Colin Farrell Opens Up About Raising Son with Special Needs, Launches Foundation to Support Families

Irish actor Colin Farrell has shared a rare glimpse into his private life, revealing the challenges and rewards of raising his 20-year-old son, James, who has Angelman syndrome. Inspired by his experiences, Farrell has launched a foundation to provide support for families with children who have special needs.

Colin Farrell has always guarded his private life closely, but in a recent interview, the Irish actor opened up about the joys and challenges of being a father to his son, James, who has Angelman syndrome.

Colin Farrell Opens Up About Raising Son with Special Needs, Launches Foundation to Support Families

"I'm very private," Farrell told People magazine. "I've never had crews within our home. It's a very safe space."

However, Farrell decided to share his story in the hope that it would help other families who are facing similar challenges.

Colin Farrell Opens Up About Raising Son with Special Needs, Launches Foundation to Support Families

"I have to, or choose to believe, that if James knew that doing this could help families and other young adults who live with special needs, he would say, 'Dad, what are you talking about? Why are you even asking me? It's a no-brainer,'" Farrell said.

Farrell described James as a "beautiful, radiant" young man who has taught him so much about life.

Colin Farrell Opens Up About Raising Son with Special Needs, Launches Foundation to Support Families

"He's the most pure person I know," Farrell said. "He's never said a negative thing in his life. He's always happy to see you."

Farrell first noticed that something was different about James when he was a baby.

Colin Farrell Opens Up About Raising Son with Special Needs, Launches Foundation to Support Families

"I thought he was just a chill baby, but then he just wasn't hitting benchmarks," Farrell said. "He wasn't sitting up, crawling. ... We knew something was up developmental, delays."

James was diagnosed with Angelman syndrome around 2 years old. Farrell said the diagnosis was a "heartbreaking" moment, but he was also grateful for the clarity it provided.

"To be told that he may never walk and see those first steps, I'll just never forget it. It was so overwhelmingly beautiful," Farrell said.

Despite the challenges, Farrell said he is proud of the person James has become.

"He's taught me so much about life," Farrell said. "He's taught me about patience, about love, about acceptance. He's taught me about living in the moment."

In honor of James, Farrell has launched the Colin Farrell Foundation, an effort to create a support system for families with children who have special needs.

"For years, [I've] 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," Farrell said.

Farrell said he believes that all children deserve the opportunity to reach their full potential, regardless of their abilities.

"I want to create a world where every child has the opportunity to succeed," Farrell said. "I want to create a world where every child is loved and accepted."

Farrell said he is grateful for the support of his family and friends, particularly his mother, Rita.

"My mother is an incredible woman," Farrell said. "She's always been there for me, through good times and bad."

Farrell said he is also grateful for the support of his fans.

"I'm so grateful for the support of my fans," Farrell said. "They've been with me through thick and thin."

Farrell said he is excited about the future and the work that lies ahead.

"I'm so excited about the future," Farrell said. "I'm so excited about the work that we're going to do with the Colin Farrell Foundation."

"I'm so grateful for the opportunity to make a difference in the lives of others," Farrell said.