Colin Farrell’s Son’s Magical Battle With Angelman Syndrome Sparks New Foundation Launch!

Colin Farrell Announces New Role as Charity Foundation President

The Academy Award-nominated actor Colin Farrell recently revealed his latest undertaking: leading a charity foundation.

Farrell, known for his roles in “The Banshees of Inisherin” and “The Batman,” introduced his self-named Colin Farrell Foundation, an organization focused on assisting individuals with intellectual disabilities and their families. The inspiration for Farrell’s new endeavor is his 20-year-old son James, who has Angelman Syndrome.

“I have a dream of a world that treats James with kindness and respect,” Farrell shared with People during a recent interview.

Angelman Syndrome, according to Mayo Clinic, is an incurable genetic disorder that leads to “delayed development, difficulties with speech and balance, intellectual disability, and in some cases, seizures.” Despite causing developmental delays, the condition does not shorten lifespan.

James, whose mother is Farrell’s former partner and model Kim Bordenave, is nonverbal. As he approaches adulthood, he will soon outgrow the support systems and programs designed to aid individuals with special needs and their families, as Farrell explained. James will be celebrating his 21st birthday in September.

“The reality is that many young adults, who should be an integrated part of our contemporary society, are often left behind,” said Farrell, aged 48.

The Colin Farrell Foundation aims to address this issue by offering the intellectual disability community “education, awareness, advocacy, and innovative programs,” as stated on its website. Farrell expressed to People his belief that his son would see the establishment of the foundation as a “no-brainer.”

The Irish-born star of “In Bruges” and “After Yang,” who has been a staunch advocate for special needs for many years, also commended his son’s determination, particularly in areas such as self-feeding and walking.

“When he first began feeding himself, his face would look like a Jackson Pollock painting by the end of the meal,” said the actor. “But he manages it, he feeds himself wonderfully. I am proud of him every day, because I truly believe he’s extraordinary.”

In addition to James, Farrell is also a father to 14-year-old son Henry, whose mother is actress Alicja Bachleda-Curuś.