Colin Farrell recently opened up about one of the most personal and emotional decisions he has ever had to make—placing his 21-year-old son, James, into a long-term care facility. James was born with Angelman syndrome, a rare neuro-genetic disorder that causes severe intellectual and physical disabilities. Children and adults with Angelman syndrome typically experience developmental delays, issues with balance and movement, seizures, and speech impairments. In James’s case, he is nonverbal and requires daily assistance for most of his basic needs.

Farrell, known for his acting roles in films such as The Banshees of Inisherin and In Bruges, shared that this decision was made out of deep love and a sense of duty. He and James’s mother, Kim Bordenave, wanted to ensure James would be safe and cared for regardless of what might happen to them in the future. “If I have a heart attack tomorrow,” Farrell said in a recent interview, “and James’s mother gets into a car accident—what happens to James then?” It was this very real fear that prompted them to think about long-term care options for their son.

The journey to understanding James’s condition has not been a straightforward one. Initially, James was misdiagnosed with cerebral palsy when he was a toddler. It took time, additional testing, and the persistence of his parents to eventually receive the correct diagnosis of Angelman syndrome. Farrell recalls that period as one filled with confusion and heartbreak, but also moments of clarity that helped shape the way he sees the world—and his role as a father.

Despite the many medical challenges James has faced, including seizures and hospitalizations, Farrell described his son as “magic” and said he is proud of him every single day. “He’s worked so hard all his life,” Farrell shared. “His milestones might not look the same as everyone else’s, but every single one of them is a triumph.” One such milestone was James learning to walk. Another, just as emotional, was when James began feeding himself. Farrell’s voice reportedly broke as he remembered how hard James worked to accomplish even the smallest tasks. “That kind of determination… it humbles you,” he said.

One of the more poignant parts of Farrell’s story was the moment he recalled hearing his son’s first word at age six. “I’ll never forget it,” he said. “It was a small word, but it meant the world to me.” James’s vocabulary remains limited, but the impact of those moments on Farrell’s life is immeasurable.

Over the years, Farrell has been committed to giving James the best life possible while also raising awareness for others facing similar challenges. He’s spoken at events, attended fundraisers, and has advocated for greater research into genetic disorders. Most notably, he started the Colin Farrell Foundation, an organization that supports individuals with intellectual disabilities and helps provide resources for families in need. The foundation works to raise both awareness and funds to make therapies and support systems more accessible. Farrell has said that this work is not only important to him as a father but also as a human being who recognizes the value and dignity of every person, regardless of ability.

Farrell’s personal life has often been kept private, but he made the choice to speak publicly now in the hope that his story might help other families. “Sometimes you feel like you’re the only one going through something,” he explained. “I just want people to know that they’re not alone. There’s help. There’s love. And there’s hope.”

Part of what makes Farrell’s story so moving is the emotional complexity of being a caregiver. He has spoken candidly about the physical and mental toll of constant caretaking—of sleepless nights, emergency room visits, and the ever-present fear of what might come next. But alongside those hardships, he emphasized the immeasurable joy James has brought into his life. “James saved me in so many ways,” he admitted. “He gave me a reason to be better, to stay sober, to keep going.” In fact, Farrell credits his son as one of the main reasons he committed to sobriety after struggling with addiction earlier in his career. “I had to show up for him,” he said. “And not just physically—but emotionally, spiritually. I had to be there.”

Farrell’s story is a reminder of the unseen strength required of parents and caregivers who live in a world not always designed to support people with disabilities. While his celebrity status has given him a platform, he’s quick to point out that what he and Kim Bordenave are experiencing is not unique. “There are thousands of families out there doing the same things every day—fighting for services, advocating for their kids, making tough decisions,” he said. “They deserve to be heard. They deserve respect.”

In many ways, placing James in a care facility was the most difficult and yet most responsible step Farrell and Bordenave could take. “It’s not about giving up,” he emphasized. “It’s about planning for the future. It’s about making sure he’s safe and surrounded by professionals who understand his needs.” The facility where James now lives is specially equipped to handle individuals with Angelman syndrome and similar disorders, providing consistent medical support and therapeutic programs tailored to each resident.

While the decision remains emotionally difficult, Farrell says he finds peace in knowing James is cared for. “I miss him all the time, but I know he’s okay. And that matters more than anything.” He continues to visit regularly and remains deeply involved in every aspect of his son’s care. “It’s not a goodbye. It’s just a new chapter.”

Ultimately, Farrell hopes that by sharing James’s story, more people will become aware of Angelman syndrome and the realities faced by families who live with it every day. “It’s not about pity,” he concluded. “It’s about understanding. It’s about building a world where every child—no matter their ability—has the chance to thrive.”

In telling his story, Colin Farrell isn’t just opening up about his own struggles—he’s giving a voice to thousands of others. Through love, honesty, and unshakable devotion to his son, he’s showing the world what it means to be a father in the truest sense.