Colin Farrell, star of The Banshees of Inisherin, has shared an update on his relationship with his older son, revealing how his son’s Angelman syndrome diagnosis played a huge role in helping him turn his life around and get sober.
The 48-year-old actor, currently featured in HBO’s popular spin-off series The Penguin, is a devoted dad to his two sons. He shares his 21-year-old son, James Padraig Farrell, with former partner Kim Bordenave, and has a younger son, 15-year-old Henry, with actress Alicja Bachleda-Curuś, his co-star in the film Ondine.
Over the years, Farrell has been open about James’ journey with Angelman syndrome. In a new interview with MailOnline, he spoke about how becoming a father to James helped him face his struggles with alcohol and drugs.
He revealed that, at one point, he was drinking up to “three bottles of Jack Daniels, 12 bottles of red wine, and 60 pints of beer per week” alongside using “other substances.” But when James was born, it gave him the push he needed to turn his life around.
“James was two when I got sober,” he explained, sharing that his son’s health challenges were “part of the fuel” that helped him step away from drinking and drugs.
“One of the things James taught me was to access within myself a desire to live, even if it was initially more about me thinking I wanted to live to be around for him,” he continued, speaking about the profound impact James had on his life.
What Is Angelman Syndrome?
Angelman syndrome is a rare genetic disorder, discovered by British pediatrician Harry Angelman, that leads to developmental delays, intellectual disabilities, and seizures. Those with the condition often have a characteristically happy and excitable personality.
As James has now reached adulthood, Farrell spoke about their plans for his future. He and Bordenave have decided to arrange professional care for James, to ensure he has the best support possible as he moves into this next phase of life.
The actor revealed that part of their decision was driven by a concern that, if something happened to them, James would become a “ward of the state.” Ensuring he would always have proper care and a stable environment has been a priority.
“He knows when somebody wants to be with him and when somebody’s just supposed to be with him. So if he has a carer or a teacher or a therapist and they’re not fully engaged he’ll just switch off,” he said, describing James’ unique ability to sense when people are genuinely engaged with him.
“We want him to find somewhere he can have a full and happy life.” Farrell added.
Addressing the transition to living apart from his parents, Farrell continued: “I know my son… He’s ready to get out of the house and go and have a bigger life than we can afford him, by having a sense of community he feels connected to.”
Previously, Farrell established the Colin Farrell Foundation in honor of his son, dedicated to raising funds to support adult children with intellectual disabilities, ensuring they have access to necessary resources and opportunities.
