Colin Farrell Opens Up About the Heartbreaking Decision to Place His Disabled Son in Long-Term Care
Hollywood star Colin Farrell has spoken candidly about one of the most emotional decisions of his life—placing his 21-year-old son, James, who lives with Angelman syndrome, into long-term care.
For years, Colin and his ex-partner Kim Bordenave have been primary caregivers to James, who is non-verbal and requires round-the-clock support. Initially misdiagnosed with cerebral palsy, James was later correctly diagnosed with Angelman syndrome—a rare genetic disorder that affects the nervous system and leads to severe physical and learning disabilities.
In a moving interview, Colin revealed that the decision wasn’t made lightly, but was rooted in love and deep concern for James’ future. “It’s tricky,” he said. “Some parents say, ‘I want to care for my child myself,’ and I totally respect that. But my horror would be… what if I have a heart attack tomorrow? Or, God forbid, Kim is in a car crash, and then James is alone?”
He added, “Then he becomes a ward of the state, and he goes where? We wouldn’t have a say in it. We want to find somewhere for James now, while we’re still alive and well—so we can visit him, take him out, and help him feel connected.”
Colin’s words offer a powerful reminder of the silent weight many families carry behind the scenes—especially those with children who need lifelong support. “We want him to have a full and happy life,” he said.
The Banshees of Inisherin actor has often spoken publicly about James’ diagnosis and their family journey. Speaking to PEOPLE Magazine, Colin recalled how James struggled to sit up or crawl in his early years. At 18 months, he was incorrectly diagnosed with cerebral palsy, a common misdiagnosis due to overlapping symptoms with Angelman syndrome.
It wasn’t until James was two and a half that a pediatric neurologist suggested further testing, leading to the correct diagnosis. Colin remembered the moment clearly: “The first two questions I asked were, ‘What’s the life expectancy?’ and ‘How much pain is involved?’ The doctor said, ‘Life expectancy is just like yours and mine. And no, there’s no pain.’”
In 2023, Colin launched the Colin Farrell Foundation, focused on supporting adults with intellectual disabilities—particularly after they age out of the system designed for children. “When James turned 21,” he explained, “a lot of those protections went away. He was, in many ways, left on his own.”
The decision to create the foundation had been on Colin’s mind for years. But now, with James’ adulthood bringing new challenges, the timing finally felt right.
Despite parting ways before James was born in 2003, Colin and Kim have worked closely together to ensure their son receives the best care possible. In 2021, the pair filed for legal conservatorship to manage James’ medical, personal, and legal affairs—including decisions about his education, relationships, and medical procedures.
James has been the guiding light in Colin’s life. It was because of his son that Colin chose to get sober after years battling addiction. “I wasn’t suicidal,” he once said, “but I didn’t have much will to live a long time. Now I want to be there for my son—to watch him grow up, be his father, and his friend.”
At the 2007 Special Olympics in Shanghai, Colin decided to speak publicly about James for the first time—proudly sharing the joy and pride his son brings him. “He has enriched my life,” Colin said. “But I also want to be honest about the fear, frustration, and pain that many families like ours face. It’s important not to feel alone.”
Now 48, Colin still marvels at his son’s milestones—no matter how small. He remembers James’ first words at six or seven, the triumph of feeding himself at 19, and his unforgettable first steps at age four. “When he took those first steps, I nearly broke in half,” Colin said.
And today? “He works so hard,” Colin shared. “His balance, his gait, the repetition—it’s incredible. When he feeds himself, it’s messy, like a Jackson Pollock painting. But he does it. And every day, I’m so proud of him. He’s magic.”
