Colin Farrell: James is 'just perfect' and shows 'amazing courage'

In Bruges star Colin Farrell recently revealed that his 4-year-old son James has Angelman syndrome, a genetic disorder characterized by developmental delay, speech impediment, seizures, hand flapping movements, frequent laughter/smiling and a happy demeanor. In one of his first press interviews since the disclosure, the 31-year-old Irish actor says he has been taken aback by the outpouring of support he’s received.

Many people have reached out to me after hearing about my son. They gave me a lot of solace during a difficult time. My son shows amazing courage. I’m really proud of him. He’s an amazing child and the way he’s meant to be. I’m just a blessed father to have this boy in my life.

When asked how James is doing now, Colin replies,

James is just perfect, to be honest. Now, he’s great. When he took his first steps last year, there wasn’t a dry eye in the house. He’s a happy boy and if you can honestly say that your child is happy, then you’re a very, very fortunate man.

Although Colin was once considered a partier and a bit of a playboy, he has since settled down.

Dublin will always be home. But I definitely do live in LA too, for work and my boy. I have a beautiful son. As long as I can be with him and work as well, I’m fine.

So, has James gotten any of the looks known to make ladies swoon? Colin laughs, saying,

Many people think he looks like me. Lucky little man! I really hope if he’s anything of me, he’s whatever the best of me is.

James’ mom is model Kim Bordenave.

Source: In Touch, March 3rd issue, p. 62-63.

Comments

He really does seem to have grown up. I wish him the best with his family. It does not matter how much money one has, Having a child with disabilites is tough. In the end of the day we all share the same feelings and wishes for our children.

- mary on February 25th, 2008

Awww… He really seems to have settled into fatherhood with his sweet little boy. I wish them all the best!

- Kat on February 25th, 2008

How I have grown to absolutely love Colin even more since he became a dad. I always loved him as an actor and plain old great looking guy. But watching him with his son and hearing him talk about his son just melts me. He reminds me so much of my husband with our son…who has similar disabilities as his son (although not Angelmans). I know how much of a struggle it is when your child has these problems and how everyday things become such huge milestones. I have so much admiration for how he has taken it on. Colin seems like a wonderful father.

- tink1217 on February 25th, 2008

He sounds like an amazing father! Good luck to him and his family.

- Heather on February 25th, 2008

Colin seems like a great father with a good head on his shoulders. I love his candidness and sense of humor!

- UggaMugga.com on February 25th, 2008

“He’s a happy boy and if you can honestly say that your child is happy, then you’re a very, very fortunate man.”

He’s so right…. that is what I want most for my daughter is for her to be happy.

- sami on February 27th, 2008