Colin Farrell is the father of two sons, each from a different relationship. While the public is familiar with his younger son, Henry, born in 2009, who has appeared in public with the actor on numerous occasions, his older son James leads a more private life. James was diagnosed with a rare disease in childhood.
Colin Farrell became a father for the first time on 12 September 2003, when Canadian model Kim Bordenave gave birth to their son. At the time of James’ birth, Farrell was unable to attend the delivery because he was on the set of the film Alexander. Nevertheless, he made no secret of his happiness and has said on numerous occasions that being a father is the best job he has ever had.
Despite this joy, his relationship with Kim was reportedly going through difficulties at the time. Kim expressed frustration at Colin’s lack of attention at such an important time and, shortly before the birth, mentioned on her blog that she intended to raise the child alone, without counting on Colin’s support.
However, it soon became apparent that this support would indeed be needed. Although doctors initially stated that James was born healthy, he was later diagnosed with Angelman syndrome, a rare genetic disorder that affects neurodevelopment. Colin publicly revealed James’s condition in 2007, when his son was four years old.
Farrell actively participated in James’ upbringing, maintaining close ties with both his son and Kim. He was present at all the important moments in James’ life. The actor shared stories about his son’s progress with the media, emphasising that he and Kim ‘celebrate even the smallest victories’.
At the age of four, James learned to walk, which brought tears of joy to the whole household, according to Farrell. At the age of six, he said his first word, and at 19, he learned to eat on his own and cope with seizures. “When he started eating on his own, his face ended up looking like a Jackson Pollock painting. But he’s doing fine, he eats beautifully. I’m proud of him every day because I think he’s just magical,” Colin said. Nevertheless, James still needs help with many daily tasks, so shortly before his 18th birthday, Colin and Kim applied for joint custody of their son.
Today, the former spouses continue to care for their son together. In 2024, Colin established a foundation to support parents of children with genetic disorders. The foundation’s mission is to help parents of adult children with special needs, who often face these challenges alone.
