Colin Farrell revealed that his 20-year-old son James suffers from a disorder called Angelman Syndrome. In an interview with PEOPLE in a recent interview, Saving Mr Banks The 48-year-old star revealed why he wanted to tell the world about his son, whom he has with a former partner.
“This is the first time I’ve spoken about this, and the only reason I’m speaking, of course, is because I can’t ask James if he wants to do this,” Colin explained to the outlet in the interview published on August 7. “I mean, I can. I speak to James as if he’s 20 and has perfect command of the English language and has cognitive abilities appropriate for his age. But I can’t see a concrete answer from him as to whether or not he’s comfortable with it, so I have to make a decision based on James’ spirit and what kind of young man he is and how much good is in his heart.”
Learn more about James’ condition and Colin’s life as a father below.
Actor Colin Farrell talks about life with his 20-year-old son, who suffers from the rare neurological disorder Angelman syndrome: “He has worked so hard his whole life.”@eriellereshef has more about her journey. pic.twitter.com/38WucvHlvX
— Good Morning America (@GMA) 8 August 2024
What is Angelman Syndrome?
According to the Angelman Syndrome Foundation, the disease has “the same symptoms and characteristics” as autism and cerebral palsy. It is a “rare neurogenetic disorder that occurs in one in 15,000 live births or 500,000 people worldwide” and is “caused by a loss of function of the UBE3A gene in the mother’s 15th chromosome.”
Symptoms of Angelman syndrome include seizures, sleep disorders, developmental delays in adolescence, speechlessness and/or a frequently cheerful nature.
Can Angelman be cured?
According to the foundation’s website, scientists believe that a cure is possible. The life expectancy of an AS patient is the same as that of other people, since the disease itself does not lead to death.
How many children does Colin Farrell have?
Colin shares James with ex Kim Bordenave and younger son Henry with the actress Alicja Bachleda-Curús.
During his interview with PEOPLEThe Banshees of Inisherin The actor explained how he manages being James’ father.
“As soon as your child turns 21, they’re on their own,” Colin stressed. “All the safety precautions that are put in place, special education, all that goes away, and so you’re left with a young adult who should be an integrated part of our modern society and is mostly left behind.”
