Colin Farrell Discusses His Son’s Life With Angelman Syndrome

Colin Farrell’s eldest son, James, has a genetic intellectual disability known as Angelman syndrome. For the first time, Farrell opened up about his son’s condition publicly, inviting reporters from PEOPLE into his home to meet 20-year-old James and witness his daily life. Farrell beamed with pride in the clips, stating, “I’m proud of him every day, because I just think he’s magic.”

Angelman syndrome is a genetically inherited neurological disorder, as noted by the National Institute of Health. It mainly affects the nervous system, causing delays in physical and intellectual development, and often results in movement and balance issues as well as speech impairments. Although the frequency of the disorder is not precisely known, researchers estimate it affects between 1 out of every 12,000 to 1 out of every 20,000 people. While it does not impact lifespan, James has been rendered non-verbal by the condition.

Farrell expressed his desire for the world to treat James with kindness and respect. To advocate for his son and others with similar conditions, he established the Colin Farrell Foundation. He aims to focus on programs specifically designed for adults with disabilities like James’, who will soon age out of existing support structures.

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

During the visit, journalists found James outside, playing catch with his live-in caretaker. They remarked on James’ friendly and inviting nature and noted the strong bond between father and son. Farrell couldn’t hide his pride, emphasizing the hard work James has put in throughout his life.

“Repetition, repetition, balance, his jerky gait,” Farrell explained. “When he started feeding himself for the first time, his face looked like a Jackson Pollock by the end of it. But he gets it in; he feeds himself beautifully. I’m proud of him every day, because I just think he’s magic.”

Farrell envisions his foundation providing those like James with a greater degree of individuality and autonomy, along with a stronger sense of community. More details about the foundation and its initiatives can be found on its website.

Source: PEOPLE, National Institute of Health