Colin Farrell Gets Candid About His Son’s Angelman Syndrome and the Heart-Wrenching Decision to Plan for His Long-Term Care

In a rare and emotional interview, actor Colin Farrell has opened up about one of the most personal decisions a parent can face — planning for the future of a child with special needs. Farrell’s 21-year-old son, James, lives with Angelman syndrome, a rare neuro-genetic disorder that affects motor skills, speech, and development. Now, as James transitions into adulthood, Farrell and his former partner, model Kim Bordenave, are making the painful but necessary choice to move him into long-term residential care.

“What Happens If We’re Gone?”

Speaking to Candis magazine, Farrell didn’t shy away from the emotional weight of the decision. “My horror would be, what if I have a heart attack tomorrow, and, God forbid, James’ mother, Kim, has a car crash and she’s taken too — and then James is on his own?” he shared.

It’s the kind of question no parent wants to think about, but Farrell said he and Kim felt it was time to act — not just for James’ safety, but to ensure he thrives, even in their absence.

“We don’t want to wait until we’re not around to scramble and find a place,” he explained. “We want to find somewhere we feel good about, where he can be happy, where the people caring for him know him and love him.”

A Journey That Started Early

James was diagnosed with Angelman syndrome just before his third birthday, though signs had appeared well before that. Farrell recalls noticing delays in milestones most parents take for granted — sitting up, crawling, feeding himself.

“Something just didn’t feel right,” he said. “It was tough. You know something’s different, but you don’t want to jump to conclusions. Eventually, we got the right diagnosis, and everything started to make a little more sense.”

Farrell has long been open about the highs and lows of raising a child with a rare condition. He describes James as “a warrior” who’s made incredible progress with time, support, and determination.

“One of the biggest milestones was when he started feeding himself,” Farrell recalled. “It was messy — food everywhere — but that smile on his face… it was like watching someone win a gold medal.”

Beyond Hollywood: Becoming a Voice for Others

Farrell’s love for his son has inspired him to do more than just be a supportive dad. He’s also become a strong voice for others navigating similar journeys. His latest effort is the launch of the Colin Farrell Foundation, a nonprofit focused on supporting young adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities, particularly those transitioning out of the school system.

“After 21, so many of the services disappear,” he said. “You’re left wondering — what now? What happens next?”

Through the foundation, Farrell hopes to create more pathways for people like James to live full, connected, and meaningful lives. That includes housing, work opportunities, and community support — the kind of structure he’s trying to build for his own son.

The Love of a Father

Despite his global fame and busy career, Farrell keeps his family close to his heart. He shares another son, Henry, 15, and speaks of both boys with genuine warmth and pride.

“I’ve been blessed with two incredible kids,” he said. “Every day they teach me something new about love, resilience, and what really matters.”

For now, the search continues for the right care home for James — one that feels less like a facility and more like a second home. Farrell admits the process is difficult, but he believes it’s the right thing to do, not just for James’ safety, but for his long-term happiness and independence.

“This isn’t about letting go,” he added. “It’s about holding on — in a different way. Making sure he has the life he deserves, even when we’re not here to guide it.”