The son of actor Colin Farrell suffers from so-called Angelman Syndrome. What that means and what Farrell wants to achieve with his newly founded foundation.
Colin Farrell is known as a cool guy on screen. Now the actor has shown himself to be much more vulnerable. In an interview with People magazine, the Irishman spoke for the first time about his son’s illness. The 20-year-old suffers from what is known as Angelman Syndrome.
Colin Farrell: His son has Angelman syndrome
This is a neurogenetic disease that is associated with developmental disorders and cognitive disabilities. “I want the world to be kind to James,” said the actor about his son. In his honor, but also to help other sufferers, he has now set up his own foundation.
Life is difficult for people James’ age in the USA. “As soon as a child turns 21, they are on their own, so to speak,” he explains. “All the protections that exist, such as special education, are removed, leaving a young adult who should actually be an integrated part of our modern society, but in most cases is left behind.”
Illustrated book David Bailey
From the Beatles to the Queen – the best celebrity portraits since the 1960s
His foundation is designed to represent those affected and provide them with opportunities for education and innovative programs. “This is the first time I’ve spoken about this, and the only reason I’m speaking is because I can’t ask James if he wants to do it,” says Farrell. His son James is nonverbal.
He can’t speak
“I speak to James as if he is 20 years old, has a perfect command of the English language and has cognitive abilities appropriate to his age. But I cannot see any response from him – whether he is comfortable with all this or not. So I have to make a decision based on knowing James and knowing what a young man he is and how good he is at heart,” explains the film star.
Farrell first revealed in 2007 that his son was suffering from Angelman syndrome. James has worked hard for years, he now reveals. “Repetitions, repetitions, balance, his jerky gait. When he fed himself for the first time, his face ended up looking like Jackson Pollock. But he’s managing it, he’s eating wonderfully. I’m proud of him every day because I think he’s just magical,” said the 48-year-old.
Colin Farrell has two sons from two different women. His son James is from his relationship with model Kim Bordenave.
source:
Source: Stern
I am an author and journalist who has worked in the entertainment industry for over a decade. I currently work as a news editor at a major news website, and my focus is on covering the latest trends in entertainment. I also write occasional pieces for other outlets, and have authored two books about the entertainment industry.
