Colin Farrell is riding high on the success of his role as Oz Cobblepot aka the Penguin in Max’s The Penguin. It was not just his acting skills that made headlines this year. He also launched his non-profit organization, The Colin Farrell Foundation, in honor of his son James Padraig Farrell. Farrell’s son was born with a rare genetic disorder called the Angelman Syndrome.
James was born to Farrell and model Kim Bordenave in 2003. Farrell once had the reputation of being the Hollywood party boy. He was known for his love for women and alcohol, something that he would change eventually for his son.
Colin Farrell Struggled With Son’s Rare Genetic Disorder
Colin Farrell‘s son, James Padraig Farrell, was born with Angelman syndrome. It is a rare genetic condition caused by the mutation or deletion of the ubiquitin protein ligase E3A (UBE3A) gene (via Mayo Clinic). It is characterized by developmental delay, problems with speech and balance, and seizures.
James recently celebrated his 21st birthday this year. In an interview with Daily Mail, Farrell opened up about the struggles of raising a son with Angelman syndrome. Farrell shared that James was initially misdiagnosed with cerebral palsy before he was diagnosed with the genetic disorder. Farrell shared that his son’s condition taught him not to take anything for granted.
He shared that he learned a deeper sense of love and respect throughout his struggles, which included carrying James to hospitals whenever he had a seizure. He shared that James’ first steps were more important to them as parents than any other parents, as they were told that there was a chance that he would never walk. Farrell shared about his son with Daily Mail:
You really do take nothing for granted. There’s a deep sense of fear – I’ve run through hospitals with James in my arms when he was having a seizure – but there’s also a deeper sense of love and respect. You know how a child’s first steps are a seminal moment in the life of the parent? Well, if you’ve been told there’s a chance your child will never walk at all, those steps take on a whole new meaning. They go into another realm.
James was the reason why Farrell got sober. He shared that his son was just two when he got off alcohol and drugs. He shared about his sobriety journey, “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.” Farrell and Kim Bordenave have come to the decision that it is time to put James in professional care, now that he’s 21.
When Farrell couldn’t find suitable facilities for his son, he took matters upon himself and launched The Colin Farrell Foundation this year. The organization would help families who have members with intellectual disabilities. The Alexander star has planned to host a star-studded gala with Hollywood celebrities and political figures on December 7 in Chicago to raise funds for the foundation.
Colin Farrell Completes Dublin Marathon For Friend With Rare Genetic Skin Disorder
Colin Farrell met Emma Fogarty at a charity event 15 years ago and has been friends with her ever since. Fogarty is the longest-surviving person in Ireland with Epidermolysis Bullosa (EB), a rare genetic skin disorder. The condition, also known as Butterfly Skin, affects one in 50,000 people and makes the skin extremely fragile (via Cincinnati Children’s Hospital).
Fogarty turned 40 last June and Farrell agreed to run the Irish Life Dublin Marathon as part of her birthday celebration. He ran through Ireland’s capital city as one of the 22,000+ competing runners. He was part of Team Emma and for the last four-kilometer leg of the race, he pushed his friend in a wheelchair. Farrell and Fogarty intended to raise money for the charity Debra Ireland.
They have managed to raise €700,000 ($755,000) for the charity that supports those living with EB. He finished the marathon in just over four hours and spoke highly of Fogarty after the race. He told The Irish Times:
I have known Emma for many years and she epitomises bravery, she is what courage and pure determination are all about. That run was nothing compared to the pain she is forced to endure every single day, even though she doesn’t show it. It was an honour to see her waiting for me with 4km to go, each of those representing a decade of her life, and to do the final stretch together. I’ll never forget it.
Colin Farrell earlier shared that he wanted to speak about his son’s condition in public to help other families and children with special needs. He added that this is something his son would want as well, sharing with PEOPLE, “James would say, ‘Dad, what are you talking about? Why are you even asking me? It’s a no-brainer.’”
He is very private about his personal life otherwise. He also has another son Henry Tadeusz Farrell whom he fathered with his ex-girlfriend Alicja Bachleda-Curuś.
