Colin Farrell Makes The Difficult Decision To Put Son With Angelman Syndrome In Long-Term Care
April 21, 2025 – After an emotional decision, Colin Farrell opens up about his 21-year-old son with Angelman Syndrome and the decision to put him in care.
Oscar-winning actor Colin Farrell opened up about his decision to put his 21-year-old son James with Angelman Syndrome into a long-term care facility.
The decision did not come easily to the The Penguin-star, and he spoke about the “tough” decision in a Candis Magazine interview.
“It’s tricky – some parents will say, ‘I want to take care of my child myself’, and I respect that,” he told the magazine. But there were other things that worried him and his ex-partner Kim Bordenave.
“But my horror would be, what if I have a heart attack tomorrow, and, God forbid, James’ mother, Kim, has a car crash and she’s taken too – and then James is on his own?” Then, Farrell explains, James would become “a ward of the state” which meant he and Bordenave would “have no say” in where their son went. Instead, they decided to take matters into their own hands, making sure James was safe and well looked after in a long-term care facility.
What is Angelman Syndrome?
An incredibly rare neuro-genetic disorder, Angelman Syndrome only occurs in 1 in 15,000 live births. Angelman.org explains how only about 500,000 people worldwide have the disorder which is caused by the loss or mutation in the UBE3A gene.
Those with Angelman Syndrome experience developmental challenges, balance disorders, digestive issues, and speech difficulties.
Angelman.org explains that “people with Angelman syndrome have an overall happy and excitable demeanor. An individual with AS will light up a room with their smile and laughter.”
Despite their challenges, people affected by the disorder have normal life expectancies.
The Colin Farrell Foundation
Farrell has long since started his journey of helping families who have children with special needs. His son inspired him to launch the Colin Farrell Foundation.
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Farrell told The Hollywood Reporter that he “wanted to do something in the realm of providing greater opportunities for families who have a child with special needs, to receive the support that they deserve, basically the assistance in all areas of life.”
He explained that his son James would be on board completely, a “no-brainer.”
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Published by HOLR Magazine
Image Credit: @collinfarrellfoundation Instagram