situations with the support and assistance they deserve in all areas of life.

“This is the first time I’ve spoken about it, and obviously the only reason I’m speaking is I can’t ask James if he wants to do this.”

He continued, “I have to, or choose to believe, that if James knew that doing this could help families and other young adults who live with special needs, he would say, ‘Dad, what are you talking about? Why are you even asking me? It’s a no-brainer.’”

The foundation is committed to transforming the lives of individuals living with intellectual disability and their families through education, awareness, advocacy, and innovative programs, according to the website.

Farrell shares his son with his ex, model Kim Bordenave. He also has 14-year-old son, Henry, with “Ondine” co-star Alicja Bachleda-Curús.

The award-winning actor takes pride in being a father and describes the obstacles James has had to overcome, leading to his most profound milestones.

Farrell says James and other individuals like him have “earned the right to have a greater degree of individuality and autonomy in life, and a greater degree of community,” inspiring and humbling him in the process.

“He works harder than I’ve ever had to work on myself. … If anything, you know, 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 things that I would never have given a second thought to—that I would just, like many of us, take for granted.”

Farrell said his success in Hollywood has provided him with the means to advocate for his son and get him the best care possible, but even so, he said they still struggle sometimes to find the right support.

With the foundation, Farrell said he hopes to help other families in similar situations find the support, resources, and community they deserve.