Colin Farrell Emotionally Opened Up About The “Terrifying” Reality Of Having A Child With Disabilities In His First Interview About His 21-Year-Old Son Who Has Angelman Syndrome

Colin has opened up about his fear of what will happen to his son when he is no longer around to “protect” him, saying: “I want the world to be kind to James. I want the world to treat him with kindness and respect.”

In 2003, Irish actor Colin Farrell welcomed a baby boy, James, with American model Kim Bordenave. When James was 4 years old, Colin revealed that his son had been diagnosed with Angelman syndrome, a rare genetic disorder that causes intellectual and developmental delay.

Colin Farrell, dressed in a casual black long-sleeve shirt and pants, poses in front of a backdrop with logos for Apple TV+ and the word "Sugar."

“It’s a terrifying thought that I’d miss the last 40 years or 50 years of his life, because I won’t be there to shepherd and to protect,” Colin said, adding that his hope for James would be “a life of connection” and that once his parents are gone, James will “be somewhere he feels like he belongs, where he feels safe.”

“A full and meaningful and connected life,” Colin added. “That would be the dream."

Going back to the beginning, Colin also opened up about what James was like as a baby in the People profile. The star said he initially thought he was lucky to have a newborn who never cried, but he and Kim grew concerned when James didn’t hit any milestones, such as sitting up.

At 18 months old, James was misdiagnosed with cerebral palsy, which shares many of the same characteristics as Angelman syndrome. But one year later, another doctor picked up on James’s “inappropriate outbreaks of laughter” and arm movements, and he was diagnosed with Angelman syndrome following further tests.

Colin, who is renowned for his party boy past, revealed that his son’s additional needs are what motivated him to get sober as he realized that he wouldn’t be able to be a good parent unless he were clean.

Britney Spears and Colin Farrell are at an event, looking surprised and excited, with Colin's arm around Britney's shoulder

Colin also explained that parents of children with Angelman syndrome are usually warned that their child is unlikely to ever walk, and he broke down in tears when he recalled the “overwhelmingly beautiful” moment when James took his first steps toward him two weeks before his 4th birthday.

Colin Farrell, in a casual shirt with rolled-up sleeves, looks ahead while seated indoors for a People interview

But Colin still fears what the future holds for his son, admitting that even as a wealthy Hollywood actor, he still struggles to find the help James needs.

Colin Farrell in a formal suit and tie at the Oscars 95 event, standing in front of a black backdrop with Oscars logos

Needless to say, Colin’s decision to speak out has struck a chord with other parents of children with disabilities, and the star has been widely praised for using his platform to try and help others.

Colin Farrell, wearing a formal suit, poses at 'The Banshees of Inisherin' event backdrop

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