Colin Farrell channels son James’ Angelman syndrome to launch new foundation: ‘He’s magic’

As a movie buff who has witnessed the transformative power of storytelling through the lives of characters portrayed by actors like Colin Farrell, I find his latest venture – the establishment of the Colin Farrell Foundation – nothing short of inspiring. His personal journey, as a father to a son with Angelman Syndrome, has not only deepened my appreciation for his art but also shed light on the extraordinary strength and love that parents possess.


Oscar-nominated actor Colin Farrell just announced his newest role: charity foundation president.

Actor Colin Farrell, known for his roles in “The Banshees of Inisherin” and “The Batman,” recently launched the Colin Farrell Foundation, named after himself. This foundation aims to support individuals and families affected by intellectual disabilities, a cause particularly close to his heart as his 20-year-old son James lives with Angelman Syndrome.

“Farrell expressed in an interview that he wishes for the world to show kindness and respect towards James.”

Angelman Syndrome is an irreversible disorder resulting from a gene mutation that leads to issues such as late development, speech impairments, balance problems, intellectual disability, and potentially seizures, as explained by Mayo Clinic. Despite the developmental delays, this condition does not impact a person’s lifespan.

James, who is shared between Farrell and his former girlfriend and model, Kim Bordenave, is a non-verbal individual and is approaching an age where he will no longer qualify for support systems and programs designed for individuals with special needs and their families, as stated by the actor. James turns 21 in September.

In essence, Farrell, aged 48, stated that there’s usually a young adult who ought to be an active participant in today’s contemporary world, but unfortunately, they are frequently overlooked or neglected instead.

The Colin Farrell Foundation aims to facilitate a smoother transition for individuals within the intellectual disability community by offering them educational resources, raising awareness, advocating on their behalf, and developing innovative programs, according to its website. Farrell shared with People magazine that establishing this foundation was an obvious choice for him, as he feels it aligns with what his son would consider a logical step.

The actor known for “In Bruges” and “After Yang,” who is of Irish descent and has been an advocate for people with special needs for a long time, commended his son’s diligence in learning to walk and feed himself independently.

Initially, when he attempted self-feeding for the first time, his face appeared to resemble an abstract work by Jackson Pollock. However, he managed admirably, and I couldn’t be more pleased with his progress. Each day, I find myself filled with pride because I truly believe he is a magical little being.

In addition to James, Farrell shares 14-year-old son Henry with actor Alicja Bachleda-Curuś.

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2024-08-10 01:22