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5 Heart-Wrenching Truths Colin Farrell Revealed About His 21-Year-Old Son James And Angelman Syndrome In 2025

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The world knows Colin Farrell as a Golden Globe winner and Oscar-nominated actor, but his most profound role is that of a father to his son, James Padraig Farrell. The Irish star has recently offered some of his most candid and heart-wrenching insights into life with James, who lives with the ultra-rare genetic and neurodevelopmental condition, Angelman Syndrome (AS).

The information, which is current as of December 2025, reveals a new chapter in their journey, marked by James turning 21, the launch of a dedicated foundation, and the difficult, yet loving, decision regarding his long-term care. Farrell's openness is transforming the dialogue around intellectual disability and rare diseases, providing a beacon of hope and advocacy for countless families worldwide.

Colin Farrell: Biography, Career Highlights, and Family Profile

Colin Farrell, a leading man known for his versatile performances, has maintained a relatively private personal life despite his global fame. His public advocacy for the Angelman Syndrome community stems from his experience as a father.

  • Full Name: Colin James Farrell
  • Date of Birth: May 31, 1976
  • Place of Birth: Castleknock, Dublin, Ireland
  • First Major Role: Danny Byrne in the BBC drama series Ballykissangel (1998)
  • Breakthrough Film Roles: Tigerland (2000), Minority Report (2002), Phone Booth (2002)
  • Recent Acclaim: Golden Globe Award and Academy Award nomination for Best Actor for The Banshees of Inisherin (2022)
  • Eldest Son: James Padraig Farrell (born 2003, with ex-girlfriend Kim Bordenave)
  • Youngest Son: Henry Tadeusz Farrell (born 2009, with ex-partner Alicja Bachleda-Curuś)
  • Diagnosis: James was diagnosed with Angelman Syndrome at the age of two and a half.

The Angelman Syndrome Diagnosis: What Parents Need to Know

Angelman Syndrome (AS) is a rare, complex neurodevelopmental disorder that affects the nervous system. It is often misdiagnosed as cerebral palsy or autism due to overlapping symptoms.

James Padraig Farrell was diagnosed with AS when he was a toddler after his parents noticed significant developmental delays, including a lack of crawling and babbling between six and 12 months.

Key Characteristics and Symptoms of Angelman Syndrome

The condition is caused by a deletion or inactivation of the UBE3A gene on chromosome 15, inherited from the mother. While every individual is unique, there is a distinct set of characteristics that define AS:

  • Developmental Delays: Noticeable delays in crawling, walking, and other milestones.
  • Speech Impairment: Minimal or no use of words, with communication often relying on non-verbal cues.
  • Unique Behavioral Traits: A distinct and happy demeanor, characterized by frequent laughter, excitability, and hand-flapping movements.
  • Limited Motor Skills: Issues with balance and coordination, leading to an unsteady, wide-based gait.
  • Epilepsy: Seizures occur in more than 80% of individuals with AS, often requiring anti-epileptic medication.
  • Microcephaly: A smaller than average head size, which may become more noticeable over time.

Colin Farrell has consistently highlighted the joy and love James brings into his life, describing their relationship as a profound source of meaning, despite the daily challenges of the condition.

The 5 Heart-Wrenching Truths Revealed by Colin Farrell in 2025

In recent interviews, as James transitioned into adulthood, Colin Farrell has spoken with remarkable honesty about the evolving journey of raising a son with intellectual disability. These revelations shed light on the reality of long-term care and the need for greater support.

1. The "Tricky" Decision for Long-Term Care

Colin Farrell recently shared the "heart-wrenching decision" he and James's mother, Kim Bordenave, made to place their 21-year-old son into a long-term care facility. The actor described this as a choice no parent wants to make, but one that became necessary as James grew older and his needs became more complex, requiring professional, round-the-clock care that the family could no longer fully provide at home.

2. The Struggle to Find Adult Support Services

Farrell has highlighted a critical gap in the healthcare system: the lack of robust support for adults with intellectual disabilities, especially after they age out of pediatric services. This "struggle to find care" for James as he entered his twenties was a major catalyst for his new advocacy work, aiming to bridge the transition from childhood to adult support.

3. Launching The Colin Farrell Foundation

To address the systemic care deficit, Farrell is launching the Colin Farrell Foundation. The non-profit is dedicated to transforming the lives of individuals and families living with intellectual disability. Its core mission is to provide advocacy, education, and innovative programs specifically tailored for adult children with conditions like Angelman Syndrome.

4. The Profound Joy of a Non-Verbal Connection

Despite James being non-verbal, Farrell speaks beautifully about the depth of their communication. He notes that their connection transcends language, emphasizing that James's laughter and physical expressions convey a pure, unconditional love. This perspective challenges the common perception of communication and highlights the emotional richness in their unique father-son bond.

5. Hope on the Horizon with Gene Therapy Research

Farrell remains a passionate advocate and supporter of research, often working with organizations like the Foundation for Angelman Syndrome Therapeutics (FAST). He is hopeful about the latest medical advancements. Current research is heavily focused on gene therapy, an experimental technique that aims to treat the disorder by correcting the underlying genetic cause. Updates from 2025 indicate that Phase 3 studies, such as the Aspire study, are on track for completion, offering a real possibility for transformative treatments in the near future.

Colin Farrell’s Legacy of Advocacy

Colin Farrell's decision to share his family's private struggle has made him one of the most visible advocates for the Angelman Syndrome community and the broader intellectual disability sector. His platform has brought much-needed attention to a rare condition, transforming public curiosity into awareness and tangible support.

By launching the Colin Farrell Foundation, he is ensuring that his personal experience translates into a lasting legacy of practical help for adults with disabilities and their families. His story serves as a powerful reminder that while the journey is challenging, it is also filled with immense love, joy, and the unwavering hope for a brighter, more inclusive future. Families facing similar diagnoses, such as Prader-Willi Syndrome or Rett Syndrome, often find solidarity and strength in his candidness.

colin farrell angelman syndrome son
colin farrell angelman syndrome son

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