Sobriety and strength: Colin Farrell's journey with his son
The older son of Colin Farrell struggles with a rare genetic disorder. In his latest interview, the actor admitted that it was thanks to him that he gave up substances and began to live in sobriety.
19 October 2024 11:42
Colin Farrell remains one of the most renowned actors in Hollywood. He is also frequently featured in his native media, mainly due to his past relationship with Alicja Bachleda-Curuś, which resulted in their now 15-year-old son, Henry. For many years, both parents protected Henry's privacy. He made his debut on the red carpet with his famous father during the Oscars ceremony in 2023. Since then, he has appeared more often in public with his dad.
Not everyone knows that Henry is not the actor's only son. In September 2003, Farrell welcomed his first son, James, whose mother is model Kim Bordenave. The couple parted ways shortly after James's birth, but they have jointly cared for his upbringing. In 2007, the actor confirmed that James suffers from Angelman syndrome. It is a rare genetic disorder that primarily affects the nervous system, affecting just one in 15,000 people, and is often associated with epilepsy, speech problems, and intellectual disabilities.
Colin Farrell gave an interview about his son with health challenges
Farrell rarely speaks about his son in interviews. However, he occasionally makes exceptions. This was the case in August this year when he was celebrating his birthday and also announced that he would be setting up a foundation to support adults with intellectual disabilities. In his latest interview, given on Friday to the "Daily Mail," the actor also mentioned his son. This time, he admitted that it was thanks to him that he now lives in sobriety.
James was two when I got sober, and part of the fuel that I used to get off alcohol and drugs and all that stuff was knowing he had health issues. All children need their parents – or a parent or grandparent or somebody – to care for them, and one of the things James taught me was to access within myself a desire to live, even if it was initially more about me thinking I wanted to live to be around for him - the actor said in an interview with the Daily Mail.
In the interview, the actor admitted that before he sobered up, he would drink several bottles of whiskey and dozens of cans of beer each week.
