Colin Farrell, renowned for his role in The Penguin, is a father to two sons, whose lives have shaped the actor’s journey beyond the screen. Farrell’s experience as a parent, especially to his son with a rare condition, has deeply influenced his personal life and advocacy efforts.
Farrell welcomed his first child, James Padraig Farrell, in 2003 with model Kim Bordenave. James lives with Angelman Syndrome, a rare neuro-genetic disorder that brings developmental challenges. Six years later, Farrell and former partner Alicja Bachleda-Curús had their son, Henry Tadeusz Farrell, completing the family with two sons who have a unique bond with their father.
The Life and Progress of James Padraig Farrell
James Padraig Farrell was born on September 12, 2003. His diagnosis of Angelman Syndrome became public in 2007, shedding light on a condition marked by developmental delays, seizures, and balance difficulties, according to the Angelman Syndrome Foundation. Farrell’s openness about James’s diagnosis came as he was involved with the Special Olympics and felt a responsibility to share his son’s story without shame.
“The reason I [revealed James’s diagnosis] was just because I was working with the Special Olympics and they were asking me questions, and I didn’t talk about my son [but] I felt like I was betraying him, like it could be misconstrued as shame—which would be terrible, because he’s such a celebration,”
Farrell expressed during an interview with Ryan Tubridy in 2008. “He’s nothing but a gift,” he added.
“He’s, as far as I’m concerned, exactly the way he should be.”
Through the years, Farrell has shared updates on James’s remarkable determination. Simple activities such as walking, talking, and feeding himself, which many take for granted, have required extraordinary effort and support for James.
“Things like walking and talking and eating and feeding himself, all those things that so many of us naturally take for granted because they come so easily, to James, they come somewhat harder,”
Farrell said in a later interview.
“Everything he’s achieved in his life has come through the presence and the kind of will that is hard work. He’s a lot to be inspired by.”
Addressing the Future: Advocacy Beyond Childhood
In 2024, coinciding with James’s 21st birthday, Colin Farrell launched the Colin Farrell Foundation. This initiative focuses on supporting adults with intellectual disabilities by providing resources such as advocacy and education. Farrell emphasized the importance of ongoing support beyond childhood, recognizing the challenges adults with disabilities face as services for minors often end when they reach adulthood.
“Once your child turns 21, they’re kind of on their own,”
Farrell explained.
“All the safeguards that are put in place, special ed classes, that all goes away, so you’re left with a young adult who should be an integrated part of our modern society and more often than not is left behind.”
Farrell also highlighted the core wish behind his advocacy: fostering kindness and respect for people like James in society.
“I want the world to be kind to James,”
he said.
“I want the world to treat him with kindness and respect.”
Henry Tadeusz Farrell: Growing Up in the Spotlight
Colin Farrell’s younger son, Henry Tadeusz Farrell, was born on October 7, 2009, to Farrell and Alicja Bachleda-Curús. At 15 years old, Henry has already made several red-carpet appearances alongside his father. Their public outings include the 95th Academy Awards in 2023 and the 2024 New York City premiere of HBO’s The Penguin, where the pair attracted attention not only for their resemblance but also for their close relationship.
Henry’s mother, Bachleda-Curús, shared a picture of the father-son duo on social media, commenting,
“He’s becoming a pro at this! All grown up.”
Most recently, Henry and Farrell appeared together on the Emmys red carpet, dressed in matching tuxedos, showcasing their bond through coordinated style. Despite public appearances, Henry and his brother openly express their candid views about their father’s film choices.
“A lot of the stuff that I’ve done, particularly with the ages that they were, they could never have a look at, but it doesn’t mean—I mean, we have our own little Rotten Tomatoes committee of two at home,”
Farrell joked during a 2024 interview with Extra, referring to his sons’ selective opinions on his roles. He noted that films like Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them and Dumbo were among those his children could watch.
Father and Son: Bonds Beyond Movie Roles
Henry has also taken on the role of style advisor, especially when it comes to Farrell’s fashion choices. During a 2022 appearance on The Ellen DeGeneres Show, Farrell revealed that Henry was particularly embarrassed by his father’s choice of short shorts on occasion. Farrell recalled a humorous exchange about the matter, contrasting Ellen’s view of the shorts as fashionable with his son’s strong disapproval.
“My youngest son would disagree vehemently with you. Because he’s mortified. He says, ‘Dad, please do not wear the short shorts,’”
Farrell shared.
Despite their teasing and critiques, Farrell’s sons hold a special place in his heart, and their unique dynamics offer insight into the actor’s life away from the camera. When asked about Henry’s potential acting career, Farrell expressed his desire for his son to forge his own path, free from comparisons or expectations.
“busy figuring out what his own footsteps are, which is the most important thing…Even if [Henry] went into acting, it wouldn’t be—I refused to believe they are my footsteps. He will always make his own,”
Farrell said during an interview at the New York City premiere of A Big Bold Beautiful Journey.
Colin Farrell’s role as a father to James and Henry illustrates a complex, heartfelt story that extends beyond Hollywood. His dedication to James’s wellbeing and advocacy for adults with intellectual disabilities underscores a commitment that transcends celebrity. Meanwhile, his relationship with Henry reveals a blend of shared experiences, protective instincts, and respect for individuality that defines their close connection.
As Farrell balances his career and fatherhood, his evolving family life is likely to continue influencing his public and personal endeavors, marking him as a devoted parent navigating the challenges and joys of raising two very different sons.
